Study reveals gap: devs overvalue features, users want simplicity in aged care software

Researchers from Monash University surveyed 249 stakeholders—103 older adults, 41 caregivers (formal and informal), and 105 software developers—to identify divergences in digital health software requirements for aged care. Using a mixed-methods approach (quantitative ratings and qualitative open-ended responses), they discovered a significant 'Requirements Perception Gap.' Developers tend to prioritize advanced functional features and significantly overestimate user satisfaction with core non-functional requirements (NFRs) such as ease of use, responsiveness, and reliability. In contrast, older adults and caregivers overwhelmingly value simplicity, consistency, and trust over feature density. Developers were also more critical of existing functional features than end-users, suggesting a mismatch in design priorities.

This disconnect has practical consequences: developers may build feature-rich systems that older adults find confusing or difficult to use, leading to low adoption and dissatisfaction. The study recommends that future digital health software for aged care adopt co-design processes that directly involve older adults and caregivers early in development. It also emphasizes privacy-by-design, as older adults expressed strong concerns about data security. By mapping where stakeholder priorities align and diverge, the findings offer a roadmap for product decisions that balance innovation with usability—critical as the global population ages and reliance on digital health tools grows.