Reflections on design workshops with older adults for touchscreen mobile text entry

On touchscreen devices such as smartphones and tablets, text entry remains key to many tasks and is an important factor in the usability of such devices. The physical and cognitive issues associated with ageing can make the known problems of text entry particularly acute for older adults. Poor usability can present a significant problem for older adults where accessing services and social activities are concerned, both of which have implications for exclusion. In a study of mobile text entry where we aimed to develop novel keyboard layouts to address the particular requirements of this group of users we employed a variety of participatory design techniques. We report on our experiences from employing these methods and the methodological implications for further research in this area.