Exploring User Spiritual Experience with Islamic Websites For Elderly

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1 Exploring User Spiritual Experience with Websites For Elderly Fariza Hanis Abdul Razak, Nor Rasyidah Haminudin, Wan Adilah Wan Adnan, Nurazzah Abd Rahman & Hani Fuziah Abdul Rahman Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, Selangor, MALAYSIA {Fariza, adilah, nurazzah, hani Abstract Studies of the elderly have shown that the elderly may turn to spirituality and religion when they meet difficult life changing events and experience personal losses. Therefore, instilling hope, offering support and therapeutic interventions such as prayer, thought, morality, artistic expression or professional referrals through the means of ICT technology such as religious may lead to spiritual rejuvenation and healing. Internet has become a primary source of information about Islam for its Muslim followers and other people from different religious beliefs. There are thousands of on the Internet, however, majority of them were found low in user satisfaction. One of the reasons was because they failed to provide necessary spiritual experience to the users. Thus, this study was undertaken to explore user spiritual experience with the. We employed a user study with seven older participants to help us understand their spiritual experiences. We asked their experiences with two chosen and their own favourite. From the study, we learnt that user spiritual experience is very much affected by spiritual interfaces, trusted contents and the website usability. Keywords- Muslim elderly; spiritual experience; ; spiritual usability; spiritual, interfaces I. INTRODUCTION Our dependency on the Internet as a primary source of information is growing exponentially [1]. We use the Internet to search for information to fulfill our needs such as searching for information, sharing and distributing the information resources, spreading the news and generating incomes [13]. The tremendous development and changes in Internet technology has brought a significance shift to Muslims religious activities. The Internet has been regularly used by various categories of people to find information about Islam. Furthermore, the existence of about Islam and with contents manage to fascinate various people from different sects to engage in religious activities. This phenomenon becomes a concrete indicator of how technology influences and shapes the Muslim world. More than ever, the Internet has been perceived as an important provider of information pertaining to Islam and its practices. Despite mushrooming of the, many were rated low in user satisfaction [4]. One reason is because these failed to provide necessary spiritual experience for those who were seeking out for spiritual assistance [7]. Previously, some researchers (for example, [18] and [4]) have conducted studies on the usability of the, however, none of these studies focused on user spiritual experience. Thus, this study was conducted to explore user spiritual experience with the. II. A. Measuring Websites RELATED WORK From the literature, we learn that there are seven (7) criteria for evaluating an website. 1) Usability Based on a study by [19], more than 86% of the under investigation were low in usability. Usability can be defined as a point in which users are able to perform the specific required tasks [10]. According to [16], there are several main reasons for motivating users to keep coming to the same website. They can be categorized into high quality of content; are often updated, minimal downloading time and the ease of use with good navigation whereby users can move around on the website easily without being lost at the same time accomplishing their task. 2) Credibility The credible, or believability or trustworthiness, of an website must always be carefully scrutinized and analyzed before considering the website to be beneficial and useful for the Muslims community [6]. Credibility of can be defined as the extent in which users perceived that website s owners provides detailed background, mission, projects and contact information [12]. It is one of the important features that could influence Muslims users to use the website. There are many aspects to be considered when evaluating the credibility of. The major factor is to ascertain a person as credential authors of an website. There is specific information needed as a reference such as name, address, background of the author should be included on the website to increase the author s credibility and at the same time give the user confidence to use the website [12].

2 3) Attractiveness Attractiveness of can be defined as the level in which users feel that the met his or her aesthetic or visual appeal of a design, motivations, requirement and excitement invoked by the interface [12]. One of the main characteristics of is having an aesthetic or visual appeal. A visually appealing website is the one that normally uses colors and graphics to enhance the impact of the information and content of the website [6]. In other words, the graphics and colors used in an website should make it easier for the user to understand the content. On top of that, the right combination of text and graphics will encourage users to stay on the website or explore the website more thoroughly [6]. However, using a lot of graphics on a website will increase the overall file size of the website. As a result, this will increase the downloading time taken by the users [12]. Typically, well designed with attractive graphics features will enhance a website. But, if it takes a long time to load into the browser due to the size of the graphics, the users will be more likely to cancel the website download [12]. 4) Interactivity Interactivity in the refer to the level in which users are able to access to scholars, communicate with people and community, get feedbacks and response to their asked questions as well as full and free access to information [12]. [12] also found that the interactivity quality on is rated as positively high. This is because there are several interactivity features that are found to be actively used on some of the. The most significant interactive feature is Q&A options that allow users to ask scholars for Fatwa and get a response either through the board or by private depending on the users. 5) Authority The term authority in the context of refers to the level in which users are satisfied with the quality of website based on the references provided, author s credentials, credibility, popularity as well as accessibility [12]. Several researchers have studied that authority of information on is one of the important criteria to be evaluated. Most of the only provide an address as a contact information while some stated the name of the author as author s credential which is not sufficient unless the author is well-known person [12]. As mentioned previously, authority is the level that users believe they can trust the information and content provided on the website. Similarly, [8] stated that having a source written by subject matter expert, or produced by an institution with recognized knowledge and expertise in the field will increase the level of authority on the. Thus it is important to attach both ownership and authorship of and its content quality for acceptance and usage among Muslims users. 6) Reliability Reliability in the evaluation criteria for an website can be conceptualized as the level in which users perceived that the website s contents are dependable, accurate, credible and relevant [12]. In addition, website reliability is defined in the business context as an ability to perform and promised service dependably and accurately [17]. Whereas in a technical context, reliability of a website is seen as the level in which the website is available and functioning properly [17]. In a study conducted by [12], it shows that there are significant variations in the overall contents reliability on. Therefore, the can be evaluated as reliable if they provide sources of document authors name and their credential, displayed document s date of creation or posted as well as provided contact information regarding documents for users to comment, contribute or report any inaccuracy. 7) Identity and Traits identity and traits on the can be defined as features that present the identity as well as traits [14]. These identity and traits refer to several attributes that embedded on the. As for the identity, the presence of it on the has been investigated by [18]. The identity generally been categorized by identity identifiers on the elements that best symbolizes Islam that are widely recognized by the community such as icons and theme. Similarly, for traits, it includes the attributes of language content of the [14]. Typically, Arabic language is the standard version to represent the content of the Quran. Besides, it is also found that by using Arabic language, there is some kind of enjoyment when reciting or writing verses of the Quran. Other than that, the use of real photos and animations that comply with appropriately compliant is also necessary to attract the users to use the and at the same time will make them excited to explore the content of. It is also encouraging adding the background sound accompanying the and the sounds may be able to stimulate an spiritual sense of the website [14]. Moreover, several applications such as prayer schedule, prayer direction, calendar and etc. are also significant to be added on the as a value added attributes that could offer indirect benefits to the users. B. Spirituality and Ageing People of all ages especially elderly often seek to find meaning in their every activities. Understanding the relationship as well as the differences between spirituality and religions may explain and support the interest of elderly in reaching beyond themselves, reviewing their life events as well as coping with age related changes [9]. Spirituality is thought to include a system of belief that encompasses love, compassion and respect for life [9]. Whereas, religion is generally recognized to be the practical expression of

3 spirituality which includes the organization, rituals and practice of one s belief [7]. Individuals may experience both spirituality and religion very privately within themselves (internally) and/ or through social interaction with persons and organizations in an external way. Observation of the elderly have shown that by age, they are increased by reflection, less concern for material things and more interest in satisfaction with life. Commonly, the elderly may turn to spirituality and religion when they meet difficult life changing events and experience personal losses [7]. Often, losses and life changes increase in later life thus challenge older adults. Therefore, instilling hope, offering support and therapeutic interventions such as prayer, thought, morality, artistic expression or professional referrals through the means of ICT technology such as religious may lead to spiritual rejuvenation and healing [11]. III. METHODOLOGY This study explored user spiritual experience with the. Most of the studies on the were done quantitatively, however, for this study, we employed a qualitative user study to gain a better insight of the user spiritual experience with the. A. Participants We conducted a user study with seven older adult participants who would provide their feedback on their experiences and opinions on the chosen as well as their favourite. All of our participants are government retirees. We chose them because they were literate as they used ICTs for their work and used the Internet for browsing. Table 1 provides backgrounds on their Internet activities. We chose older participants for our study because we believe that they were able to provide us with a better insight on user spiritual experience. B. Websites There were two that were chose for this study: (Website A) and (Website B). Both were managed and developed by different individuals, however, they provide the same contents in which is the guides on they both guide the visitors on how to perform Hajj and Umrah, advise how to prepare for the Hajj and Umrah trip, and provide some Du a (prayers). We managed to obtain permissions from both owners for this study. Figure 1. Website A Figure 2. Website B C. User Study We asked our older participants to visit the two chosen during their leisure time and spend about 20 to 30 minutes to explore each website. If possible, we wanted them to visit the regularly. This was to ensure that they became familiar with the content and structure of the. In addition to these, we also asked them to visit their favourite during the duration of a week study. A week later, we went to their homes to ask them about their experiences and perceptions of these. User study method employ here was an exploratory interview. IV. RESULTS We report our data in three categories: participants backgrounds, feedback on Website A and Website B, and Feedback on their favourite. A. Participants Backgrounds Participant TABLE 1. PARTICIPANTS' BACKGROUNDS Age P1 60 Non- P2 60 Non- background Frequency of use A few times a week Every Activities Chat, s,, Favourtie medical, education, games,

4 P3 60 Non- A few times a week P4 60 Every P5 60 Every P6 60 Non- Every A few times a week B. Feedback on Websites A and B games s, Chat, s, Chat, s, s, s,, games medical, News, booking, news, booking, Facebook news, blogs,, Governme -nt portals news, blogs, Online games, medical,, P7 60 Non- Governmnt portals The purpose of this study was to gather inputs on the interface elements that could provide a user spiritual experience. We categorise our data as follows: 1) The should be organized and easy to use and understand Since all of our participants were elderly, they felt that both of the should be made easier for them to use. Some of their feedback are: P1: The design of the interfaces should not be messy and complicated, and they should be effortless to use P2: Both are packed with the information and should be well-organised P4: The contents can be put into diagrams or bullet points for better understanding P5: The contents should flow so that it is easier to understand 2) The contents should be updated, trusted and dynamic All of our participants agreed that the contents should be updated, trusted and dynamic. As some of the participants suggested: P2: They should also include the references from the credible sources in some of the content of such as in the area of Aqidah, Hadith, etc. P3: The content must always be updated and dynamic whereby the users are able to give suggestions, comments and ask the questions P4: The must have references for the users to refer in the future P5: The content must come from the credible sources, has authorization from the respective bodies and a well-known person and The must have references such as from which Hadith it refers to so that it is easy to refer in the future 3) The should download the contents fast P3 and P6 suggested that fast download is another important criteria for the website. They both say, The should be fast in downloading the contents. 4) The should use simple words and Malay language For, all of our participants prefer the contents to be written in our language, Malay rather than in English, as this could prevent them from missed or wrong interpretations. The contents should also be written using simple words, as P4 suggested, The contents should use simple Malay words. 5) The should provide them with some spiritual experience Almost all of the participants provided the same feedback they were actually hoping that they would experience some kind of spiritual moment when browsing the. Some of them highlighted: P1: The should include spiritual elements such as zikir and other sounds P2 and P3: They should put some pictures, videos and audios that relate to the topics of the contents to inspire or evoke some spiritual moments when browsing the P6 and P7: It is necessary to include some pictures, videos and audios make it attractive and sometimes able to reminisce the memories and gives inner experiences C. Feedbacks on their Favourite Websites We later asked them about their favourite. This was to elicit their spiritual experiences. We organize the answers on Table 2.

5 TABLE 2. PARTICIPANTS' OPINIONS ON THEIR FAVOURE ISLAMIC WEBSES Partici Favourite Opinions pant Website(s) P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P1 The website is very informative, I often get excited when browsing the website. I m sometimes able to recall a nostalgic memory I always feel calm, excited and eager to know when I browse this website I don t feel anything Just the same feeling like browsing any other non ress.com Blogs & Forums Collection of videos from YouTube Blogs Collection of videos from YouTube Forums V. DISCUSSION There is a different feeling when I browse these, such as I become eager to know the content and reminisce my memory I feel calm, comfortable, relaxed and have different inner experiences: There are certain that are attractive especially when the contents such as images, videos and others are able to reminisce my memories I feel like getting a moral support from these. They become my therapeutic interventions. I feel relaxed and calm From our study and the literature, we learnt that the user spiritual experience with the was very much affected by: spiritual interfaces A"ributes of User spiritual experience Trusted contents Figure 3. Attributes of User Spiritual Experience Website usability We actually adapted two models from website evaluation framework by [3] and Muslim user interface framework by [18]. In order to design the that are able to support spiritual activities as well as instill the spiritual experiences, certain important elements need to be considered as part of the design. A. Spiritual Interfaces As for the, the spiritual features should be embedded such as images, colours, videos and audios to help the users reminisce their memories, and gives inner experiences to the users. Indeed, the spiritual design must go beyond the traditional concerns of efficiency and productivity of technology when developing systems to support any religious practices [20]. For instance, [18] and [19] investigated the presence of identity and traits in 100 selected. In general, the studies revealed that the use of identity and traits may support and facilitate as well as preserve the unique identity of Islam in the. It includes the use of icons, real photos or animations and the use of audios such as Zikir. These interface elements will eventually attract the users to use and engage at the website. From this study, we learnt that some of the pictures displayed helped reminisce the users memories especially those pictures of people performing Hajj and Umrah. B. Website Usability Simple to use and easy to understand definitely affect users satisfaction, thus, user spiritual experience. Based on our findings, we discovered that most of the usability problems encountered by the users were associated with the barriers and limitation they faced. In this study, most of the elderly participants were having problems with their eyesights. Therefore, the interfaces of should be designed to meet user requirements by considering their limitations so that they can use the comfortably and efficiently [5]. We also suggest to use familiar and simple words and avoid using jargon when writing the content. Our advice is that the content is best written in participants native language. In our case, it is Bahasa Malaysia. This is to ensure that users understand the content without having wrong interpretations, especially those related to a religion. Furthermore, the participants prefer the content to be written with a minimum number of words in a sentence as well as a minimum number of sentences within a paragraph. C. Trusted Contents We use terms trusted contents to describe the reliability of the information sources. For us, reliability should consist of authority and credibility of the information sources as well as the updated information. [12] used the term credibility to refer to the ability to provide and deliver dependable, relevant and accurate information particularly the information about matters to the users. In our study, we found that the participants often emphasised that the source of should be written by subject matter expert, or

6 produced by an institution with recognised knowledge and expertise in the field. The participants also emphasized the quality of content should be based on the references provided by the credible writers. Some of them even recommended that the content on the should be certified and authenticated as well as obtaining approval from the well-known organisation to ensure the authentic information on content before it is being disseminated over the Internet [15]. The content of the website also needs to be completed, up to date and well organised. It should be written uniquely for each page of the website to avoid any duplication of information. Moreover, the website should update the content frequently to keep the website fresh and interesting. VI. CONCLUSION Keys to understanding user spiritual experience are related to participant sampling and methods used in the study. in our study, we employed elderly who are more inclined to spiritual and an in-depth study method such as exploratory interview. Although we employed a small number of participants, we did an exploratory study with them, thus, enabling us to understand how to design for user spiritual experience with the. Design attributes such as spiritual interfaces, trusted contents and usability should be embedded in the design of. REFERENCES [1] Abdul Karim, N. S., & Hazmi, N. R. (2005). Assessing Information Quality on The Internet: A Case of Information About Hadith. Malaysian Journal of Library & Information Sceince, Vol. 10, no. 2, [2] Abu Bakar, A. B. (2010). Evaluating the Accessibility and Visibility of Quran Websites. [3] Aliyu, M., Mahmud, M., & Md Tap, A. (2012). Exploring Website Features that Influence User Satisfaction: A Conceptual Model. Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences, [4] Aliyu, M., Mahmud, M., & Md Tap, A. O. (2010). Preliminary Investigation of Websites Design & Content Feature: A Heuristic Evaluation from User Perspective. International Conference on User Science Engineering (i-user), (pp ). [5] Banati, H., Bedi, P., & Grover, P. (2006). Evaluating Web Usability form the User's Perspective. Journal of Computer Science 2(4), [6] Boklaschuk, K., & Caisse, K. (2001). Evaluation of Educational Web Sites. EDCMM [7] Cookie, A. (1999). Authoritative Guide to Evaluating Health Websites for Research and Practice. Neal-Schuman Publishers. [8] Clingan, D. (1995). Aging: Gathering a spiritual perspective. " Center for Aging Religion & Spirituality Chronicle". [9] Fitzpatrick, T. and Aleman, S. (2000). Culture-Specific Theoretical and Conceptual Models of Aging. Found in Aleman, Fitzpatrick, Tran, Gonzalez Editors, Therapeutic Interventions with Ethnic Elders Health and Social Issues. New York, London, Oxford: The Haworth Press. [10] Kaufmann, M. (2002). Usability for Web. Academic Press. [11] Landis, B. (2009). The Spiritual Needs. The Menmonite. [12] Mahmud, M., Aliyu, M., & Md Tap, A. (2010). Quality Rating of Websites Features: A Single-User Evaluation. Proceeding 3rd International Conference on ICT4M 2010, (pp ). [13] Md Zainuddin, N., Wan Ahmad, W., & Goh, K. (2010). Evaluating C2C e-commerce Website Usability in Malaysia from Users' Perspective : A Case Study [14] Mehad, S., Wan Mohd Isa, W., Md Noor, N., & Husin, M. S. (2010). Muslim User Interface Evaluation Framework (Muslim-UI) for Genre Website: A Quantitativa Approach. Proceeding 3rd International Conference on ICT4M. [15] Mior Ibrahim, E., Wan Hamzah, W., Taslim, J., & Wan Adnan, W. (2010). Evaluating Trust Elements in the Content of Based Informational Websites. International Conference on User Science Engineering (i-user), (pp ). [16] Nielsen, J. (2002). Usability for Senior Citizens. [17] Parasuraman, A., Zeithaml, V., & Berry, L. (2002). A Multiple Item Scale for Measuring Consumer Perceptions of Service Quality. Journal of Retailing, 64, [18] Wan Mohd Isa, W., Md Noor, N., & Mehad, S. (2006). Towards Conceptualization of User Interface for Website: An Initial Investigation. International Conference on Information & Communication Technology for the Muslim World (ICT4M). Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. [19] Wan Mohd Isa, W., Md Noor, N., & Mehad, S. (2008). Inducting the Dimensions of Culture. International Symposium Human Factors in Telecommunication: USer Experience of ICTs, (pp ). [20] Wyche, S., Caine, K., & Davison, B. (2008). Sun Dial:Exploring Techno-Spiritual Design through a Mobile Call to Prayer Application. CHI 2008 Proceedings.