title: IT-based wellness tools for older adults: Design concepts and feedback.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore older adults' preferences regarding e-health applications through use of generated concepts that inform wellness tool design.
  
  
  METHODS
  The 6-8-5 method and affinity mapping were used to create e-health design ideas that were translated into storyboards and scenarios. Focus groups were conducted to obtain feedback on the prototypes and included participant sketching. A qualitative analysis of the focus groups for emerging themes was conducted, and sketches were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-three older adults participated in six focus group sessions. The majority of participants found the wellness tools useful. Preferences included features that supported participants in areas of unmet needs, such as ability to find reliable health information, cognitive training, or maintaining social ties. Participants favored features such as use of voice navigation, but were concerned over cost and the need for technology skills and access. Sketches reinforced these wants, including portability, convenience, and simplicity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Several factors were found to increase the desirability of such devices including convenient access to their health and health information, a simple, accessible interface, and support for memory issues. Researchers and designers should incorporate the feedback of older adults regarding wellness tools, so that future designs meet the needs of older adults.
authors.affiliation: a Biomedical Informatics & Medical Education , University of Washington , Seattle , WA , USA.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Joe
authors.affiliation: a Biomedical Informatics & Medical Education , University of Washington , Seattle , WA , USA.
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.affiliation: b School of Nursing , University of Washington , Seattle , WA , USA.
authors.forename: Nai-Ching
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Chi
authors.affiliation: b School of Nursing , University of Washington , Seattle , WA , USA.
authors.forename: Hilaire
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.affiliation: a Biomedical Informatics & Medical Education , University of Washington , Seattle , WA , USA.|b School of Nursing , University of Washington , Seattle , WA , USA.
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Demiris
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018660:Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory / Q000295:instrumentation; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D054626:Consumer Health Information / Q000379:methods; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D017010:Reminder Systems / Q000295:instrumentation; D013685:Telecommunications / Q000295:instrumentation; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Consumer health; design; older adults; wellness tools