Web Design For Older Adults - Best Practices

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We recently created a WEB DESIGN FOR A RETIREMENT COMMUNITY. The challenge we faced was making the design appealing to both senior adults and their adult children who participate in their life-style decisions. In addition, as designers we wanted to create a presentation that would meet the needs of both groups while still being attractive in form.

The first step was research. An excellent resource was a tipsheet provided by the National Institute on Aging, "MAKING YOUR WEBSITE SENIOR FRIENDLY ." It provided concise suggestions for maximizing the readibility of web sites used by older adults.

Here are some key suggestions offered by the National Institute on Aging, and, how they were implemented in our web design:

• Break information into short sections.
  The content in our web design was broken into short, easy-to-digest paragraphs on each page of the website. Secondly, we used the bold red text seen just below the title of each page to highlight the main topic discussed on each page. In a sentence or two, it gives the viewer an overview of what each page offers.
• Use single mouse clicks.
  We used a legible vertical text navigation scheme in the left column and a horizontal navigation at the top of the page that allow access to any page on the website with no more than 2 clicks. Because the site contains more than 70 pages, we could not make all pages navigable by one click. However, all pages within one of six clearly marked categories are easily linked to with a single click of legible text in the left hand vertical navigation menu.
• Allow additional space around clickable targets.
  White space is used generously in this design to insure that no link is lost in clutter. The links are also clearly distinguished from text both by the default bright blue link color and a change to bright red when the link is hovered over by the mouse.
• Use 12- or 14-point type size, and make it easy for users to enlarge text.
  We use 12 point type as the default. A clearly marked selector at the top of each content page that allows the reader to choose 14 or 16 point type. When a larger type size is selected on one page, it becomes the default for all pages on the site as the reader browses.
• Use high-contrast color combinations, such as black type against a white background.
  We have used high contrast black on white text for all content. We use color only for larger title and feature text that is made more legible by its size.

Following these best practices for web design for older adults has improved the usability of our web design. However, we also wanted a creative layout that would not look stale to the eye. We implemented a few creative touches that support the legibility of the design while giving it a sophisticated look. The end result is a clear, easy to navigate and legible web site that avoids a cookie cutter look. The site has already proven to be a big hit with both seniors and their families. We can help your business to market good and services more effectively to older adults online. Please contact us for more information.