Designing a desktop for 'older' users?

from WinCustomize Forums
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 )
3,679 views 29 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Interesting idea.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
bump  . . .

No one interested in a community project?
Fences - Organize your desktop icons today!
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
bump
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
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

Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
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.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
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...)
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
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?    
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
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
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
but seriously the reasons you describe in your tut


Zubaz mutters "stoopit tut"
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
@ 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


Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
  1. Visabilty of course
  2. Easy access to webbrowser
  3. Main Links to common sites
  4. E-mail...one of the most important
  5. Weather...Very important ..very easy to configure but gives all the info needed without having to press any buttons
  6. Access to My Pictures
Again in DX
  1. Lots of big graphics available
  2. https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.aspx?skinid=79&libid=34
  3. Any ol' shourtcut object
  4. https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.aspx?skinid=902&libid=34, the trick would be an easy interface to read and reply to.
  5. OMG . . how many widgets to choose from?
  6. Another Shortcut opject.  Maybe a shell to display/slideshow/email?
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
This is actually a very good idea.  I also have to agree that this is something that would fit right in with DesktopX.


Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'm in for Q/A and documentation 
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
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


Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
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.
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
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 .
Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top

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 #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top
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.
Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top
bump  . . . is this done-ish?
The original poster has not returned.

Anyone interested in taking the Project Manager role?

BTW, Thanks bug!
Reply #22 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Did a large button calculator sometime ago, if people want I'll upload it to objects for a template?




WWW Link
Reply #23 from WinCustomize Forums Top
...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
Reply #24 from WinCustomize Forums Top
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!
Reply #25 from WinCustomize Forums Top
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.

Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us

Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us

Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us

Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us


Let me know what i must change or add or others....