Ask Engadget: Good input device(s) and user interfaces for the 'over 80 crowd?'
By Darren Murph 
posted August 20th 2009 9:03PM
posted August 20th 2009 9:03PM
"I am trying to configure out a really dumbed down and intuitive PC for my grandmother. She recently had a stroke and while she is under my care I would like to repurpose a laptop for her to surf and email her children. Anyone have any experience with what input devices and UI's are really understandable for the over 80 crowd?"We know this is a bit "out there" for Ask Engadget, but we get the feeling Mike isn't alone here. Anyone have any experience with unorthodox input devices and UIs designed for those with limited mobility and / or weakened vision? Spill the goods in comments below!
There is a program called Window-Eyes (http://www.gwmicro.com/) that my fiance's mother uses often in her job as an adaptive technology expert. It sort of describes what's going on in Windows to allow the blind to use computers. I imagine that you might not consider re-purposing a laptop if your grandmother was totally blind, but I thought I would point this out just in case it could be useful to others.
About four years ago I set up my grandmother with an older PC for email. Here's what I've discovered helps her avoid trouble. Of course there really isn't substitute for a good computer helper (preferably a child or a grandchild,) but these hard-won tips have reduced the need for grannie ask for help significantly. Basic Philosophy: Avoid 'teaching around' a recurring problem (like grandma accidentally right clicking things) and instead build the experience to avoid it altogether (disabling right click button, get a track ball)
--logmein.com remote access
For remote PC control across the internet. My family uses this to help grannie get unstuck, set up video chats, etc. ...simply the best free remote control solution
-Slower machines are fine
for email only, but Don't forget though that even a light web surfer will encounter flash sites and videos
-Don't use linux
This is especially important for less linux-savvy friends and relatives who may also be providing 'tech support.' I personally tried this route to avoid purchasing another XP copy and this was a BIG MISTAKE because I became the sole grandma helper.
-XP is good enough
More people are familiar with it, easier to disable stuff, low resolutions better accepted
-Large fonts, low resolution
-DISABLE RIGHT CLICK
If using a standard mouse (google articles how to do this, Microsoft mouse has native support)
-Better yet, get one of those giant trackballs
This is what they use in the local senior center
-Browser homepage set to go to email website
No typing in web addresses
-Don't use an email program
Email websites are harder to get on lost on, they are more context oriented (that is they tend only to display the information grannie needs for whatever she's doing and nothing she doesn't) Finally, web browsers have that comforting 'Back' button. Plus the website remains the same when grannie needs to check her email at another computer.
-Set email website autologon/Password to auto-save.
Self explanatory
-Set XP User account to auto-logon and remove user password.
-Put browser in startup group to load during system boot.
Grandma only has to turn on the machine to get where she is going
-Consider putting Firefox/IE set to 'kiosk mode.' (Google it)
This puts browser in full screen, disables right click and removes the option to exit.
-Browser bar favorites
My grandmother loves the local news papers and streaming radio from her hometown.
-Consider an All-in-one PC
My grandmother thinks of the computer as a single machine and cannot seem to get around this fact. An all-in-one makes the confusion of a power button for the monitor, the PC, and the sound a non-issue. You would not believe how many calls my mother would get saying "The computer won't turn on" because the monitor was off. We got grannie an all-in-one and the problem is solved. Intel ATOM based all-in-ones start at $349. Also, Old iMacs are cheap and have many features I listed above built in.
-Disable auto updates for Microsoft, Adobe, AIM, Realplayer, Printer, or any other task bar hussy
There is a remote possibility grannie could do some damage without updates, but its unlikely. Chances are more likely she'll get hung up on software pop ups and call for help. Manually update on the (hopefully) rare occasions you have to give some help.
-Instill some VERY BASIC skills.
how to mark SPAM email
how to exit by click the red X
how to reset the computer to get out of a jam
the double and single click
-Finally, HAVE PATIENCE. In the words of the Skype loading screen 'take a deep breath'
My grandma is 85 years old and has no idea how computers work and what they are supposed to do. It's just kind of weird to see that some over 80 year olds use the internet and email.
It might be good to introduce my grandma to email so she wouldn't have to wait so long for her letters to relatives overseas to be delivered by air mail. But i assume she would bang hard on the keyboard because she is more used to mechanical typewriters.
if you go the osx route, there is a "Universal Access" area in the System prefs. Has lots of options like voiceovers, zoom, screen flashes instead of system beeps, keyboard and mouse junk, etc.
The Center for Accessible Technology in Berkeley works with a lot of people in their 80's (and sometimes 90's) to figure out appropriate, customized, and cost-efficient computer access solutions. They were very helpful to the mother of a friend of mine. You can reach them at info1@cforat.org.
Microsoft Comfort Optical Mouse 3000 has a magnifier program bundled with a hotkey on the mouse. My grandmother loves it, she's practically blind.
She's also got this device called an Optilex, I think, which is basically a really high resolution web cam aimed down at a large surface that is on sliders. It can zoom in so far that she can actually read the signatures in the comic strips. She uses it to read the paper, books, and to count money.
But for seeing text on the computer screen, she relies on her mouse magnifier, which is really easy to use.
I bought my mom an all in one. When I told her to move the mouse up the screen, she lifted it straight up in the air. It was at that point I realized I opened a can of worms.
Best and simplest adaptive advice I've ever given (and I've done a niche business of setting up adults with computers since about 1987):
Put a shortcut to Solitaire on the desktop and tell her to use it.
Big targets, basic mouse skills, familiar and fun. Everything gets easier as the basic mouse skills get easier. The familiarity of the interface makes the whole thing less scary.
Good idea!
Although there's a lot of good advice here - I was hoping to hear from folks who've used adaptive hardware.
Sounds like there are some proponents of trackballs... anything else?
My experience was that non-standard hardware is almost never a benefit - but I gave up on it 10 years ago.
I'm thinking touchscreens, large format keyboards, etc. Anyone with recent *experience* with these critters please chime in.
Thanks!
My grandmother has had some success with a Vista machine for surfing the internet, playing solitaire, and reading email and e-books. We have the machine set up next to her recliner with a monitor that swings out on an arm so she can easily read the screen. I have to do a lot of trouble-shooting for her though, and I honestly think one of the super simplified linux-based netbooks attached to an external monitor would have been a better choice for her needs. As long as you don't need to do any complex computing, the user-interface on the linux-based Asus eee netbook is easy to use and is less likely to require lengthy "how-to" explanations, crapware removal sessions, tinkering with settings, etc. Good luck with your search!
And I also second the suggestion to install the free version of logmein if you end up with a Windows machine. I use it all the time to troubleshoot my relatives' computers. Much easier than playing the "Now push the red button. No, the RED one!" game.
My dad is 79, he has been using a computer for about 5 years. He swears by his Logitech Trackball Marble Mouse. He did not have the coordination to use a regular mouse. He even replaced his Marble Mouse with a new one after the original wore out after 4years.
I'd personally recommend windows 7, It's extremely user-friendly. For the input devices I'd recommend a simple keyboard and an optical mouse or a trackpad. Good Luck ;)
vocal joystick for the physically challenged...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXmccs4GIqI