Empowering independence through inclusive design
Over the course of ten weeks I was tasked with the opportunity to design 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.
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.
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.
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
PERSONAS
We developed user personas to understand our target audience based on the 6 participants we interviewed who were 65-80 year old immigrants with limited English proficiency. These personas helped us identify key pain points, motivations, and technology usage patterns to inform our design decisions.
ITERATION
Below are the early prototype screens that showcase our initial Lyft-inspired approach. Notice the pink branding, text-heavy interface, and traditional ride-sharing layout that we later identified as barriers for our target audience.
Key Changes for Final Prototype
Changing the color to something less jarring
Making the interface less text heavy for better accessibility
Making voice assistance more prominent with clearer imagery that could be easily conveyed
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
Try out the UpLyft voice-assisted ridesharing experience. Click through the prototype to see how older adults can easily book rides using voice commands and simplified interactions.
💡 Click and interact with the prototype above to experience the voice-assisted interface
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.
jacqueline.
