TRA APP for the Elderly

Three questions for the project team

What was the particular challenge of the project from a UX point of view?
The particular challenge of the project from a UX point of view was designing an app that is universally accessible and user-friendly for elderly users, who are often unfamiliar with digital devices. This unfamiliarity means they might get confused when operating the prototype, necessitating additional explanations and assistance during testing. Simplifying the existing app's functions and processes was crucial, but equally important was ensuring that the testing phase included clear guidance and support to help elderly users understand and effectively operate the newly designed interface.

What was your personal highlight in the development process? Was there an aha!-moment, was there a low point?
The key to designing an effective interface for the elderly was ensuring information was easy to find and understand, rather than focusing on elaborate visual design. The aha-moment came when we prioritized clear signifiers and affordances, allowing elderly users to operate the app accurately and efficiently despite being unfamiliar with digital devices. Seeing the positive impact during user testing was incredibly rewarding. Initially, balancing aesthetics with usability was a low point, requiring us to strip down intricate design elements to prioritize functionality and clarity. This challenging compromise reinforced the importance of user-centered design, resulting in a more effective and user-friendly product for our target audience.

Where do you see yourself and the project in the next five years?
Given the trend of AI and chatbot technology, this project is expected to evolve by integrating these technologies to further enhance usability for the elderly over the next five years. Since Line is an app familiar to many elderly users, incorporating AI and chatbot capabilities into Line could allow them to book tickets, search schedules, and perform other tasks through chat interactions, significantly reducing their learning burden. The structures and components of the current project can be combined with these new techniques to create even more accessible and convenient solutions. This integration will continue to prioritize user-centered design, leveraging emerging technologies to benefit all users.