Product design for mobility wearable devices for black older adults: bridging usability, inclusion, and engagement through qualitative interviewing

Black older adults remain largely excluded from the design of mobility wearables, yet their cultural values can shape acceptance and sustained use. We therefore explored the preferences, needs and lived experiences of Canadian Black older adults in co-creating culturally appropriate, AI-powered mobility wearable devices, defined as wearable sensors embedded with artificial intelligence that monitor, analyse, and provide real-time feedback on movement and mobility (e.g. gait, balance, activity). A qualitative descriptive design with conventional content analysis was employed. Twenty community-dwelling Black older adults (11 males, 9 females; 57-89 years) from four Canadian provinces completed 60-90-minute semi-structured videoconference interviews. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically through multiple iterative cycles by a multidisciplinary team, with participant member-checking and ongoing reflexive dialogue used to reinforce methodological rigour. Four overarching themes described design priorities: (1) <i>Modular and personalised aesthetics,</i> interchangeable bands, culturally resonant colours and skin-tone-matching casings to support self-expression; (2) <i>Culturally familiar interfaces and voice interactions</i> that feel respectful and welcoming; (3) <i>Ease of use with assistive support</i>-one-click operations and hands-free voice commands accommodating functional limitations; and (4) <i>Privacy and dignity</i> through default data-ownership models enabling user control and community benefit. African-born participants prioritised core health functions, whereas Caribbean-born participants valued aesthetic customisation, underscoring intra-community heterogeneity. Wearables that incorporate the features prioritised by Black older adults, modular styling, culturally familiar interfaces, intuitive controls, and robust privacy safeguards are more likely to be embraced, to support day-to-day mobility, and to narrow inequities in access to assistive technology.