design for elderly
Disciplines
user experience
Accessibility
strategy
system thinking
achievements
entry
Servdes 25
-Service design competition hosted at IIT Hyderabad
accessibility challenges in modern digital devices do not adequately address age-related decline in cognitive abilities, vision, and motor control, as well as a general lack of familiarity with technology leads to limited usability in elderly population.
View full case study
“Sometimes I feel like I'm missing out because I can't figure out how to use all these new apps.”
Ramesh Kumar isn’t alone. For millions of elderly users in Tier 2 and 3 Indian cities, smartphones offer connection, convenience, and even dignity—but also confusion, fear, and frustration.
This project began with a simple yet critical question:
How might we bridge the digital divide for older adults in India—not just functionally, but respectfully?
Older adults don’t want more features—they want fewer, simpler ones.
66%
struggle with app usage
59%
have privacy concerns
90%
rely on WhatsApp
Success factors
Three primary factors emerged as significant themes. The relative importance of each factor is represented below, with corresponding percentages.
Support networks
Education and experience
Digital lietracy
Across users, we saw common friction points:
Inclusion.
Empathy.
Simplicity.
We proposed a design guidelines rooted in clarity, stability, and emotional safety.
1
Mandatory sandbox tutorials
2
Vernacular iconography
3
Larger icons, minimal features
4
One app, one screen, one purpose
5
Remote assist by trusted person
6
Notifications that stay until dismissed
The goal wasn’t to make them tech experts—it was to make them feel in control again.
The experience evolved into a system that not only addressed usability, but also:
Built confidence over time
Reduced fear of error
Respected cultural and cognitive diversity
While the project was conceptual, its potential was clear. We validated that:
Personalisation reduces tech anxiety
Visual consistency supports recall
Community-based learning builds trust
“The elderly don’t need simpler phones—they need more thoughtful design.”
Speaking with elderly taught me
To design with users, not just for them
That patience is a design tool
That digital trust must be earned, not assumed
For older adults, technology often feels like a moving target. Thoughtful design can slow it down, simplify it, and make them feel included—not left behind.
/prəˈbhaːv/
© 2025 Prabhav Singh. All rights reserved.
Crafted with passion by Prabhav.
Menu