Storytelling Meets the Social Web: An HTML5 Cross-Platform Application for Older Adults

Tiago Boldt Sousa, Pedro Tenreiro, Paula Alexandra Silva, Eduarda Mendes Rodrigues

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To cite this version:

Tiago Boldt Sousa, Pedro Tenreiro, Paula Alexandra Silva, Eduarda Mendes Rodrigues. Storytelling Meets the Social Web: An HTML5 Cross-Platform Application for Older Adults. 13th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction (INTERACT), Sep 2011, Lisbon, Portugal. pp.364-365, 10.1007/978-3-642-23768-3_33. hal-01597041

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https://inria.hal.science/hal-01597041

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# Storytelling meets the Social Web: an HTML5 cross-platform application for older adults

Tiago Boldt Sousa<fnref n="1" />, Pedro Tenreiro<fnref n="1" />, Paula Alexandra Silva<fnref n="1" />, Eduarda Mendes Rodrigues<fnref n="2" />

**Abstract.** This demonstration presents a storytelling application specifically designed for older adults to share stories and thoughts. Studies claim that older adults commonly have difficulties in engaging with on-line social networks [1], but increased social inclusion and sense of well-being has been observed in those who engage [2]. While following a user-centered design approach, we have developed an HTML5 device-independent and intuitive social web application which addresses older adults' specific needs and age-related impairments, allowing them to connect to their friends and family through storytelling.

**Keywords:** Storytelling, Online Social Networks, User-Centered Design, Older Adults, HTML5

## 1 Introduction

Unlike a few decades ago, today's households no longer have more than two generations [4], resulting in older adults living by themselves. Distance from family can result in feelings of loneliness and can limit their ability for sharing their legacy, something which is paramount for them. Furthermore, transportation and communication problems are known constraints due to the decline of their physical and mental conditions, resulting in a general decline of their well-being and happiness [1]. While they can be positively influenced by the use of online social networks [2], younger people are the mainstream audience of these services [3]. Feature-rich services and web pages with large amounts of information are common and difficult to use by those lacking computer skills; this results in a general inhibition towards the exploration of technology from the elderly. To address these problems and to fight the social exclusion of older adults, we developed a prototype of a storytelling application that leverages an existing online social network (Facebook) for connecting older adults with their relatives.

## 2 Cross-platform Storytelling on the Social Web

### 2.1 Application Design

The prototype application was implemented using a set of novel web technologies commonly denominated as HTML5, taking into account special design constraints

<footnote n="1">¹Fraunhofer Portugal, Rua Alfredo Allen 455/461 4200-135 Porto PORTUGAL</footnote>

<footnote n="2">²Departamento de Engenharia Informática, Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n 4200-465 Porto PORTUGAL</footnote>