REFLECTION
Challenges
Hinges on the capabilities of AI
Finding balance between instruction and information simplification
Safety concerns
Next Steps
Apply the application to other devices
Adapting development with user testing and voice assistance
To enhance family and caregiver features
This project taught me the importance of inclusive design and how technology can empower underserved communities. Moving forward, I will continue to prioritize accessibility and user-centered research in my design process, ensuring that solutions are not just innovative, but truly beneficial for all users regardless of their technical expertise or background.
FINAL PROTOTYPE & KEY FEATURES
After incorporating feedback and accessibility insights, we developed a voice-first interface that prioritizes simplicity and independence for older adults. The final design features a calming color palette, reduced text complexity, and prominent voice assistance.
Key Features
ITERATION
In the early stages of prototyping, we initially anticipated a redesign of Lyft to create a voice assistance that would be easier to use for older adults navigating through ride sharing, hence why we used the pink coloring and similar design. However, we later learned through interview feedback as well as feedback from professors/classmates that the interface felt too similar to the design that already exists and it didn't feel like a change was made for the target audience and there was too much text to be less confusing.
Key Changes for Final Prototype
Color changing to a more soothing color to the eye
Making it less text heavy for better accessibility
Making voice assistance more prominent with clearer imagery that could be easily conveyed
PERSONAS
We developed user personas to understand our target audience based on the 6 participants we interviewed who were between the ages of 65-80 years old and were immigrants with limited English proficiency. These personas helped us identify key pain points, motivations, and technology usage patterns to inform our design decisions.
KEY RESEARCH INSIGHTS
Older adults prefer simple interfaces
Proactive reminders and verbal prompts help ease into technology
Older adults are concerned about their safety while using digital applications
Easy access to transportation promotes independence, reducing constant reliance on family/caregivers
PROBLEM STATEMENT
How might older adults with language barriers and limited tech experience use voice assistance to request ride share services so they can maintain their independence?
SOLUTION APPROACH
A voice-first interface that prioritizes accessibility, multilingual support, and simplified interactions to restore independence and confidence in transportation choices.
CONTEXT
Understanding the barriers older adults face with modern technology
older adults find learning new tech challenging
older adults rely on caregivers for support
Older adults face vision impairments, cognitive challenges, and language barriers, making it difficult to navigate complex digital tools.
UpLyft
UI/UX, RESEARCH, PROTOTYPING
A comprehensive design project for INFO360 focused on designing a voice-assisted ridesharing solution for older adults facing language barriers and limited tech experience. Created an inclusive interface that prioritizes independence through multilingual voice commands and simplified user flows.
UpLyft, 2024
A voice-assisted ridesharing solution for older adults facing language barriers and limited tech experience.
