Heuristic Evaluation of Healthy Eating Apps for Older Adults

The benefits of fruits and vegetables for older adults include reducing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Tablets like the iPad can promote healthy behaviors, but usability issues for older adults remain unclear. Three experts evaluated five iPad apps related to fruit and vegetable intake using heuristics adapted from existing heuristics. Eight problems emerged: 1) icons use symbols and text with little connection to functionality; 2) unfamiliar symbols; 3) unnecessary steps required to complete tasks; 4) few accessibility features; 5) small text; 6) insufficient color contrast; 7) insufficient instructional features; and 8) unlabeled advertising. Design recommendations are presented for each problem.