Aging often means the gradual loss of independence due to various constraints. Not being able to drive is one such salient example that can affect the life quality of many seniors, especially those who live in car dependent communities. The advent of rideshare business is a promising solution for this problem. A new challenge arises for those who have the need to use rideshare services but are not accustomed to using digital technology tools because requesting a ride from a rideshare app (App or the App hereafter) requires interaction with an application on a smart device.
To address this challenge, in this study, the researcher intended to investigate how to improve the access to and user experience of rideshare apps for seniors. Two major goals guided this study: 1) To provide training sessions for helping seniors use the App; 2) To develop low-fidelity prototypes to illustrate the improved App design. To achieve these two goals, the researcher conducted this study using the co-design approach from a life course perspective. The design and research activities included two parts: In Part 1, the researcher trained the participants to use the App. In Part 2, the participants and the researcher co-designed the App and its interface.
The results shifted the study’s original focus on improving mobile app interface design. The findings revealed broader technology adoption issues deeply rooted in the seniors’ contexts, including their prior and current experiences with technology, their life-long lived experience, their living situation, transportation needs, etc. These findings call for a more holistic approach to addressing the digital divide—one that goes beyond interface design to consider the broader factors that shape seniors’ ability and willingness to adopt and use digital technologies. This approach should start from breaking the stereotype toward seniors’ technology use, respecting seniors’ lived experience and helping them navigate the digital world based on their needs, preferences, comfort level, value, and their existing ways to interact with the world. Addressing the digital divide challenge also requires a concerted effort from individuals, families, government entities, corporations, non-profit organizations, and other sectors of society.