Investigation Into the Elderly’s Appraisal of Visual-Tactile Association Imagery Perception Design in Smart Product

As global aging accelerates, older adults increasingly become a critical focus in smart product design. This research centered on older adults’ evaluations of visual and tactile combined imagery perception design in smart products, aiming to investigate their perceptual challenges and requirements, and how these elements affect their user experience and satisfaction with smart products. Using the Evaluation Grid Method (EGM) and survey techniques, the study engaged in comprehensive interviews and surveys with a group of older adults between 55 and 75 years of age. These methods enabled an exploration into older adults’ preferences for certain features and design imagery associated with visual and tactile combined perception in smart products. The findings revealed that older adults prefer smart products that offer comfort, aesthetic appeal, and practical reliability. They exhibit distinct preferences for tactile design elements, such as materials, textures, and shapes, which significantly affect their user experience and satisfaction. The study’s outcomes highlight the criticality of addressing the sensory needs of older adults in the design of smart products, providing valuable insights to improve product accessibility and inclusivity. Furthermore, the research advocates for designers to integrate interdisciplinary knowledge to better cater to the unique needs of older adults, thus enhancing their acceptance and satisfaction with smart products.