Websites Twice As Difficult For Seniors

Story:

According to a recent study by the NielsenNorman group, usability was slightly more than twice as much an issue for seniors. Web expert Jakob Nielsen writes: "Our testing identified many instances of poor design that compounded to make the Web more than twice as hard for seniors to use. Complying with the guidelines for designing for seniors would remove many such usability problems. And, while Web usability might still be slightly better for younger users, the differences could be reduced drastically."

Analysis:

One of the best things you can do for seniors is to use larger type faces; 12 point should be the smallest font you use. Yes - we can hear you saying - but everyone shouldn't be bound by the limitations that people get when they are older. In that case, be sure to let your user pick the font size - don't deliberately restrict it in the name of design.

Link:

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