In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the disparity in technological adoption, often referred to as the 'digital skill gap', presents a critical challenge for industries globally. As technology continues to advance, a significant portion of the population finds itself lagging in necessary digital skills.
Differences in tech adoption:
The digital skill gap manifests in various forms across different demographics and regions. On the one hand, we have tech-savvy individuals who adapt quickly to new technologies, often residing in urban areas with better access to resources and education. On the other hand, there are groups, particularly in rural or economically disadvantaged regions, who lack basic digital literacy. Factors contributing to this divide include disparities in education, socio-economic backgrounds and availability of technological infrastructure.
Age also plays an important role in the adoption of new technologies. Younger generations who have grown up in the digital age are inherently more inclined to adopt new technologies than older generations. This generational divide affects not only how technology is used, but also how it needs to be developed and marketed. Older adults have a greater need for service, support and training so that they can join the bandwagon of 'normal users' rather than being told they have to use a device specially adapted or developed for seniors. These kind of product solutions are stigmatizing and embarrassing and this is why users avoid using them as long as possible.
Reasons for diversity in tech:
The tech industry, historically dominated by a homogeneous group (white men), is increasingly recognizing the need for diversity. Diversity in technology isn't just about fairness or ethical representation; it's a business imperative. Diverse teams offer a multitude of perspectives, leading to more creative solutions and products that cater to a wider audience. Without diverse input, technologies risk being developed in a vacuum, insensitive to the needs of various user groups.
In addition to cultural and gender diversity, diversity in age is a must in the face of an ageing global population.
The need for inclusive innovation:
Inclusive innovation, especially in digital services, is the process of designing and developing technology products that are accessible and beneficial to a broad spectrum of people, regardless of their background or abilities. This concept extends beyond the mere inclusion of diverse groups in the tech workforce. It's about ensuring that these diverse perspectives are integral to the innovation process. In regard of the rising number of aging users, tech companies need to integrate the needs and coping strategies of older adults into a user innovation process and so develop with and not for an aging population.
Too old to innovate
User innovation is often used in younger generations or with specific occupational groups. That inclusion of older adults is the exception rather than the rule is mostly driven by ageism, common misunderstandings and unconscious bias. “Old” is often a used as a synonym for frail or disabled and an insinuation of missing enthusiasm about technology.
Also, the ability of old people to innovate is generally denied and a lack of creativity is assumed. But research shows that older people are willing and able to share their knowledge for the development of needs-based solutions. An important requirement for this is the right approach and an unbiased willingness to recognize the perspectives, needs and approaches to solutions.
Since older users are usually somewhat reticent and tend to undervalue their personal knowledge base rather than overvalue it, the right encouragement to participate is a key component. The successful recruitment of older users is based less on possible incentives than on the appreciation of their person and their experience.
Avoiding digital ageism to meet the needs of the ageing consumer market
Even if this approach seems old-fashioned in the age of AI, it is justified. AI is not neutral, and there is evidence that AI models, like the humans who developed them, are ageist. Digital ageism is countered in various ways, for example by the lack of relevant data in models or by misrepresenting of age as a category.
The main reason for this is that our society still struggles with ageism, yet it remains an often overlooked problem and is even referred to as the last acceptable prejudice.
The right combination of experiential knowledge of the "elderly" in conjunction with neutral AI models will create solutions that are needs-oriented and smart to cater to the fast-growing consumer market of digital immigrants, aka the older adults. The benefits of inclusive innovation are manifold. It leads to products that are more user-friendly and accessible to a larger audience. This approach not only expands the market reach for technology companies but also fosters social inclusion and equity.
The digital skill gap poses a significant challenge, yet it also presents an opportunity for growth and innovation. By embracing diversity and fostering inclusive innovation, the tech industry can develop digital services that resonate with a broader audience and bridge the existing skill gap. As technology continues to permeate into every aspect of our lives, the need for inclusive digital services that cater to the needs of all individuals becomes not just a moral imperative, but a critical business strategy.