Does Age Predict Technology Adoption?

A common perception is that ‘older people’ do not adopt technology as quickly as younger users. It appears some preferences may be ageless. Consider the e-book or e-reader. Whether a Kindle, Nook, Sony or another manufacturer, one might assume that these pieces of high-tech must be in high-demand by nearly everyone but especially among younger users. Recent data from Rasmussen suggests that the printing press may have a few more years to go. In fact, there may be real agreement between the generations on real 'value' for technologies that are familiar to both. 

This recent post on Disruptive Demographics examines e-book adoption as a case study of how learning and adopting new technology may not be affected by birthdays as much as by experience and expectations. 

Research on technology use, adoption, trust and older adults is a major theme across the AgeLab touching new vehicle technologies as well as home technologies supporting health, finance and caregiving. Recent papers and presentations include:

• Lee, C., Myrick, R., Asai, D., Coughlin, J. F. & de Weck, O. L. (2013). Learning from a design experience: Continuous use rinvolvement in development of aging-in-place solution for older adults,International Conference on Engineering Design (ICED 2013). (Accepted)
• Lee, C., D'Ambrosio, L., Myrick, R., Coughlin, J. F. & de Weck, O. L. (2013). Analysis of user-generated multimedia data on medication management and consumption behavior using data mining techniques, 15th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction (HCII 2013). (Accepted)
• Lee, C., Myrick, R., D'Ambrosio, L., Coughlin, J. F. & de Weck, O. L. (2013). Older adults’ experiences with technology: Learning from their voices, 15th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction (HCII 2013). (Accepted) (Poster presentation)