Enlarging Text and Display Elements: A Game-Changer for Seniors
As we age, our eyesight naturally deteriorates, making it increasingly difficult to read small text on mobile devices. At Kimon, we’ve noticed that many of our senior clients struggle with this issue, which is why we’re keen to share some tips on how to make Android phones more accessible for older users.
One of the most straightforward ways to enhance visual accessibility is by adjusting the text size in the settings. To do this, simply head to the ‘Display’ section in your Android phone’s settings and look for the ‘Font size’ option. Here, you can increase the text size to your liking, making it much easier to read messages, emails, and other text-based content.
But it’s not just about text size. Increasing the dimensions of UI elements can also make a world of difference. In the same ‘Display’ settings, you’ll find an option called ‘Display size’. By tweaking this setting, you can make icons, buttons, and other interface elements larger and more easily tappable.
Boosting Contrast and Readability: A Clear View Ahead
Another crucial aspect of visual accessibility is contrast. Many seniors find it challenging to distinguish between different elements on the screen, especially when the contrast is low. Fortunately, Android offers a few options to address this issue.
First, there’s the ‘Bold text’ option, which can be found in the ‘Accessibility’ settings. Enabling this feature makes all text on your device appear bolder, creating a more distinct contrast against the background.
For those who need even more contrast, activating the high contrast mode can be a real eye-opener. This mode increases the contrast between text and background colours across the entire system, making everything much more legible.
Senior-Friendly Launchers: Simplifying the Home Screen
The default Android home screen can be overwhelming for some seniors, with its multitude of icons and widgets. That’s where senior-friendly launchers come in handy. These alternative home screen apps are designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind.
One popular option is BIG Launcher. As the name suggests, it features large, easy-to-read icons and text. It also offers a simplified interface with only the most essential apps displayed prominently. This can be a real boon for seniors who just want quick access to their most-used functions without any fuss.
Another excellent choice is Elder Launcher. This app takes a slightly different approach, focusing on creating a clutter-free environment with clear, high-contrast icons. It also includes an SOS button for emergencies, which can provide peace of mind for both seniors and their loved ones.
Minimalist Launcher Designs: Less is More
Even if you decide not to use a specialised launcher, adopting a minimalist approach to your home screen can significantly improve the user experience for seniors. The key is to reduce clutter and distractions, focusing only on the most essential applications.
Start by removing any unnecessary apps from the home screen. Keep only the ones that are used frequently, such as the phone, messaging, and camera apps. Consider grouping similar apps into folders to further streamline the layout.
Next, think about which widgets are truly useful. While widgets can be handy, too many can make the home screen feel cluttered and confusing. Stick to one or two essential widgets, such as a large clock or weather display.
Simplifying Navigation: Buttons Over Gestures
Modern Android phones often use gesture-based navigation by default, which can be tricky for some seniors to master. Fortunately, it’s easy to switch back to a more traditional button-based navigation system.
To make this change, head to the ‘System’ or ‘System navigation’ section in your phone’s settings. Here, you’ll find options to switch from gestures to button-based navigation.
There are typically two button-based options available: two-button and three-button navigation. The two-button system uses a back button and a home button, with recent apps accessed by swiping up on the home button. This can be a good compromise between simplicity and functionality.
The three-button system is the most traditional, featuring separate buttons for back, home, and recent apps. This is often the easiest for seniors to understand and use, as each button has a clear, singular purpose.
Customising Button Layout: Finding the Right Fit
Once you’ve switched to button-based navigation, you might want to consider customising the button layout to best suit your needs. Some Android phones allow you to change the order of the navigation buttons or add additional functions.
For example, you might prefer to have the back button on the right side instead of the left. Or you might want to add a button that pulls down the notification shade, saving you from having to reach to the top of the screen.
These customisation options can typically be found in the same ‘System navigation’ settings where you switched to button-based navigation. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different layouts until you find one that feels most comfortable and intuitive.
Optimising Keyboard Usability: Bigger is Better
Typing on a small smartphone keyboard can be challenging for anyone, but it’s especially difficult for seniors who may have limited dexterity or visual impairments. Luckily, there are several ways to make the keyboard more user-friendly.
If you’re using Gboard, Google’s keyboard app that comes pre-installed on many Android phones, you can easily increase the size of the keys. Open the Gboard settings (usually found in the ‘System’ or ‘General management’ section of your phone’s settings), then look for the ‘Preferences’ option. Here, you’ll find a setting to increase the keyboard height.
You can also adjust other aspects of the keyboard, such as enabling key borders for better visibility or changing the colour scheme for improved contrast.
Exploring Alternative Keyboard Options: Tailored for Seniors
While Gboard is a solid choice, there are also keyboard apps specifically designed for seniors. These often feature extra-large keys, high-contrast colour schemes, and simplified layouts.
One popular option is the ‘Big Buttons Keyboard Standard’ app. As the name suggests, it offers oversized keys that are much easier to hit accurately. It also includes a predictive text feature to help speed up typing.
Another feature worth exploring is voice-to-text functionality. Most Android phones have this built-in, allowing you to dictate messages instead of typing them. This can be a fantastic option for seniors who struggle with touchscreen typing.
Streamlining Communication with Widgets: Quick Access to Loved Ones
Widgets can be incredibly useful for seniors, especially when it comes to staying in touch with loved ones. One of the most helpful widgets for this purpose is the Direct Dial widget.
To set up a Direct Dial widget, start by long-pressing on an empty area of your home screen. This will bring up the widget options. Look for the ‘Contact’ or ‘Direct dial’ widget (the exact name may vary depending on your phone model).
Once you’ve found the right widget, you’ll be prompted to choose a contact. Select the person you want to add, and a new widget will appear on your home screen. Now, calling that person is as simple as tapping the widget – no need to navigate through the phone app.
Customising Widgets: Making Communication Even Easier
After setting up your Direct Dial widgets, take some time to arrange them in a way that makes sense. You might want to place the most frequently called contacts at the top of the screen for easy access.
Consider using colour-coding to make the widgets even more recognisable at a glance. Many Android phones allow you to change the colour of individual widgets. You could, for example, make family members’ widgets green and friends’ widgets blue.
By implementing these changes, you can significantly improve the Android experience for seniors. At Kimon, we believe in making technology accessible to everyone, regardless of age. These adjustments can help older users stay connected, informed, and independent, enhancing their quality of life in our increasingly digital world.
