Smartphone Applications�A Comparative Study Between Older And Younger Users

Abstract

This research considers whether smartphones satisfy the needs of all generations. The research methods used a user questionnaire, (n=60) divided equally between young and old consumers and an interview conducted with six smartphone users. The main findings were that, both groups require efficient functionality with regards to basic smartphone activities such as making phone calls and sending text messages, but that the difference lies in how much the two sets of consumers viewed social media access as an important feature. While older users showed little concern for socially orientated applications, the young consumer group showed a dependence upon it as an aid to their daily lifestyle. The study concluded that whilst basic functionality is a standard requirement for any user, the exponential growth of technology and increasing demand for social communication has caused a divide between the young and old consumers. The market is now dominated by the younger generation and so the older users' needs and requirements are shown to be overshadowed in current smartphone design.