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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MySecret
Reply #23 Monday, March 19, 2007 2:54 PM
Reply #23 Monday, March 19, 2007 2:54 PM
...optical10
Quote ...I use XP accessibility settings BLACK HIGH CONTRAST due to poor vision. I had the pleasure of recently uploading the XP Vista AeroGlass skin which I like very much but, you guest it I can't affect a AeroGlass setting with the accessabilty BLACK HIGH CONTRAST enabled. Two questions.
1. Is it possibly to apply the BLACK BACKGROUND & WHITE TEXT in the Vista AeroGlass feature set [icons ,folders, etc] by reversing each colour option & each tiny detail manually the WindowBlinds or will I be able to apply the effect with one option I don't know about?
2. Will Vista ship with an accessibility AeroGlass option?
I'll be grateful if someone would help be create such a skin for myself and other visually disabled users. :Happy
He or she is the one to ask for the details you would need to create the skins, DX items ect.
SirSmiley looks great...appreciate you sharing...show that to optical10
Link
It's My Secret
Quote ...I use XP accessibility settings BLACK HIGH CONTRAST due to poor vision. I had the pleasure of recently uploading the XP Vista AeroGlass skin which I like very much but, you guest it I can't affect a AeroGlass setting with the accessabilty BLACK HIGH CONTRAST enabled. Two questions.
1. Is it possibly to apply the BLACK BACKGROUND & WHITE TEXT in the Vista AeroGlass feature set [icons ,folders, etc] by reversing each colour option & each tiny detail manually the WindowBlinds or will I be able to apply the effect with one option I don't know about?
2. Will Vista ship with an accessibility AeroGlass option?
I'll be grateful if someone would help be create such a skin for myself and other visually disabled users. :Happy
He or she is the one to ask for the details you would need to create the skins, DX items ect.
SirSmiley looks great...appreciate you sharing...show that to optical10
Link
It's My Secret
ArileenDesign
Reply #24 Monday, March 19, 2007 3:05 PM
Reply #24 Monday, March 19, 2007 3:05 PM
I'm Interested by make a DXtheme Maybe base on my last Dx with object resize and fonts redesigned and add many script to make easier the use of it.
I'll go make that now!
I'll go make that now!
ArileenDesign
Reply #25 Monday, March 19, 2007 4:29 PM
Reply #25 Monday, March 19, 2007 4:29 PM
Build in 1024x768 (but resolution independent) for an optimal vision
With many tool tips, Hight Font, Shortcuts for Internet Sites, To what you want in Start Menu. All Objects and Options of the Base theme (Vista DX). I had changed main color of the theme to black.
I think i'll add my q94all changer in way to make more shortcuts (with tooltips) by drag and drop.
Let me know what i must change or add or others....
With many tool tips, Hight Font, Shortcuts for Internet Sites, To what you want in Start Menu. All Objects and Options of the Base theme (Vista DX). I had changed main color of the theme to black.
I think i'll add my q94all changer in way to make more shortcuts (with tooltips) by drag and drop.
Let me know what i must change or add or others....
ZubaZ
Reply #26 Monday, March 19, 2007 4:43 PM
Reply #26 Monday, March 19, 2007 4:43 PM
I think one of teh biggest things I have seen is the use of high contrast colors. This that don't look good, but are easy to see.
No transparency, no wallpaper.
Big Icons with very little colors.
I could be wrong though.
Take a look at : http://www.annenberg.northwestern.edu/pubs/sears/sears4.htm
or
http://www.paciellogroup.com/resources/whitepapers/WPX-Windows.htm
No transparency, no wallpaper.
Big Icons with very little colors.
I could be wrong though.
Take a look at : http://www.annenberg.northwestern.edu/pubs/sears/sears4.htm
or
http://www.paciellogroup.com/resources/whitepapers/WPX-Windows.htm
scorpNZ
Reply #29 Monday, March 19, 2007 6:39 PM
Reply #29 Monday, March 19, 2007 6:39 PM
Assuming it's xpshe has then icon packager (tweakui also)have the ability to increase or decrease icon sizes,as for updating that makes no sense how did she learn to not be scared of turning the computer on simple she became familiar with it ,so set up a list of software that need manual updates start with one, once she's ok with that add another etc
EDIT: For a simple change why not install the free microsoft zune desktop (it's an original xp theme so will automatically install in the same place as the other xp themes and unlike webblinds will not suk up resources if the graphics card is small) all that's needed is webshots to change the wallpaper both are free,then go to caedes for professional free wallpapers of rendered or real photo's to match make etc
EDIT 2: XP has the function for hearing and sight impaired it's around somewhere i just can't find it, maybe i should use it...lol...
EDIT: For a simple change why not install the free microsoft zune desktop (it's an original xp theme so will automatically install in the same place as the other xp themes and unlike webblinds will not suk up resources if the graphics card is small) all that's needed is webshots to change the wallpaper both are free,then go to caedes for professional free wallpapers of rendered or real photo's to match make etc
EDIT 2: XP has the function for hearing and sight impaired it's around somewhere i just can't find it, maybe i should use it...lol...
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Reply #21 Monday, March 19, 2007 2:31 PM