• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.135-152
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• 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the user experience of hearable devices for seniors and suggest possible development directions. A literature review, case study, and in-depth interviews were conducted. Based on the literature review, convenience, accessibility, transmissibility, wearability, aesthetics, and interest were determined as the user experience factors of hearable devices. Then, in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 participants aged 60 or older regarding four devices. Participants tried four different types of wireless earphones which were selected based on a case study: open-type, kernel-type, neckband-type, and earring-type. Regarding convenience, the participants preferred to carry small devices and regarding accessibility, participants responded positively for most product types. For transmissibility and wearability, there were differences depending on whether devices were put on correctly, but the participants preferred products that did not wholly block external sounds. For aesthetics, participants preferred small and cutting-edge designs. Interest was noticeable among those who had not used the devices before, and for stability, the neckband-type was the most preferred. Based on the results we suggest designing small cutting-edge designs and button-type assist devices, not blocking the external sound, providing a participation program, simplifying device functions, and establishing a method that can be combined with and stored in clothes and a delivery method that can signal danger.