Older users find augmented reality confusing, report says

Augmented reality -based technology has helped older adults assess fall-prevention modifications for homes, reduce distractions in cars and assist with washing dishes, especially for those with memory problems. Older users who aren’t used to technology are more likely to be successful at AR-prompted tasks when the steps are demonstrated clearly instead of by simply displaying arrows. Makers of AR-powered products are failing to factor in needs of older users while designing applications, the team of researchers said in a study titled ‘Augmented Reality and Older Adults: A Comparison of Prompting Types’. In the study, the team asked participants to lift, move, open and close 3D shapes on a foam board in response to four different types of visual instruction displayed on a laptop screen that ran an AR application.