Topic: Intercultural Perspectives on Digital Technology Usage of Older Adults Focusing on Communication Technology
Supervisor: Prof. Dr .Claudia Müller
Role: UX Researcher
Methods: Generative research, Workshop facilitation, Storyboards, Journey maps, Personas
Tools: Social Media, Miro, Google doc, Sonix​

Intercultural Perspectives on Digital Technology Usage of Older Adults Focusing on Communication Technology

The primary aim of this study was to compare the adoption and use of digital technology by older adults in Bangladesh and Germany, and to highlight the challenges and opportunities they faced while using this technology

Secondary Research

Our team conducted secondary research and discovered the following main challenges that emerged from our systematic literature review:

Digital Divide

 The “digital divide” which refers to the growing gap between underprivileged members of society, especially the poor, rural, elderly, and disabled segments who do not have access to computers or the Internet.

Lack of Access

The market is currently not investing enough in innovations for older users, such as comprehensive and user-friendly services for healthier living.

Fear of Breaking Something

Some older people may be hesitant to use technology because they fear they will break it or cause it to malfunction. This fear can make them reluctant to try new things or experiment with new devices.

Primary Research

Study Goal:

  • To understand the differences in adoption and perception of digital technologies among older adults in Bangladesh and Germany
  • To analyze motivations, nature of use, and quality of life outcomes associated with (non)use of ICTs by older adults through focus group discussions
  • To examine the barriers to technology adoption and support needed for older people to access and effectively use digital technologies

Methodology: Qualitative Research

Method: Semi-structured Interviews & Thematic Analysis

Recruitment: Video call invitation & snowball sampling method

Participant profile: The study had six [Bangladeshi] participants, consisting of four females and two males, with ages ranging from 58 to 81. The participants had different levels of literacy and work experience

Location

  • Living in City
  • country-Side

Educational Status

  • Illiterate
  • Semi- Literate
  • Literate

Type of Phone

  • Smart Phone
  • Analog- Button Phone

Process

(1) Semi-structured interviews conducted via WhatsApp & IMO
(2) Interviews transcribed using software for analysis and translated from Bangla to English
(3) Thematic analysis performed to identify core themes

“Who is to say that I will be able to remember how to do things. And if I make any mistakes, I will just end up frustrated"

Participant B

Thematic Analysis

After the interview, the data gathered was translated and transcribed. Then Thematic Analysis was carried out on the retrieved data when the data was coded and clustered to generate themes such as Awareness, Assisted Learning, Complexity and Environment’s Impact.

Core Themes

Discussion & Findings

The feedback provided by the six participants from Bangladesh indicate the following:

  • They believe that computer and information technologies can significantly improve the independence and quality of life for older individuals.
  • They shared their concerns about the design of technology systems, which often fail to consider the specific needs and capabilities of older people.
  • They emphasized the need for age-appropriate instruction and training to ensure successful technology adoption among elderly populations.
  • The participants recommended that extensive research be conducted to understand user preferences and needs, as well as the challenges faced by older people when using technology systems.
  • The participants suggested that it is essential to consider age-related difficulties in system design and provide appropriate training and instructional support to facilitate the adoption of technology by older individuals.

Future Work

For our future research, our team planned for the following:

  • Conduct a more in-depth investigation into the factors that influence technology use among older adults in Bangladesh and Germany.
  • Explore the cultural, social, and economic contexts that shape attitudes towards technology and aging.
  • Identify specific challenges and opportunities for improving access and adoption of technology by older adults.
  • Explore the potential for cross-cultural collaboration and knowledge-sharing to enhance the development of age-friendly technologies and services.
  • Contribute to a better understanding of how technology can be leveraged to support older adults’ independence and well-being.
  • Inform the design of future interventions and policies that promote a desirable aging society.

Personal Takeaway

I had the privilege of taking on the challenge of managing the research project with my team including (1) delegating tasks and responsibilities, (2) co-designing the interview guide, (3) interviewing the participants from different time zones, (4) utilizing MAXQDA software for thematic analysis, and (5) compiling the final report for submission.