Broadcasting, through TV, social services information to older persons
ISSN: 1366-3666
Article publication date: 11 April 2022
Issue publication date: 28 November 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to depict the field trial to evaluate the usability and usefulness of an Interactive TV platform that aims to promote the info-inclusion and quality of life of Portuguese older adults by delivering informative content about public and social services.
Design/methodology/approach
The present paper reports the process of a field trial conducted to test an iTV platform’s usability and user experience along with 21 senior users. A high-fidelity prototype was tested with potential users for two weeks to collect data in a “real life” background to gather valuable information to refine the solution according to the target public needs.
Findings
The results revealed positive usability levels and overall satisfaction of the users in interacting with the system, yet not stopping them from giving their inputs and feedback. The informative videos sent to the platform were considered adequate, the remote control was simple and caused no problems, the video library and the splash screen were both positively reviewed.
Originality/value
This original research offers insights on how valuable is making field trial in the development of an innovative technology regarding this target population. Also, it was possible to understand that older adults want to be informed. Despite this, most of the time, they are unable to find the information efficiently. These results also supported the usefulness of the +TV4E platform.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The research leading to this work has received funding from Project 3599 –Promover a Produção Científica e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico e a Constituição de Redes Temáticas (3599-PPCDT) and European Commission Funding FEDER (through FCT: Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia I.P. under grant agreement no. PTDC/IVC-COM/3206/2014).
Citation
Silva, T. (2022), "Broadcasting, through TV, social services information to older persons", Working with Older People, Vol. 26 No. 4, pp. 249-257. https://doi.org/10.1108/WWOP-01-2022-0001
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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