Heurísticas pedagógicas e de acessibilidade: uma abordagem com foco em aplicações educacionais móveis para idosos

Abstract

Population aging is a global phenomenon that has intensified in recent decades, bringing with it new social, economic, and technological challenges. At the same time, there has been a growing participation of older adults in the digital world, driven by the advancement of mobile technolo- gies and the pursuit of greater autonomy, inclusion, and access to information. In this context, there is an increasing urgency to develop technological solutions that address the specific needs of this age group, especially in educational environments, where accessibility, clarity, and peda- gogical adaptation are essential to ensure a meaningful and inclusive learning experience. In response to this scenario, this study proposes the development of pedagogical and accessibility heuristics aimed at designing mobile educational applications for the elderly, based on the AGE 1.2. guidelines and supported by a practical checklist. The adopted methodology includes a literature review, critical analysis of existing guidelines, and adaptation of these recommendations using the PROMETHEUS methodology. This process resulted in the formulation of a structured set of heuristics that can be applied by designers, developers, and other professionals, even those without specialized training in the area. The heuristics were validated by experts in the fields of accessibility and human-computer interaction, as well as by professionals in the technology sector, and were subsequently organized into theoretical-practical materials that serve as support tools for creating more accessible digital products. Thus, this research contributes to the digital inclusion of older adults, promoting more intuitive, effective, and equitable educational experiences.