Impact of WeChat's Graphical User Interface on the User Experience of the Elderly

LI Qiang; WANG Weiwei

doi:10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2026.06.013

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Packaging Engineering ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (6) : 139-147. DOI: 10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2026.06.013

Industrial Design

Impact of WeChat's Graphical User Interface on the User Experience of the Elderly

LI Qiang^1,2, WANG Weiwei^1*

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Abstract

In response to the growing "digital divide" faced by the elderly, This study aims to explore how the design of WeChat's graphical user interface (GUI) influences their continuance intention, while examining the underlying user experience mechanisms. By drawing upon the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) model and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and utilizing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), a design analysis framework focused on elderly users' experience and intention to continue using digital tools was established. Key design components including interface, information, system, and interaction were identified through literature review and observational methods and structured as second-order components of the latent to construct "perceived experience". Based on questionnaire data, the study empirically tested how perceived experience affected perceived usefulness, ease of use, enjoyment, and continuance intention. The findings demonstrate that the four GUI design elements significantly shape user experience and play an important role in influencing elderly users' continuance intention with digital platforms. This study contributes theoretical insight into elderly digital behavior and offers practical guidance for age-friendly design of smart products and services.

Key words

graphical user interface / elderly / user experience / age-friendly design / continuance intention

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LI Qiang, WANG Weiwei. Impact of WeChat's Graphical User Interface on the User Experience of the Elderly[J]. Packaging Engineering. 2026, 47(6): 139-147 https://doi.org/10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2026.06.013

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