Silvia Mejía.

Silvia Mejía.

Digital Cane

Virtual Ecosystem for Active Aging

UX/UI Project 2023

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*Digital Cane Promotional Video


Overview.

The technology has advanced and improved communication channels, but it has not been designed with the elderly in mind. The elderly face challenges such as health issues, difficulty hearing on the phone, small font sizes, sensitive touch screens, difficulty finding contacts, and a variety of phone models. They also have to remember multiple steps and information to make a call, which can be challenging for those with memory loss.

Therefore, there is a vital need for good communication that allows for easy interaction and requesting of help. However, there is no easy-to-use communication channel for elderly people, especially for those living alone.

As a result, a hypothesis was formed that we need good communication that can easily support and help the elderly, but there is no easy-to-use communication channel, for elderly people that meets their specific needs. A UI project could focus on designing a communication platform that caters to the elderly's unique challenges and helps them easily connect with others and receive assistance.

My Role: UX/UI
Tools: Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Canva.

Problem.

Elderly adults and their caregivers face helplessness in the digital age due to a lack of effective communication and coordination of their needs with their support network, which limits their independence and well-being.

*Wireframes

Goals.

  • To design an intuitive and easy-to-use communication platform that connects the elderly with their support network, enabling them to communicate and interact more effectively.
  • To create a user-friendly interface that addresses the unique needs of the elderly, such as large fonts, simple navigation, and touch-friendly controls.
  • To develop a platform that allows the elderly and their support network to manage their medication reminders in a seamless and organized way.
  • To provide a platform that enables the support network to easily monitor the elderly's well-being and quickly respond to any issues or emergencies.
  • To ensure the platform is accessible to elderly individuals across different socioeconomic backgrounds and geographic locations.
  • To incorporate security measures that protect the elderly's privacy and prevent unauthorized access to their personal information.
  • To provide a simple and intuitive shopping space for products and services focused on the elderly.

Process.

Users.

  1. Our persona is an elderly person from a good socioeconomic position and stable health conditions.
  2. The person with the role of a family member or caregiver who is part of their support network, led by their caregiver or guardian.
  3. Additionally, a commercial audience focused on advertising and selling services and products aimed at the elderly, who are willing to advertise their products, is also included.

Quantitative Research and Insights.

  • The coffee axis region in Colombia has a significant population of older adults, representing 55.7% of the total.
  • A high percentage (95.97%) of older adults in Colombia are affiliated with the social security system, indicating significant coverage and institutional support.
  • Leveraging mobile technology and digital platforms is crucial, as 95.1% of individuals over 60 years old in Colombia use cell phones to access the internet.
  • The most common age range among older adults is 60 to 69 years, followed by those aged 70 to 74 years.
  • Non-adherence to medical treatment is a significant issue, with 62.4% of individuals aged 65 and older failing to comply, primarily due to medication forgetting.
  • A considerable portion (49.3%) of older adults have achieved only primary education, but the majority (84.6%) possess basic reading and writing skills.

New Design.

I have crafted a brand design along with a purpose-built application for SENIOR CITIZENS, providing them with a seamless connection to a user-friendly platform tailored specifically to their needs. This innovative application offers a range of benefits, including:
  • Effortless interaction with their support network, fostering meaningful connections and ensuring accessible communication channels.
  • Streamlined medication management, empowering seniors to easily record their daily doses either independently or with the assistance of their caregivers. This feature enhances treatment adherence and minimizes the risk of accidental overmedication.
  • Access to a dedicated community space, thoughtfully curated to cater to their unique interests and concerns. Here, they can discover valuable services and engaging content, promoting an enriched quality of life while preserving a sense of usefulness and independence.

It is essential to highlight that even for self-reliant individuals, the application allows them to assume the role of their own caregiver and facilitator, granting them full control and autonomy.


Principal redesigned pages.


  • Log In
  • Home
  • Chat Section
  • Medicine Tracker
  • Shop Section

*Digital Cane Navigation


*Log in and Home Design


*Chat Section

*Medicine Tracker

*Shop Access

*Features

Results. 

During the initial testing stage, our platform received an overwhelming response from older adults in urban areas of major Colombian cities. We recorded an impressive number of 700 requests, indicating a high level of user interest and engagement. This substantial volume of requests showcases the demand for a solution that addresses the coordination and management of older adults' needs. These promising results demonstrate the potential impact and relevance of our platform in fulfilling the requirements of this target audience.
 
As we progress in our project, we want to emphasize that we are continuously iterating and making adjustments to ensure the development of a robust platform that effectively meets our clients' needs. We recognize the importance of adaptability and responsiveness in creating a solution that truly addresses the challenges faced by older adults.

Through ongoing feedback and user interactions, we are actively refining our platform to enhance its functionality, usability, and overall user experience. This iterative approach allows us to incorporate valuable insights and make necessary improvements to deliver a high-quality solution.

By embracing a continuous improvement mindset, we are committed to building a platform that not only meets but exceeds our clients' expectations. Our dedication to constant refinement ensures that we are on the path to developing a strong and impactful solution for older adults.

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