NARO

Three questions to the project team

What was the particular challenge of the project from a UX point of view?
The biggest challenge was figuring out how to introduce generative AI to middle-aged and older adults in a way that felt approachable and useful. Many AI services are designed for younger users who are already familiar with new technologies, but NARO’s target audience may feel hesitant or overwhelmed by them. Rather than emphasizing the technology itself, we focused on designing an experience that helped users naturally recall and record their memories. Our goal was to make AI feel less like a complex tool and more like a supportive companion that encourages reflection and storytelling. Creating an interface that balanced simplicity, trust, and engagement was the most important UX challenge throughout the project.

What was your personal highlight in the development process? Was there an aha!-moment, was there a low point?
The most memorable moment was our final usability test with middle-aged and older adults. Since the service incorporated generative AI, we were concerned that users might experience difficulties or feel uncomfortable using it. However, the participants navigated the service smoothly and genuinely enjoyed the experience. What stood out most was seeing them smile while recalling memories and talking about their past experiences. Watching users naturally engage with the service reassured us that the design was working as intended. At that moment, I realized that the true value of the project was not the technology itself, but the meaningful experiences and emotional connections it enabled.

Where do you see yourself and the project in the next five years?
In five years, I believe more people will benefit from AI in their everyday lives. The key challenge will not be the technology itself, but how effectively we design experiences that make its value accessible to everyone. I hope NARO will evolve beyond a memory-recall service into a platform that helps middle-aged and older adults confidently engage with emerging technologies. As a designer, I also hope to continue creating user experiences that bridge the gap between people and technology. My goal is to design interfaces and interactions that allow diverse groups of users to benefit from innovation in a natural and meaningful way.