Toward Adaptive User Interface Design Strategies for Older Adults: A Thematic Analysis

Older adults face significant challenges when interacting with digital technologies due to cognitive decline, perceptual limitations, motor difficulties, and security and privacy concerns. These barriers often limit their ability to benefit from technology that could support independence and quality of life, but an Adaptive User Interface (AUI) offers a dynamic solution. This study implemented several methodological stages, starting with an exploration-based study to identify older adults' challenges when interacting with mobile applications, particularly mobile health (mHealth). Next, a thematic analysis was conducted on 42 published articles identified through a systematic search to investigate relevant AUI design strategies for overcoming usability challenges among older adults in the context of mHealth use. As a result, seven adaptive design strategies were generated and clustered. There are simplified learning processes through multi-layered interfaces, minimize user interaction, and user-specific suggestions; adaptive customization and personalization, including user profile-based customization, personalized interfaces, and split interfaces; usability-based design through content-oriented navigation and familiar elements; persuasive just-in-time adaptations for timely support; adaptations based on user capabilities; integration of assistive technologies and privacy and security strategies to reinforce user trust. These strategies were systematically mapped to the identified challenges, such as cognitive challenges, dexterity issues, and privacy concerns, therefore providing a structured roadmap for designing AUI that addresses the needs of older adults while benefiting the broader user population. This thematic synthesis to derive design contributes actionable guidelines for developers creating AUI that enhance usability, inclusivity, and sustained engagement among older adults.