where connection meets care—helping seniors prioritize their well-being while building meaningful connections.
where connection meets care—helping seniors prioritize their well-being while building meaningful connections.
where connection meets care—helping seniors prioritize their well-being while building meaningful connections.
Heal
Heal
Heal
The pandemic deepened the sense of isolation among seniors, highlighting the urgent need for accessible, user-friendly digital spaces. Heal was designed to bridge this gap, empowering older adults to foster meaningful connections while prioritizing their well-being. The platform aims to close the digital divide, ensuring that seniors can confidently engage and thrive in an increasingly connected world.
The pandemic deepened the sense of isolation among seniors, highlighting the urgent need for accessible, user-friendly digital spaces. Heal was designed to bridge this gap, empowering older adults to foster meaningful connections while prioritizing their well-being. The platform aims to close the digital divide, ensuring that seniors can confidently engage and thrive in an increasingly connected world.
The pandemic deepened the sense of isolation among seniors, highlighting the urgent need for accessible, user-friendly digital spaces. Heal was designed to bridge this gap, empowering older adults to foster meaningful connections while prioritizing their well-being. The platform aims to close the digital divide, ensuring that seniors can confidently engage and thrive in an increasingly connected world.
Designing an app for retired adults: why
Based on existing research on older adults + technology:
In 2020, the pandemic drove many older adults to adopt technology to stay connected with their family and friends.
The 60+ population is rapidly growing, projected to reach 1.6 billion by 2050 (16% of the global population), with significant growth in the 85+ and centenarian demographics. (UXAPJournal, 2024)
“By 2030, the 50-plus market is projected to swell to 132 million people who are expected to spend on average $108 billion annually on tech products.” (AARP, 2022)"
Project breakdown
Explore the Figjam board for each clickable phase of the project
This project followed the Double Diamond methodology through Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver phases.
In the Discover phase, I laid the groundwork with user research, competitive analysis, and visual inspiration. Define focused on synthesizing insights into actionable items, using tools like empathy maps, personas, and journey maps.
During Develop, I structured the experience with user flows, information architecture, and prototypes, while conducting stress tests and prioritizing features using the MoSCoW matrix. Accessibility was a key consideration in the design system.
Finally, in the Deliver phase, I refined the user experience with tailored onboarding flows for new and recurrent users, validating the design through usability testing.
Through in-depth user interviews and research, one insight stood out—every participant had experienced an online scam or a similar negative event. This created a deep sense of vulnerability and distrust, reinforcing their reluctance to engage with digital platforms.
By empathizing with their fears and mapping their behaviors, we uncovered the key barriers to technology adoption and social connection, setting the foundation for designing a solution that feels safe, intuitive, and truly supportive.
With the design system in place and usability insights guiding every detail, this phase focuses on bringing the experience to life. High-fidelity prototypes capture the final interactions, ensuring accessibility, and a sense of trust for both new and returning users.
Every design choice, from typography to persistent support features, was refined to reduce cognitive load in order to foster positive engagement.
Beyond the product, this phase also looks ahead into the future; because in the end, what truly matters is connection—the right to feel seen, heard, and included.
With the design system in place and usability insights guiding every detail, this phase focuses on bringing the experience to life. High-fidelity prototypes capture the final interactions, ensuring accessibility, and a sense of trust for both new and returning users.
Every design choice, from typography to persistent support features, was refined to reduce cognitive load in order to foster positive engagement.
Beyond the product, this phase also looks ahead into the future; because in the end, what truly matters is connection—the right to feel seen, heard, and included.
Discover
Deliver
Deliver
Through in-depth user interviews and research, one insight stood out—every participant had experienced an online scam or a similar negative event. This created a deep sense of vulnerability and distrust, reinforcing their reluctance to engage with digital platforms.
By empathizing with their fears and mapping their behaviors, we uncovered the key barriers to technology adoption and social connection, setting the foundation for designing a solution that feels safe, intuitive, and truly supportive.
Define
With clear priorities in place, I translated insights into structured user flows, mid-fidelity prototypes, and iterative testing to refine Heal´s overall UX. Usability studies shaped critical adjustments—ensuring accessibility settings were easily discoverable and help features remained persistent across key screens.
To ensure an intuitive experience, I also explored industry-standard design patterns for onboarding, security, and accessibility.
This phase bridges research with execution, setting the stage for the design system, where typography, color contrast, and interactive components will be refined to create an inclusive, scalable, and cohesive interface.
Develop
Through in-depth user interviews and research, one insight stood out—every participant had experienced an online scam or a similar negative event. This created a deep sense of vulnerability and distrust, reinforcing their reluctance to engage with digital platforms.
By empathizing with their fears and mapping their behaviors, we uncovered the key barriers to technology adoption and social connection, setting the foundation for designing a solution that feels safe, intuitive, and truly supportive.
Discover
Project breakdown
This project followed the Double Diamond methodology through Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver phases.
In the Discover phase, I laid the groundwork with user research, competitive analysis, and visual inspiration. Define focused on synthesizing insights into actionable items, using tools like empathy maps, personas, and journey maps.
During Develop, I structured the experience with user flows, information architecture, and prototypes, while conducting stress tests and prioritizing features using the MoSCoW matrix. Accessibility was a key consideration in the design system.
Finally, in the Deliver phase, I refined the user experience with tailored onboarding flows for new and recurrent users, validating the design through usability testing.
Discover: To understand the problem
Define: Understand the user and its needs
Develop: Explore potential solutions
Deliver: Implement and refine the solution
Project breakdown
This project followed the Double Diamond methodology through Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver phases.
In the Discover phase, I laid the groundwork with user research, competitive analysis, and visual inspiration. Define focused on synthesizing insights into actionable items, using tools like empathy maps, personas, and journey maps.
During Develop, I structured the experience with user flows, information architecture, and prototypes, while conducting stress tests and prioritizing features using the MoSCoW matrix. Accessibility was a key consideration in the design system.
Finally, in the Deliver phase, I refined the user experience with tailored onboarding flows for new and recurrent users, validating the design through usability testing.
Discover: Understand the problem
Define: Understand the user and its needs
Develop: Explore potential solutions
Deliver: Implement and refine the solution
Project breakdown
This project followed the Double Diamond methodology through Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver phases.
In the Discover phase, I laid the groundwork with user research, competitive analysis, and visual inspiration. Define focused on synthesizing insights into actionable items, using tools like empathy maps, personas, and journey maps.
During Develop, I structured the experience with user flows, information architecture, and prototypes, while conducting stress tests and prioritizing features using the MoSCoW matrix. Accessibility was a key consideration in the design system.
Finally, in the Deliver phase, I refined the user experience with tailored onboarding flows for new and recurrent users, validating the design through usability testing.
Designing an app for retired adults: why
Based on existing research on older adults + technology:
In 2020, the pandemic drove many older adults to adopt technology to stay connected with their family and friends.
The 60+ population is rapidly growing, projected to reach 1.6 billion by 2050 (16% of the global population), with significant growth in the 85+ and centenarian demographics. (UXAPJournal, 2024)
“By 2030, the 50-plus market is projected to swell to 132 million people who are expected to spend on average $108 billion annually on tech products.” (AARP, 2022)
Designing an app for
retired adults: why
Based on existing research on older adults + technology:
In 2020, the pandemic drove many older adults to adopt technology to stay connected with their family and friends.
The 60+ population is rapidly growing, projected to reach 1.6 billion by 2050 (16% of the global population), with significant growth in the 85+ and centenarian demographics. (UXAPJournal, 2024)
“By 2030, the 50-plus market is projected to swell to 132 million people who are expected to spend on average $108 billion annually on tech products.” (AARP, 2022)
Designing an app for
retired adults: why
Based on existing research on older adults + technology:
In 2020, the pandemic drove many older adults to adopt technology to stay connected with their family and friends.
The 60+ population is rapidly growing, projected to reach 1.6 billion by 2050 (16% of the global population), with significant growth in the 85+ and centenarian demographics. (UXAPJournal, 2024)
“By 2030, the 50-plus market is projected to swell to 132 million people who are expected to spend on average $108 billion annually on tech products.” (AARP, 2022)
My findings:
Understanding senior technology experiences
Through 7 in-depth user interviews with individuals over 60; it was revealed that every single participant had experienced an online scam or a similar unfortunate event.
This created a digital barrier amongst seniors, even as they acknowledged the potential benefits of digital connection.
LA AMO TANTISIMO
A LA BEBE DE MUNDO
ES VIDA GRANDE
ES AMOR CHIQUIVEBE
LA AMO TANTISIMO
A LA BEBE DE MUNDO
ES VIDA GRANDE
ES AMOR CHIQUIVEBE
LA AMO TANTISIMO
A LA BEBE DE MUNDO
ES VIDA GRANDE
ES AMOR CHIQUIVEBE
Seniors & tech:
Seeking safety, support and connection
Through affinity mapping I focused on understanding the users main barrier when confronted with technology. This shared feeling was my main starting point for delivering something that could solve the both the scam problem and the isolation faced by senior adults.
This also helped me to understand what do senior adults do and want when confronted with technology.
What they do:
They just approach both the device and technology without previous knowledge.
They become fearful which eventually leads them to a negative spiral loop which can lead them to taking bad online decisions.
What they want:
To have a safe space with real people facing their same context and overall life situation.
To have have the certainty that they can rely on other people.
User research revealed a clear challenge: older adults see digital spaces as risky and untrustworthy, reinforcing their social isolation. To bridge this gap, I synthesized insights into personas, user journeys, and competitive benchmarking, identifying core barriers and opportunities.
This phase focused on prioritizing product goals that ensure accessibility, security, and ease of use, laying the foundation for an intuitive and trustworthy experience.
Define
Discover
User Persona development
The research revealed three primary user profiles, each requiring a unique approach based on their specific needs and attitudes.
To represent these profiles, we developed detailed user personas:
1. individuals facing depression and seeking connection
those resistant to technology
users who were indifferent
These archetypes, allowed for a user-centered platform that addresses the emotional and practical needs of a broad spectrum of seniors.
How user stories shaped actionable design solutions
User stories helped in giving more concrete form to important design decisions, ensuring the platform addressed seniors´ social and emotional needs.
Since social routines matter, the recurrent calendar radio events with smart reminders are expected to make digital gathering effortless.
Since trust needs to be built in first, not only a safe onboarding flow will help but also community driven verification boards will verify every user.
Since purposeful engagement is key to retention the app will act as a social hub, encouraging meaningful interactions amongst the community.
How might we design a secure, accessible & engaging platform for seniors?
After conducting user research, competitive analysis, and mapping key pain points, it became clear that technology’s biggest barrier for seniors isn’t just usability—it’s trust and accessibility.
By synthesizing insights and benchmarking against existing solutions, I prioritized three core product goals to shape the MVP.
1
accessibility as a standard, not a feature
2
security to overcome digital hesitation
3
purpose driven social engagement
With clear priorities in place, I translated insights into structured user flows, mid-fidelity prototypes, and iterative testing to refine Heal´s overall UX. Usability studies shaped critical adjustments—ensuring accessibility settings were easily discoverable and help features remained persistent across key screens.
To ensure an intuitive experience, I also explored industry-standard design patterns for onboarding, security, and accessibility.
This phase bridges research with execution, setting the stage for the design system, where typography, color contrast, and interactive components will be refined to create an inclusive, scalable, and cohesive interface.
Develop
Define
Prioritizing sitemap for usability testing
Prioritizing sitemap for
usability testing
Prioritizing sitemap for usability testing
To ensure a seamless and accessible experience for seniors, I prioritized the sitemap for usability testing, identifying key areas for iteration while de-emphasizing non-critical sections in grey. I designed a structured onboarding user flow, mapping essential touchpoints through a prioritization matrix focused on safety and accessibility—ensuring intuitive account setup, guided feature introductions, and clear verification steps.
To ensure a seamless and accessible experience for seniors, I prioritized the sitemap for usability testing, identifying key areas for iteration while de-emphasizing non-critical sections in grey. I designed a structured onboarding user flow, mapping essential touchpoints through a prioritization matrix focused on safety and accessibility—ensuring intuitive account setup, guided feature introductions, and clear verification steps.
To ensure a seamless and accessible experience for seniors, I prioritized the sitemap for usability testing, identifying key areas for iteration while de-emphasizing non-critical sections in grey. I designed a structured onboarding user flow, mapping essential touchpoints through a prioritization matrix focused on safety and accessibility—ensuring intuitive account setup, guided feature introductions, and clear verification steps.
To enhance clarity, I implemented color-coded critical usability touchpoints and action-driven markers, highlighting interactions that require extra user support or cognitive effort.
This layered approach allowed me to optimize the core flows, reinforcing trust, security, and ease of navigation to create a frictionless user experience.
To enhance clarity, I implemented color-coded critical usability touchpoints and action-driven markers, highlighting interactions that require extra user support or cognitive effort.
This layered approach allowed me to optimize the core flows, reinforcing trust, security, and ease of navigation to create a frictionless user experience.
To enhance clarity, I implemented color-coded critical usability touchpoints and action-driven markers, highlighting interactions that require extra user support or cognitive effort.
This layered approach allowed me to optimize the core flows, reinforcing trust, security, and ease of navigation to create a frictionless user experience.
Inspiration to prototype
To create an intuitive and familiar interface, I began by analyzing existing design patterns, prioritizing accessibility and security. This ensured predictable interactions, empowering seniors to navigate the platform confidently.
I concentrated on three essential user experiences: a personalized onboarding process; clear, accessible community guidelines and identity verification for user safety; and customizable navigation controls for accessibility.
This research made organic my wireframing process; since it helped me to maintain consistency through iteration by following design best practices.
Testing MVP values in case of a possible onboarding dropout continuing to settings page
Testing core values: usability, safety & accessibility in the onboarding flow
The usability test conducted with 5 participants provided critical insights into the onboarding flow, emphasizing the importance of accessibility, safety, and usability for senior users. I prioritized the following key areas during the testing process:
🔵 Accessibility Touchpoints:
Ensuring users could easily adjust settings for their needs.
🔴 Safety & Verification:
Confirming the clarity of our community guidelines and verification process.
🟢 Critical Usability:
Focusing on the intuitiveness of key actions like editing profiles, requesting help, and finding preferences.
The personas tested included individuals facing depression and seeking connection, those resistant to technology, and users who were indifferent. We wanted to evaluate how these different user groups interacted with the flow—particularly after skipping the onboarding and jumping directly to the settings page. The goal was to test how easily they could make necessary adjustments, find support, and ultimately feel safe within the community. The following graphic summarizes the key findings and presents the critical touchpoints we tested in alignment with their needs.
The usability test conducted with 5 participants provided critical insights into the onboarding flow, emphasizing the importance of accessibility, safety, and usability for senior users. I prioritized the following key areas during the testing process:
🔵 Accessibility Touchpoints:
Ensuring users could easily adjust settings for their needs.
🔴 Safety & Verification:
Confirming the clarity of our community guidelines and verification process.
🟢 Critical Usability:
Focusing on the intuitiveness of key actions like editing profiles, requesting help, and finding preferences.
The personas tested included individuals facing depression and seeking connection, those resistant to technology, and users who were indifferent. We wanted to evaluate how these different user groups interacted with the flow—particularly after skipping the onboarding and jumping directly to the settings page. The goal was to test how easily they could make necessary adjustments, find support, and ultimately feel safe within the community. The following graphic summarizes the key findings and presents the critical touchpoints we tested in alignment with their needs.
Mapping user journeys
I mapped the journeys of my three user personas—the isolated, the tech-resistant, and the neutral—to identify key accessibility and safety challenges. This helped me refine the platform’s usability by addressing emotional and functional barriers. Visualizing these paths ensured an inclusive experience, empowering all seniors to navigate HEAL with confidence.
awareness
consideration
engagement
service
loyalty
emotions
actions
pain points
opportunities
open to interaction
normalization
stigma
eager to learn
reconsideration
reconsideration
no accessibility
digital block anti tech
digital block anti tech
lack of app know-how
drop out possibility
bubble follows
not voice over
tries it out, engages
none
overall great ux
bad previous expnce
entry barrier
self-aid help
not willing to
not open to change
resistant but might
low interest
technology clash
ui/ux appeal
chat assistance helped
lack of clarity
emotions
willing to try it
complex emotions
not interested
open to the topic
apathy
not open to it
tech entry barrier
shame
no actions yet
block towards e-users
community apathy
begins using it
great help
pretty ok overall
still not very loyal
not so favorable chat
critical self unworthy
My findings:
Understanding senior technology experiences
Through 7 in-depth user interviews with individuals over 60; it was revealed that every single participant had experienced an online scam or a similar unfortunate event.
This created a digital barrier amongst seniors, even as they acknowledged the potential benefits of digital connection.
LA AMO TANTISIMO
A LA BEBE DE MUNDO
ES VIDA GRANDE
ES AMOR CHIQUIVEBE
LA AMO TANTISIMO
A LA BEBE DE MUNDO
ES VIDA GRANDE
ES AMOR CHIQUIVEBE
LA AMO TANTISIMO
A LA BEBE DE MUNDO
ES VIDA GRANDE
ES AMOR CHIQUIVEBE
User Persona development
The research revealed three primary user profiles, each requiring a unique approach based on their specific needs and attitudes.
To represent these profiles, we developed detailed user personas:
1. individuals facing depression and seeking connection
those resistant to technology
users who were indifferent
These archetypes, allowed for a user-centered platform that addresses the emotional and practical needs of a broad spectrum of seniors.
My findings:
Understanding senior
technology experiences
Through 7 in-depth user interviews with individuals over 60; it was revealed that every single participant had experienced an online scam or a similar unfortunate event.
This created a digital barrier amongst seniors, even as they acknowledged the potential benefits of digital connection.
User Persona development
The research revealed three primary user profiles, each requiring a unique approach based on their specific needs and attitudes.
To represent these profiles, we developed detailed user personas:
1. individuals facing depression and seeking connection
those resistant to technology
users who were indifferent
These archetypes, allowed for a user-centered platform that addresses the emotional and practical needs of a broad spectrum of seniors.
Mapping user journeys
I mapped the journeys of my three user personas—the isolated, the tech-resistant, and the neutral—to identify key accessibility and safety challenges. This helped me refine the platform’s usability by addressing emotional and functional barriers. Visualizing these paths ensured an inclusive experience, empowering all seniors to navigate HEAL with confidence.
Inspiration to prototype
To create an intuitive and familiar interface, I began by analyzing existing design patterns, prioritizing accessibility and security. This ensured predictable interactions, empowering seniors to navigate the platform confidently.
I concentrated on three essential user experiences: a personalized onboarding process; clear, accessible community guidelines and identity verification for user safety; and customizable navigation controls for accessibility.
This research made organic my wireframing process; since it helped me to maintain consistency through iteration by following design best practices.
How might we design a
secure, accessible & engaging
platform for seniors?
After conducting user research, competitive analysis, and mapping key pain points, it became clear that technology’s biggest barrier for seniors isn’t just usability—it’s trust and accessibility.
By synthesizing insights and benchmarking against existing solutions, I prioritized three core product goals to shape the MVP.
1
accessibility as a standard, not a feature
2
security to overcome digital hesitation
3
purpose driven social engagement
Prioritizing sitemap for usability testing
To ensure a seamless and accessible experience for seniors, I prioritized the sitemap for usability testing, identifying key areas for iteration while de-emphasizing non-critical sections in grey. I designed a structured onboarding user flow, mapping essential touchpoints through a prioritization matrix focused on safety and accessibility—ensuring intuitive account setup, guided feature introductions, and clear verification steps.
To enhance clarity, I implemented color-coded critical usability touchpoints and action-driven markers, highlighting interactions that require extra user support or cognitive effort.
This layered approach allowed me to optimize the core flows, reinforcing trust, security, and ease of navigation to create a frictionless user experience.
User Persona development
The research revealed three primary user profiles, each requiring a unique approach based on their specific needs and attitudes.
To represent these profiles, we developed detailed user personas:
1. individuals facing depression and seeking connection
those resistant to technology
users who were indifferent
These archetypes, allowed for a user-centered platform that addresses the emotional and practical needs of a broad spectrum of seniors.
Testing core values: usability, safety & accessibility in the onboarding flow
The usability test conducted with 5 participants provided critical insights into the onboarding flow, emphasizing the importance of accessibility, safety, and usability for senior users. I prioritized the following key areas during the testing process:
🔵 Accessibility Touchpoints:
Ensuring users could easily adjust settings for their needs.
🔴 Safety & Verification:
Confirming the clarity of our community guidelines and verification process.
🟢 Critical Usability:
Focusing on the intuitiveness of key actions like editing profiles, requesting help, and finding preferences.
The personas tested included individuals facing depression and seeking connection, those resistant to technology, and users who were indifferent. We wanted to evaluate how these different user groups interacted with the flow—particularly after skipping the onboarding and jumping directly to the settings page. The goal was to test how easily they could make necessary adjustments, find support, and ultimately feel safe within the community. The following graphic summarizes the key findings and presents the critical touchpoints we tested in alignment with their needs.
How might we design a secure, accessible & engaging platform for seniors?
After conducting user research, competitive analysis, and mapping key pain points, it became clear that technology’s biggest barrier for seniors isn’t just usability—it’s trust and accessibility.
By synthesizing insights and benchmarking against existing solutions, I prioritized three core product goals to shape the MVP.
1
accessibility as a standard, not a feature
2
security to overcome digital hesitation
3
purpose driven social engagement
My learnings
I learned that researching existing studies before conducting user interviews helps narrow the scope and develop a stronger hypothesis, while revisiting research after testing aids in refining content and identifying key competitors.
Most importantly, I realized that bridging technology to those who need it most goes beyond usability—it’s about trust, dignity, and human connection. Seniors aren’t just looking for accessible platforms; they’re looking for a sense of belonging. Designing with empathy means not only simplifying interactions but also fostering an environment where users feel safe, seen, and supported.
Testing core values:
usability, safety & accessibility
in the onboarding flow
The usability test conducted with 5 participants provided critical insights into the onboarding flow, emphasizing the importance of accessibility, safety, and usability for senior users. I prioritized the following key areas during the testing process:
🔵 Accessibility Touchpoints:
Ensuring users could easily adjust settings for their needs.
🔴 Safety & Verification:
Confirming the clarity of our community guidelines and verification process.
🟢 Critical Usability:
Focusing on the intuitiveness of key actions like editing profiles, requesting help, and finding preferences.
Seniors & tech:
Seeking safety, support and connection
Through affinity mapping I focused on understanding the users main barrier when confronted with technology. This shared feeling was my main starting point for delivering something that could solve the both the scam problem and the isolation faced by senior adults.
This also helped me to understand what do senior adults do and want when confronted with technology.
What they do:
They just approach both the device and technology without previous knowledge.
They become fearful which eventually leads them to a negative spiral loop which can lead them to taking bad online decisions.
What they want:
To have a safe space with real people facing their same context and overall life situation.
To have have the certainty that they can rely on other people.
Seniors & tech:
Seeking safety, support
and connection
Through affinity mapping I focused on understanding the users main barrier when confronted with technology. This shared feeling was my main starting point for delivering something that could solve the both the scam problem and the isolation faced by senior adults.
This also helped me to understand what do senior adults do and want when confronted with technology.
What they do:
They just approach both the device and technology without previous knowledge.
They become fearful which eventually leads them to a negative spiral loop which can lead them to taking bad online decisions.
What they want:
To have a safe space with real people facing their same context and overall life situation.
To have have the certainty that they can rely on other people.
How user stories shaped
actionable design solutions
User stories helped in giving more concrete form to important design decisions, ensuring the platform addressed seniors´ social and emotional needs.
Since social routines matter, the recurrent calendar radio events with smart reminders are expected to make digital gathering effortless.
Since trust needs to be built in first, not only a safe onboarding flow will help but also community driven verification boards will verify every user.
Since purposeful engagement is key to retention the app will act as a social hub, encouraging meaningful interactions amongst the community.
How user stories shaped
actionable design solutions
User stories helped in giving more concrete form to important design decisions, ensuring the platform addressed seniors´ social and emotional needs.
Since social routines matter, the recurrent calendar radio events with smart reminders are expected to make digital gathering effortless.
Since trust needs to be built in first, not only a safe onboarding flow will help but also community driven verification boards will verify every user.
Since purposeful engagement is key to retention the app will act as a social hub, encouraging meaningful interactions amongst the community.
How might we design a secure, accessible & engaging platform for seniors?
After conducting user research, competitive analysis, and mapping key pain points, it became clear that technology’s biggest barrier for seniors isn’t just usability—it’s trust and accessibility.
By synthesizing insights and benchmarking against existing solutions, I prioritized three core product goals to shape the MVP.
1
accessibility as a standard, not a feature
2
security to overcome digital hesitation
3
purpose driven social engagement
Inspiration to prototype
To create an intuitive and familiar interface, I began by analyzing existing design patterns, prioritizing accessibility and security. This ensured predictable interactions, empowering seniors to navigate the platform confidently.
I concentrated on three essential user experiences: a personalized onboarding process; clear, accessible community guidelines and identity verification for user safety; and customizable navigation controls for accessibility.
This research made organic my wireframing process; since it helped me to maintain consistency through iteration by following design best practices.
Mapping user journeys
I mapped the journeys of my three user personas—the isolated, the tech-resistant, and the neutral—to identify key accessibility and safety challenges. This helped me refine the platform’s usability by addressing emotional and functional barriers. Visualizing these paths ensured an inclusive experience, empowering all seniors to navigate HEAL with confidence.
awareness
consideration
engagement
service
loyalty
emotions
actions
pain points
opportunities
open to interaction
normalization
stigma
eager to learn
reconsideration
reconsideration
no accessibility
digital block anti tech
digital block anti tech
lack of app know-how
drop out possibility
bubble follows
not voice over
tries it out, engages
none
overall great ux
bad previous expnce
entry barrier
self-aid help
not willing to
not open to change
resistant but might
low interest
technology clash
ui/ux appeal
chat assistance helped
lack of clarity
emotions
willing to try it
complex emotions
not interested
open to the topic
apathy
not open to it
tech entry barrier
shame
no actions yet
block towards e-users
community apathy
begins using it
great help
pretty ok overall
still not very loyal
not so favorable chat
critical self unworthy
Prioritization for Iteration & A/B Testing: Every change was informed by user insights to enhance accessibility, safety, and ease of navigation.
Take a look at my MoSCoW matrix for priority revisions.
Prioritization for Iteration & A/B Testing: Every change was informed by user insights to enhance accessibility, safety, and ease of navigation.
Take a look at my MoSCoW matrix for priority revisions.
Design & Accessibility
Design & Accessibility
Design & Accessibility
Building on insights from usability testing and A/B revisions, I refined HEAL’s design system with accessibility, clarity, and emotional resonance at its core. This phase ensures that typography, color, and branding elements align with the platform’s mission—creating a seamless, inclusive experience for seniors. The brand identity, carefully crafted with user input, reinforces trust and familiarity while maintaining a modern, intuitive interface.
Building on insights from usability testing and A/B revisions, I refined HEAL’s design system with accessibility, clarity, and emotional resonance at its core. This phase ensures that typography, color, and branding elements align with the platform’s mission—creating a seamless, inclusive experience for seniors. The brand identity, carefully crafted with user input, reinforces trust and familiarity while maintaining a modern, intuitive interface.
Building on insights from usability testing and A/B revisions, I refined HEAL’s design system with accessibility, clarity, and emotional resonance at its core. This phase ensures that typography, color, and branding elements align with the platform’s mission—creating a seamless, inclusive experience for seniors. The brand identity, carefully crafted with user input, reinforces trust and familiarity while maintaining a modern, intuitive interface.
Accessibility-driven
Design System
Accessibility-driven
Design System
Accessibility-driven
Design System
Color Contrast: Every color combination within the brand palette was tested for contrast to meet WCAG´s AAA contrast criteria, ensuring readability and visibility across different backgrounds and text sizes.
Touch Targets: To support ease of interaction, all touch targets are a minimum of 48 by 48 px, with key actions spanning the width of the screen where possible. This ensures comfortable navigation, reducing frustration for users with motor impairments.
Color-Blind Safe: The brand palette was also analyzed for color blind conflicts, ensuring that no essential information is conveyed using color alone. This makes HEAL’s interface accessible to users with different types of color blindness.
Color Contrast: Every color combination within the brand palette was tested for contrast to meet WCAG´s AAA contrast criteria, ensuring readability and visibility across different backgrounds and text sizes.
Touch Targets: To support ease of interaction, all touch targets are a minimum of 48 by 48 px, with key actions spanning the width of the screen where possible. This ensures comfortable navigation, reducing frustration for users with motor impairments.
Color-Blind Safe: The brand palette was also analyzed for color blind conflicts, ensuring that no essential information is conveyed using color alone. This makes HEAL’s interface accessible to users with different types of color blindness.
Color Contrast: Every color combination within the brand palette was tested for contrast to meet WCAG´s AAA contrast criteria, ensuring readability and visibility across different backgrounds and text sizes.
Touch Targets: To support ease of interaction, all touch targets are a minimum of 48 by 48 px, with key actions spanning the width of the screen where possible. This ensures comfortable navigation, reducing frustration for users with motor impairments.
Color-Blind Safe: The brand palette was also analyzed for color blind conflicts, ensuring that no essential information is conveyed using color alone. This makes HEAL’s interface accessible to users with different types of color blindness.
Design system incorporating accessibility considerations, built upon atomic design principles.
Take a look at my design system/UI kit via Figma
Design system incorporating accessibility considerations, built upon atomic design principles.
Take a look at my design system/UI kit via Figma
With the design system in place and usability insights guiding every detail, this phase focuses on bringing the experience to life. High-fidelity prototypes capture the final interactions, ensuring accessibility, and a sense of trust for both new and returning users.
Every design choice, from typography to persistent support features, was refined to reduce cognitive load in order to foster positive engagement.
Beyond the product, this phase also looks ahead into the future; because in the end, what truly matters is connection—the right to feel seen, heard, and included.
With clear priorities in place, I translated insights into structured user flows, mid-fidelity prototypes, and iterative testing to refine Heal´s overall UX. Usability studies shaped critical adjustments—ensuring accessibility settings were easily discoverable and help features remained persistent across key screens.
To ensure an intuitive experience, I also explored industry-standard design patterns for onboarding, security, and accessibility.
This phase bridges research with execution, setting the stage for the design system, where typography, color contrast, and interactive components will be refined to create an inclusive, scalable, and cohesive interface.
Deliver
Develop
New User Flow
This walkthrough highlights the onboarding experience, guiding users through a seamless verification and accessibility setup. From identity confirmation to personalizing preferences, every step ensures clarity, ease of use, and a secure introduction to HEAL.
Recurrent User Flow
This walkthrough illustrates the seamless experience of a returning user, emphasizing ease of navigation and quick access to essential features. With intuitive accessibility settings, users can effortlessly engage with their community, adjust preferences, and seek assistance when needed.
New User Flow
This walkthrough highlights the onboarding experience, guiding users through a seamless verification and accessibility setup. From identity confirmation to personalizing preferences, every step ensures clarity, ease of use, and a secure introduction to HEAL.
Recurrent User Flow
This walkthrough illustrates the seamless experience of a returning user, emphasizing ease of navigation and quick access to essential features. With intuitive accessibility settings, users can effortlessly engage with their community, adjust preferences, and seek assistance when needed.
New User Flow
This walkthrough highlights the onboarding experience, guiding users through a seamless verification and accessibility setup. From identity confirmation to personalizing preferences, every step ensures clarity, ease of use, and a secure introduction to HEAL.
Recurrent User Flow
This walkthrough illustrates the seamless experience of a returning user, emphasizing ease of navigation and quick access to essential features. With intuitive accessibility settings, users can effortlessly engage with their community, adjust preferences, and seek assistance when needed.
Final thoughts
Heal was designed to bridge the gap between seniors and digital social spaces by prioritizing safety, accessibility, and ease of use. From the onboarding experience to the recurrent user flow, each decision was rooted in research and user feedback, ensuring that the platform not only met usability standards but also addressed emotional and cognitive barriers.
For new users, the focus was on guidance and trust-building, with clear verification steps, accessibility settings upfront, and a structured yet flexible onboarding process. For returning users, HEAL ensured effortless navigation and ongoing support, making it easy to engage with the community, adjust preferences, and seek help when needed.
But in the end, it’s all about connection—something seniors not only want but have the right to have.
Final thoughts
Heal was designed to bridge the gap between seniors and digital social spaces by prioritizing safety, accessibility, and ease of use. From the onboarding experience to the recurrent user flow, each decision was rooted in research and user feedback, ensuring that the platform not only met usability standards but also addressed emotional and cognitive barriers.
For new users, the focus was on guidance and trust-building, with clear verification steps, accessibility settings upfront, and a structured yet flexible onboarding process. For returning users, HEAL ensured effortless navigation and ongoing support, making it easy to engage with the community, adjust preferences, and seek help when needed.
But in the end, it’s all about connection—something seniors not only want but have the right to have.
New User Flow
This walkthrough highlights the onboarding experience, guiding users through a seamless verification and accessibility setup. From identity confirmation to personalizing preferences, every step ensures clarity, ease of use, and a secure introduction to Heal.
Recurrent User Flow
This walkthrough illustrates the seamless experience of a returning user, emphasizing ease of navigation and quick access to essential features. With intuitive accessibility settings, users can effortlessly engage with their community, adjust preferences, and seek assistance when needed.
Final thoughts
Heal was designed to bridge the gap between seniors and digital social spaces by prioritizing safety, accessibility, and ease of use. From the onboarding experience to the recurrent user flow, each decision was rooted in research and user feedback, ensuring that the platform not only met usability standards but also addressed emotional and cognitive barriers.
For new users, the focus was on guidance and trust-building, with clear verification steps, accessibility settings upfront, and a structured yet flexible onboarding process. For returning users, HEAL ensured effortless navigation and ongoing support, making it easy to engage with the community, adjust preferences, and seek help when needed.
But in the end, it’s all about connection—something seniors not only want but have the right to have.
My learnings
I learned that researching existing studies before conducting user interviews helps narrow the scope and develop a stronger hypothesis, while revisiting research after testing aids in refining content and identifying key competitors.
Most importantly, I realized that bridging technology to those who need it most goes beyond usability—it’s about trust, dignity, and human connection. Seniors aren’t just looking for accessible platforms; they’re looking for a sense of belonging. Designing with empathy means not only simplifying interactions but also fostering an environment where users feel safe, seen, and supported.
My learnings
I learned that researching existing studies before conducting user interviews helps narrow the scope and develop a stronger hypothesis, while revisiting research after testing aids in refining content and identifying key competitors.
Most importantly, I realized that bridging technology to those who need it most goes beyond usability—it’s about trust, dignity, and human connection. Seniors aren’t just looking for accessible platforms; they’re looking for a sense of belonging. Designing with empathy means not only simplifying interactions but also fostering an environment where users feel safe, seen, and supported.
Final thoughts
Heal was designed to bridge the gap between seniors and digital social spaces by prioritizing safety, accessibility, and ease of use. From the onboarding experience to the recurrent user flow, each decision was rooted in research and user feedback, ensuring that the platform not only met usability standards but also addressed emotional and cognitive barriers.
For new users, the focus was on guidance and trust-building, with clear verification steps, accessibility settings upfront, and a structured yet flexible onboarding process. For returning users, HEAL ensured effortless navigation and ongoing support, making it easy to engage with the community, adjust preferences, and seek help when needed.
But in the end, it’s all about connection—something seniors not only want but have the right to have.
My learnings
I learned that researching existing studies before conducting user interviews helps narrow the scope and develop a stronger hypothesis, while revisiting research after testing aids in refining content and identifying key competitors.
Most importantly, I realized that bridging technology to those who need it most goes beyond usability—it’s about trust, dignity, and human connection. Seniors aren’t just looking for accessible platforms; they’re looking for a sense of belonging. Designing with empathy means not only simplifying interactions but also fostering an environment where users feel safe, seen, and supported.
Through in-depth user interviews and research, one insight stood out—every participant had experienced an online scam or a similar negative event. This created a deep sense of vulnerability and distrust, reinforcing their reluctance to engage with digital platforms.
By empathizing with their fears and mapping their behaviors, we uncovered the key barriers to technology adoption and social connection, setting the foundation for designing a solution that feels safe, intuitive, and truly supportive.
Discover
Through in-depth user interviews and research, one insight stood out—every participant had experienced an online scam or a similar negative event. This created a deep sense of vulnerability and distrust, reinforcing their reluctance to engage with digital platforms.
By empathizing with their fears and mapping their behaviors, we uncovered the key barriers to technology adoption and social connection, setting the foundation for designing a solution that feels safe, intuitive, and truly supportive.
Define
With clear priorities in place, I translated insights into structured user flows, mid-fidelity prototypes, and iterative testing to refine Heal´s overall UX. Usability studies shaped critical adjustments—ensuring accessibility settings were easily discoverable and help features remained persistent across key screens.
To ensure an intuitive experience, I also explored industry-standard design patterns for onboarding, security, and accessibility.
This phase bridges research with execution, setting the stage for the design system, where typography, color contrast, and interactive components will be refined to create an inclusive, scalable, and cohesive interface.
Develop
With the design system in place and usability insights guiding every detail, this phase focuses on bringing the experience to life. High-fidelity prototypes capture the final interactions, ensuring accessibility, and a sense of trust for both new and returning users.
Every design choice, from typography to persistent support features, was refined to reduce cognitive load in order to foster positive engagement.
Beyond the product, this phase also looks ahead into the future; because in the end, what truly matters is connection—the right to feel seen, heard, and included.