We’ve long been proponents of the concept that motion-sensing interfaces bring a lot of folks to the digital table who were previously left out. Using instinctive interfaces like pointing, rather than difficult learned interfaces like game pads and 50 button remote controls can let folks who are physically unable (or who just feel like they can’t master the interface) get into gaming or digital TV services or what have you.

An example of this which we often bring up in our strategy presentations is senior gaming. Do a search on YouTube for “senior” and “Wii” and you’ll see what we mean. It’s an area where we think some serious academic research might come up with some really compelling statistics in favor of motion control (if you’re doing such research, we’d love to talk to you).

We just came across another article today, this one from the Connecticut Republican-American newspaper is a great example of what’s happening in the senior’s market. Money quote:

“I haven’t bowled in years,” she said. “This is so exciting.”

She wasn’t talking about a new bowling lane at the senior center. Groth is part of a growing number of seniors who are playing the Nintendo Wii game system, which is also popular among children and teens. It requires players to make arm and sometimes leg motions in order to see results on the screen. Senior centers all over the state, including those in Beacon Falls and Torrington, as well as rehabilitation facilities, are purchasing the systems for their patrons. The Lions Club in Woodbury is donating one to the new senior center in that town.

If you need to be convinced about the cross-generational appeal of motion, we suggest you drop by your local senior center too.