AARP Online Community: johnmarick

Making High-Tech Gadgets Easy to Use

I was recently asked to participate in a panel about how to design and market consumer products to help seniors live better and more fulfilling lives at the UCLA Conference on Technology and Aging on October 30.

The panel, called “Designing for Seniors: Consumer Products for Better Living,” featured myself; Jeff Hill, president and co-founder of MyGait, LLC; and Bud Meyers, senior director of merchandising for firstSTREET for boomers and beyond. The panel was moderated by Susan Ayers Walker, managing director and founder of SmartSilvers Alliance.

The discussion primarily focused on how, combined with new business opportunities, social needs are creating more and better products to age gracefully. The intent is not to “dummy” down technology, but rather to make technology easier to use – a challenge companies that market senior-oriented products, and general consumer products for that matter, must overcome.

Seniors by and large are not afraid of technology. In fact, according to a 2008 survey by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), more than 70% of people 60+ use search engines regularly. However, according to that same survey, 64% of people aged 60+ say “too many features” is the most common reason for why consumer electronics products frustrate them.

Cell Phone Microscope

Recently, researchers at UCLA came up with a nifty, but easy-to-use tech gadget for the cell phone designed to diagnose various diseases through the phone. It is essentially a microscope without lenses that uses the shadows of cells to detect illnesses.

The patient places a small amount of blood on a simple microscope slide that is then loaded into the microscope. The phone captures the image of the cells and then sends the information wirelessly to a lab for processing. The user can then potentially be diagnosed in minutes without even actually visiting a medical lab.

Now that’s some very high technology, but extremely easy to use!

Added: November 20, 2009
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Tips on Texting

In a recent survey of over 800 cell phone users aged 50+, cell phone simplicity was found to be the major determining factor when it came to cell phone and plan selection, however, it was also found that about one third of this audience was interested in the use of text messaging.

While many of us don’t have the lightning finger speed and dexterity we once did, texting is becoming one of the leading modes of communication among today’s youth, and can be a valuable skill to learn in order to stay in touch with kids and grandkids. Here are a few tips to help make texting simple and hassle free.

#1 Know the Proper Texting Context

Texts are best used when asking short simple yes/no questions or when trying to gather quick specific bits of info. Texting is not ideal for having long drawn out conversations. For example, “asking your grandkids what time they need to be picked up after soccer practice” is appropriate, while” asking why they got an “F” on their math test” is not.

#2 Use a Cell Phone with Easy-to-Read, Enlarged Buttons and Display Text

Nothing is more aggravating than trying to type a message on a phone that has keys the size of a pin head and a screen with size 8 font. Phones with large buttons and screens make typing and reading texts easier. Here are a few examples of some text friendly phones.

#3 Texting is Informal

Unlike formal letter-writing or professional business correspondences via email, texting is a largely informal method of communication. Traditional words can be shortened for ease of use. A few examples include:

· Because = cause

· At = @

· Two, to, too =2

· You = U

· Are = R

#4 You Can Avoid Texting Jargon

With the possible exception of “LOL” (laughing out loud), there is an entire new vocabulary system that is embraced by many texters. Unless you are willing to spend a great deal of time learning this new vocabulary and will be texting others who are fluent as well, I would not recommend wasting your time.

WB! HRU? WRU@? CB @ 10? TTYL BFF!!

(Welcome Back! How are You? Where are you at? How about a coffee break at 10? Talk to you later best friend)

#5 Keep Texts Short

When texting, keep it brief. For example:

Longer Version:

“Good Morning. I am going to the grocery store and am wondering if you need me to pick you up anything? Also what time should I pick you up from soccer practice?”

Text Version:

"Hi! Going 2 store. Need Anything? What time for after practice pick up?"

While this second message won’t impress any English teachers, it is short, and gets the message across.

Good luck on your texting journey!

Added: October 12, 2009
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Cell Phones Getting back to Basics

In a recent survey of our customers, we found that out of the over 800 respondents, the majority (nearly 78%) cited that they just want to use a cell phone for the most fundamental of tasks: Making and receiving calls.

Many of us already have a computer, a camera, and a music player and don’t need another one built in to our phones. We want a PHONE, nothing more. Remember when phones were just phones and not all these complicated things tied into one? I sure do, and that’s what I understand many customers continue to want.

Other items that customers noted as important when it comes to cell phones and service:

Quality of Service (76 percent)
Coverage area (70.4 percent)
Knowledge, friendly customer support (55.5 percent)
No long-term commitments (73.6 percent)
Simple, easy to understand pricing (71.7 percent)
Easy to read, enlarged buttons and display text (62 percent)

While many younger consumers just want smaller, faster, and more features when it comes to cell phones, it’s refreshing to know that many mature consumers still just want the basics, and that’s why we continue to keep it simple.

Added: September 28, 2009
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Top 6 Tips for Cell Phone Users Traveling this Labor Day Weekend

With the Labor Day weekend upon us, many of us are making travel plans to visit friends and family. On top of all the planning that goes into a trip like this, the last thing I want to worry about is my cell phone bill. I’ve heard so many horror stories from friends and colleagues who have been charged with outrageous phone bills while traveling. Here are a few tips to avoid the same fate:

#1 Provide Additional Contact Information to Family and Friends

When I travel, I give my family the phone number for where I’m heading and ask them to try me at that number first. Of course, I’m available by cell in case of an emergency, but this method helps me avoid needless charges. Also, most of the friends and family I’m visiting have cell phones, as well, so borrowing their phone is great for making local calls.

#2 Check Roaming Fees

If you are in a situation where you will be traveling and must rely on your cell phone, check with your phone carrier about roaming fees before your trip. This information will help you manage your minutes and avoid unexpected charges.

#3 Avoid Using Hotel Phones

When traveling, I find that it’s often the little things we don’t normally think about that make our expenses add up; an extra latte, a souvenir at a gift shop, tipping the bell hop or taxi driver. One way to minimize these unnecessary expenditures is to avoid using phones at hotels. These charges are often expensive (especially if dialing long distance) and can add up quickly, so if you need to make a quick call, use your cell phone.

#4 Limit Phone Usage to Brief, Essential Calls

Now is not the time to be needlessly checking email, texting or chatting with friends. Roaming charges can be extremely high while traveling so try limiting your phone usage to short, essential calls. For example, I usually make a quick call to family or a friend when I arrive to let them know I’ve landed and am on (or behind) schedule. If you need the Internet, take advantage of the free wi-fi in your hotel or a local coffee shop.

#5 Utilize Features on Your Phone besides Calling

Simple features on your phone can be very useful to have when travelling. Worried about making that morning appointment? Your phone has an alarm clock. Not sure how much to tip at dinner? Your phone has a calculator. Bored while riding in the car or waiting at the airport? Your phone has built-in games. Many cell phones features often go unused and can be an enormous asset when traveling.

#6 Remember why you’re traveling!

Remember, the reason most of us are traveling this season is to visit friends and family. Don’t waste your time chatting with friends back home. Instead, enjoy the company you’re with. I always look forward to Labor Day Weekend as a time to get away from the daily grind and enjoy the most important thing in the world – my family.

Safe travels and enjoy the Labor Day Weekend!!

Added: September 3, 2009
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Do You Really Need Unlimited Everything on Your Cell Phone?

In the news, a number of cellular providers have begun offering enticing “unlimited” cellular plans for talking, texting and internet. But, before you dive into that unlimited cellular plan, it’s important to ask yourself some important questions about how you currently use or plan to use your cell phone:

· Do you care about texting or sending/receiving photos?

· If so, how often do you send/receive text messages a month?

· What about the internet?

· How often do you make calls?

· How often do people call you?

Many cell companies tout unlimited calling at night or to other phones within its network, in addition to alluring options like unlimited texting and internet.

But stop and think about how often you are using your phone for calling, texting and/or the internet. Does unlimited make sense? Sure, the piece of mind of unlimited can be nice, but is it really worth the extra cost?

In any case, make sure you do the math.

If you are not using the service extensively for these “unlimited” calls, texts or internet usage, the high monthly fee associated with the plan may make it a more expensive option than buying a plan that is more in line with your actual usage needs.

To give you some perspective, a recent survey by the Nielsen Company reported in the NY Times, found that teenagers send and receive 80 texts a day, on average—or a whopping 2,272 a month. If this is you, than an unlimited text messaging plan is probably a good bet. Otherwise, look elsewhere.

So, take a look at your past cellular bills and map out how you use your phone. That is the best place to start in determining what you actually need. Who knows? You just might end up saving some cash.

Added: August 20, 2009
Views: 900 | Comments: 2 | Bookmarks: 0

Top Money-Saving Tips for Cell Phones

According to AARP, “Up to 50 percent of the cell phone industry's income comes from ‘overage’ charges that consumers pay for exceeding the number of minutes on their cell plans and ‘underage,’ which is the amount consumers pay for unused minutes.”

Quite an interesting stat.

If there is one piece of advice I could give cellular customers to help them save money, it would be to monitor usage. I cannot stress this enough. There is nothing worse on your cellular bill than to be surprised with stupendous overage charges that can add up quickly. Conversely, there is no need to be paying for a bundle of unused minutes every month.

Frankly, an industry that profits off the honest mistakes of its customers is questionable at best.

So next time you find yourself making more or fewer calls than usual, give your provider a call and make sure your plan matches your usage. If you are consistently over, or under, or your usage varies wildly, consider making a change.

Your wallet and your mind will thank you.

Added: August 6, 2009
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Cell Phone and Cell Plans Have Your Head Spinning?

Hello, my name is John Marick, co-founder and CEO of Consumer Cellular, the official wireless provider of the AARP. I’ve been following the AARP technology forums for a while now and I believe my expertise in the cellular industry may help AARP members with their cellular-related questions and concerns.

I understand that selecting the right cellular phone and plan can be downright confusing. Since 1995, when my partner, Greg Pryor, and I founded Consumer Cellular, the U.S. wireless industry has mushroomed from 33.8 million wireless subscribers to 270 million today, along with a dizzying array of service options, phones, plans and accessories.

Therefore, I want to help guide AARP members through the seemingly never-ending labyrinth of cell phones and service options. I know how frustrating it can be to find the right plan and phone. At the end of the day, it is my hope that this journal will at least help you become more confident in finding the right wireless option.

In the mean time, don’t be afraid to share with me, and the rest of the AARP community, your questions and comments. After all, this journal is really about you and I’d be happy to discuss your thoughts about all things cellular.

Thanks!

John Marick

Added: July 23, 2009
Views: 319 | Comments: 2 | Bookmarks: 0

My Journals (7)