Designing a desktop for 'older' users?
Tuesday, February 27, 2007 by Thingumybob | Discussion: WinCustomize Talk
Hi. My mother is 82 yet she doesn't shy away from technology, and has already owned a laptop and now a desktop. But she does feel 'overwhelmed' by some things, like manually getting her anti-virus to download the latest files or version (yes, it should be automated, but sometimes her AVG asks for manual intervention, and she frets about 'breaking' something). The point? It's this. First, of course, is that too much software still requires too much 'skill' to do simple things (like download and install a new version). But there is something more fundamental -- the User Interface. Has anybody looked at using one or other of the Stardock or other tools to design a nice, friendly, interface for older people who may be a bit nervous. And who may also appreciate a simpler desktop tailored to their needs? Maybe with bigger icons or 'active objects? I should say here that I do not know - for example - Desktop X and its capabilities, but having just learned of it it looks promising. But, maybe there are other tools? Thanks (and my mum says 'Thanks' too 
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ZubaZ
Reply #2 Wednesday, February 28, 2007 2:49 PM
Reply #2 Wednesday, February 28, 2007 2:49 PM
bump . . .
No one interested in a community project?
No one interested in a community project?
MySecret
Reply #4 Friday, March 2, 2007 8:24 PM
Reply #4 Friday, March 2, 2007 8:24 PM
Zubaz what about OB? Can you design 1 with that in mind?.."maybe there are other tools" quote
..that may start the ball rolling..
It's My Secret
..that may start the ball rolling..
It's My Secret
ZubaZ
Reply #5 Friday, March 2, 2007 8:58 PM
Reply #5 Friday, March 2, 2007 8:58 PM
Heh. I guess I'm the OB master now? Crap! 
I think DX is s better tool/platform but I'm willing to take a stab at enhancing OB to make the targets bigger to do common things.
I think DX is s better tool/platform but I'm willing to take a stab at enhancing OB to make the targets bigger to do common things.
Fuzzy Logic
Reply #6 Friday, March 2, 2007 9:05 PM
Reply #6 Friday, March 2, 2007 9:05 PM
A few years ago someone made a WB skin which was easy to see and use. However, I can't remember who made it or what it was called... 
(just call me useless...)
(just call me useless...)
ZubaZ
Reply #7 Friday, March 2, 2007 9:13 PM
Reply #7 Friday, March 2, 2007 9:13 PM
Toon XP was I think great for people with sight and mouse target issues. I think though that we would nead some requiermens set. What does a "older user" need? What apps? What can be done with alternative shells?
We should really get koop or jafo's opinion, huh?
We should really get koop or jafo's opinion, huh?
MySecret
Reply #8 Friday, March 2, 2007 9:16 PM
Exactly.. ..and not everyone would use DesktopX ...but seriously the reasons you describe in your tut are those that made me think about you making one...taking a number of Stardock apps that are now combined into 1.
It's My Secret
Reply #8 Friday, March 2, 2007 9:16 PM
Heh. I guess I'm the OB master now?
Exactly..
..and not everyone would use DesktopX ...but seriously the reasons you describe in your tut are those that made me think about you making one...taking a number of Stardock apps that are now combined into 1. It's My Secret
ZubaZ
Reply #9 Friday, March 2, 2007 9:28 PM
Zubaz mutters "stoopit tut"
Reply #9 Friday, March 2, 2007 9:28 PM
but seriously the reasons you describe in your tut
Zubaz mutters "stoopit tut"
MySecret
Reply #10 Friday, March 2, 2007 9:30 PM @ Zubaz
Visabilty of course
Easy access to webbrowser
Main Links to common sites
E-mail...one of the most important
Weather...Very important ..very easy to configure but gives all the info needed without having to press any buttons
Access to My Pictures
This is just basics ...I worked with elderly until I was no longer able to..
Thingumybob what are the main apps your mother uses?
It's My Secret
Reply #10 Friday, March 2, 2007 9:30 PM
@ Zubaz We should really get koop or jafo's opinion, huh?
tsk tsk ...now now young man...Visabilty of course
Easy access to webbrowser
Main Links to common sites
E-mail...one of the most important
Weather...Very important ..very easy to configure but gives all the info needed without having to press any buttons
Access to My Pictures
This is just basics ...I worked with elderly until I was no longer able to..
Thingumybob what are the main apps your mother uses?
It's My Secret
ZubaZ
Reply #11 Friday, March 2, 2007 9:51 PM
Reply #11 Friday, March 2, 2007 9:51 PM
- Visabilty of course
- Easy access to webbrowser
- Main Links to common sites
- E-mail...one of the most important
- Weather...Very important ..very easy to configure but gives all the info needed without having to press any buttons
- Access to My Pictures
- Lots of big graphics available
- https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.aspx?skinid=79&libid=34
- Any ol' shourtcut object
- https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.aspx?skinid=902&libid=34, the trick would be an easy interface to read and reply to.
- OMG . . how many widgets to choose from?
- Another Shortcut opject. Maybe a shell to display/slideshow/email?
Island Dog
Reply #12 Friday, March 2, 2007 9:55 PM
Reply #12 Friday, March 2, 2007 9:55 PM
This is actually a very good idea. I also have to agree that this is something that would fit right in with DesktopX.
MySecret
Reply #14 Friday, March 2, 2007 10:26 PM
Reply #14 Friday, March 2, 2007 10:26 PM
Many people actually regardless of age do just what I mentioned only on a computer. With seniors the weather is very important bc it will determine how much pain they will be in that day. Not only knowing that e-mail has arrived but easily being able to access the site or program is important. and accessing pictures easily too.
But I see what you both mean with Desktop X....
A 30 yr old friend asked me to customize her computer...setup with just the list I gave. She also wondered if I could make a living at that as she knows people who want the same thing.
So you would in fact reach a larger audience. The facts are that many people just don't have the interest nor time to customize their desktops the way we do....but they want theirs to look just like ours...already in place & no work involved.
And to keep in mind the many female users that this would interest.
So is it allowed to select DesktopX gadgets, widgets etc..that are all ready made & combine them into a theme?
It's My Secret
But I see what you both mean with Desktop X....
A 30 yr old friend asked me to customize her computer...setup with just the list I gave. She also wondered if I could make a living at that as she knows people who want the same thing.
So you would in fact reach a larger audience. The facts are that many people just don't have the interest nor time to customize their desktops the way we do....but they want theirs to look just like ours...already in place & no work involved.
And to keep in mind the many female users that this would interest.
So is it allowed to select DesktopX gadgets, widgets etc..that are all ready made & combine them into a theme?
It's My Secret
TheD2JBug
Reply #15 Tuesday, March 6, 2007 7:23 PM
Reply #15 Tuesday, March 6, 2007 7:23 PM
The skin you are looking for is Clear Blue
https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.aspx?skinid=4124&libid=1
My fiancee still uses it. She loves it.
https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.aspx?skinid=4124&libid=1
My fiancee still uses it. She loves it.
TheD2JBug
Reply #16 Tuesday, March 6, 2007 7:55 PM
for antivirus , try Avast. Cindia likes it , and it's intrusions tend to be minimal .
Reply #16 Tuesday, March 6, 2007 7:55 PM
Hi. My mother is 82 yet she doesn't shy away from technology, and has already owned a laptop and now a desktop. But she does feel 'overwhelmed' by some things, like manually getting her anti-virus to download the latest files or version (yes, it should be automated, but sometimes her AVG asks for manual intervention, and she frets about 'breaking' something). The point? It's this. First, of course, is that too much software still requires too much 'skill' to do simple things (like download and install a new version). But there is something more fundamental -- the User Interface. Has anybody looked at using one or other of the Stardock or other tools to design a nice, friendly, interface for older people who may be a bit nervous. And who may also appreciate a simpler desktop tailored to their needs? Maybe with bigger icons or 'active objects? I should say here that I do not know - for example - Desktop X and its capabilities, but having just learned of it it looks promising. But, maybe there are other tools? Thanks (and my mum says 'Thanks' too )
for antivirus , try Avast. Cindia likes it , and it's intrusions tend to be minimal .
Island Dog
Reply #17 Tuesday, March 6, 2007 8:22 PM
The skin you are looking for is Clear Blue
https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.aspx?skinid=4124&libid=1
My fiancee still uses it. She loves it.
Nice find. I knew there was one in the galleries somewhere.
Reply #17 Tuesday, March 6, 2007 8:22 PM
The skin you are looking for is Clear Blue
https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.aspx?skinid=4124&libid=1
My fiancee still uses it. She loves it.
Nice find. I knew there was one in the galleries somewhere.
PoSmedley
Reply #18 Tuesday, March 6, 2007 8:39 PM
Reply #18 Tuesday, March 6, 2007 8:39 PM
I would be interested in working on a DXTheme. I would need more specifics since this sounds like it needs to be pretty specific. (That sounded very Peter Sellerish...lol)
Let me know what it needs as far as links and shortcuts and if there is a specific color combo that would work best for they eyes.
Let me know what it needs as far as links and shortcuts and if there is a specific color combo that would work best for they eyes.
ZubaZ
Reply #19 Monday, March 19, 2007 12:53 PM
Reply #19 Monday, March 19, 2007 12:53 PM
bump . . . is this done-ish?
The original poster has not returned.
Anyone interested in taking the Project Manager role?
BTW, Thanks bug!
The original poster has not returned.
Anyone interested in taking the Project Manager role?
BTW, Thanks bug!
MySecret
Reply #20 Monday, March 19, 2007 1:43 PM
Reply #20 Monday, March 19, 2007 1:43 PM
Head over here peeps...
Help for Visually Disabled novice’s first project! This should post could help answer some of the questions initiated by this post
It's My Secret
Help for Visually Disabled novice’s first project! This should post could help answer some of the questions initiated by this post
It's My Secret
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Reply #1 Tuesday, February 27, 2007 3:46 PM