WELLfey
Health & Fitness -
Elderly Wellness Service App
Timeline: 5 Weeks
Role : Research & UX/UI
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Elder Care Solution
Background
WELLfey –
Wellfey is an intuitive, user-friendly mobile application designed to support the physical and mental well-being of elderly users. Focusing on enhancing self-reliance, social connection, and overall quality of life, Wellfey leverages cutting-edge technologies, including AI, to meet the unique needs of older adults.
Whether managing daily tasks, staying connected with loved ones, or accessing essential healthcare services, Wellfey offers a comprehensive solution that empowers seniors to live independently and with confidence.
Design Challenge
While technology has the potential to foster self-reliance, social engagement, and confidence among older adults, its adoption remains limited.
Many technologies are not designed to accommodate the diverse needs, abilities, and limitations of this demographic.
Despite these barriers, many elderly individuals have embraced mobile devices and show openness to exploring new apps and features, suggesting that better-designed, more accessible solutions could significantly enhance their quality of life.
What I Accomplished
Develop an intuitive, user-friendly mobile application to support the physical and mental well-being of elderly users.
Technologies to enhance self-reliance, social connection, and overall quality of life for the elderly population.
Focus on adaptable, elder-friendly design principles to meet the specific needs and preferences of aging individuals.
Aim to increase healthspan and promote active, independent living for older adults.
My Role
Design Strategy
Research
Problem Solution
Wire Frames
Information Architecture
Empathy Maping
Usability Testing
User Flow
Prototyping
Competitive Analysis
Visual Design
Discover
User Research
Secondary Study
Competitive Analysis
User interview
01
Define
User Personas
Empathy Map
Data Analysis
02
Ideate
Brainstorming
User Flows
Road Maping
03
Design
Style Guide
Concept Development / Sketches
High-Fidelity Wireframes
Prototyping /
Prototype Testing
04
Testing /Deliver
User Interface Design
Final Product Testing
Handover
User Feedback
Adaptive Design
05
01 Research
Defining Research Goals
Understand User Needs
and Pain Points
Research the daily challenges elderly people face in managing their health, appointments, and daily tasks.
Usability for
Elderly Users
Conduct research on how elderly users interact with technology and smartphones
Health and Medical Service Integration
Investigate how the app can integrate with existing health services, doctor appointment booking systems, and wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, fitness trackers).
Voice Assistance
and AI Features
Evaluate the effectiveness of voice assistants and AI-driven features to aid elderly users in managing their health tasks.
Emergency and Alert Features
Goal: Research the best ways to integrate emergency response features, such as an SOS button, alerting caregivers or emergency services in case of health crises.
Cognitive Load and Simplicity
Goal: Ensure the app doesn’t overwhelm elderly users with excessive information or complex tasks.
Acknowledging Asumptions
"As the only researcher on this project,
I wanted to be aware of any biases I might have from the start.
To do this, I listed my assumptions about the problem. I understood that these assumptions could be changed or corrected as the research continued. These are,"
Assuming All Seniors Are Technologically Challenged
It's assumed seniors are unfamiliar with technology, but many are tech-savvy and comfortable using apps.
Assuming One-Size-Fits-All for Elderly Needs
It's assumed all seniors have the same care needs, but they vary widely, requiring personalized solutions.
Assuming Seniors Don’t Use Modern Features Like AI or Voice Assistants
It's assumed seniors avoid advanced technologies, but many use tools like Alexa and Siri for convenience.
Overestimating the Need for Simplicity
It's assumed features should be overly simplified, but some seniors appreciate more sophisticated options if presented clearly.
Assuming All Seniors Want the Same Type of Care or Assistance
It's assumed all seniors need constant care, but some prefer minimal assistance while others need extensive support.
Overestimating the Role of Family in App Usage
It's assumed seniors rely on family for app usage, but many prefer managing their own health independently.
Assuming Seniors Only Need Practical Assistance
It's assumed seniors only need functional features, but they also value social interaction, mental health, and
entertainment.
Assuming All Seniors Have the Same Physical Capabilities
It's assumed seniors have similar physical abilities, but they have varied needs, requiring accessible options.
Assuming Financial Constraints Are Universal
It's assumed seniors are financially constrained, but many have steady incomes and may pay for premium features.
Understanding the Human Psyche
I even have carried out interviews with 07 potential users among the age group of 55 - 85. Which gave me a clean image of what my user desires and needs. I requested them a few preferred and undertaking associated questions.
Interview Goal 01
Understanding Health and Wellness Needs
Identify the physical, mental, and emotional wellness needs of elderly individuals.
Interview Goal 02
Identifying Technology Comfort and Usage
Understand how comfortable elderly users are with using technology, especially apps and devices.
Interview Goal 03
Recognizing Pain Points in Current Wellness Solutions
Discover any issues with current wellness services or technologies they use.
Interview Goal 04
Exploring Preferences for Personalization
Learn how customizable or tailored the app should be to their individual needs.
Interview Goal 05
Assessing Safety Concerns and Emergency Features
Understand any safety concerns or expectations for emergency response features in the app.
Interview Goal 06
Exploring Motivation and Barriers to Wellness
Identify the motivations and obstacles elderly users face in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
"Well, sugar, I gotta make sure I take my meds on time. My heart’s been giving me some trouble, so I don't skip those. Oh, and I try to get a bit of fresh air every day –
even if it's just on the porch."
"For me, it's all about my knees, you know? I do stretches every morning, even though it hurts. I’ve gotta keep moving or I’ll turn to stone."
"Well, I’ve got an old phone, but I don’t mess with the fancy stuff. I use it to call my kids. The rest is just… too much for me, honestly."
"That would be grand! My arthritis is a pain, and anything that could remind me to take it easy or give me a stretch or two would be perfect."
"I don’t know, not sure I’d trust something to change with me. I’m a creature of habit. I’d rather just stick to what I know."
"I’m on Facebook every day to keep up with the grandkids. It’s not hard once you get the hang of it, but the texting, all that back and forth, it takes some time."
"I’ve got a tablet I use for reading the news, but my fingers are a bit slow for all that tapping. I stick to the big screen and try to keep it simple."
"I tried one of those fitness apps last year, but it was all confusing. Too many buttons. I gave up after a week.
Ain’t nobody got time for that."
"I just don’t want to feel like an old lady yet. I do some light yoga in the morning. Helps me keep the aches and pains away."
"If I fall, I hope someone hears me! I don’t have anything fancy, just a landline next to the couch. But if I can’t get up, that’s it, I guess."
Oh, I don’t know. I’ve been around long enough that I don’t need to be told to walk more. But I’d like some gentle reminders, like 'Hey, have some fruit today!"
"Notifications work fine on my tablet, I guess. But don’t make them too fancy, I’ll forget what they mean."
Physical
Health
Social
Interaction
Mental
Health
Key Takeaways
Simple, Easy-to-Use Interface:
A straightforward design with clear buttons, large text, and simple navigation for ease of use.
Personalization for Health Conditions:
The app should provide customized reminders and tailored wellness plans based on specific health conditions like diabetes, blood pressure, or arthritis.
Emergency Support:
One-touch emergency alerts or connections to emergency services in case of falls or health emergencies.
Social Interaction and Connectivity:
Features that allow users to stay connected with family or friends through messages, video calls, and family updates to enhance emotional well-being.
Notifications and Reminders:
Customizable reminders for tasks like taking medication, staying active, or eating healthily, with options for notifications, phone calls, or pop-ups.
Tracking and Monitoring Wellness Goals:
Gentle tracking of progress, such as steps walked, calories burned, or other health goals, without overwhelming the user.
Privacy and Data Security:
Strong privacy measures with clear transparency on how data is used and full user control over what information is shared.
Support for Physical and Mental Health:
Resources for both physical wellness (exercise, stretching) and mental well-being (stress management, relaxation techniques).
Support for Older, Slower Technology Adoption:
Multiple communication methods (voice, text, phone calls) to ensure users aren’t overwhelmed by technology and can access features in their preferred way.
02 Define
Breaking Down The Problem
"Having done my research,
I wanted to break down all the existing challenges users were facing.
I created problem statements based on user needs and turned
each into a User Persona to explore potential solutions for my website/app.
Persona 01
"I’m forgetful these days, especially about my medications and doctor visits. I find most apps too complicated to use. I want something simple to help me manage my health and keep me safe, especially in case of an emergency."
Age:80
Job : Retired Engineer
Education:Civil Engineering
Location : New Delhi
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Meet Rajesh Jha,
Rajesh, an 80-year-old retired engineer from New Delhi, enjoys walking, reading, and volunteering. He lives alone and has mild memory loss, making him forgetful about daily tasks. He’s familiar with basic technology but finds complex apps difficult to use. Rajesh values his independence and needs simple reminders and an easy way to manage his health, particularly in emergencies.
Pain Points:
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Forgets doctor appointments and daily tasks.
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Needs motivation to stay active due to cognitive decline.
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Hesitant about using complex tech.
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Worries about not being able to call for help in an emergency.
Goals
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Simple reminders for health tasks and appointments.
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Stay active and manage health independently.
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Easy emergency support feature.
Persona 02
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"I’ve been managing diabetes and arthritis for years, but sometimes it’s hard to keep track of everything - my blood sugar, medication, and exercises. I also worry about falling, especially when I’m home alone. I want an app that helps me stay on top of my health without being too complicated. And, I’d like something that helps me stay connected with my kids, especially during festivals."
Age: 86
Job : Nurse
Education: Nursing
Location : Ahmedabad
Meet Girish Patel,
Girish, an 86-year-old retired nurse from Ahmedabad, spent over 40 years in healthcare and enjoys reading and socializing with friends. He has diabetes and arthritis, which he manages with medication. Though comfortable with technology, he prefers simple, easy-to-use apps. Girish stays connected with his grown children who live abroad and is especially active during festivals. He values his independence but is concerned about falls or health emergencies and wants an app that helps him manage his health without being overwhelmed by complex features.
Pain Points:
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Struggles with managing both diabetes and arthritis simultaneously.
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Forgets to take his medication or track his blood sugar levels.
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Concerned about falling and not being able to get help.
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Wants to stay connected with family, especially during festivals.
Goals:
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Easy tracking for blood sugar, medication, and exercise.
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Stay safe with fall detection and emergency alerts.
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Regular connection with family through simple messaging features.
Persona 03
“I live alone now, and I often feel lonely, especially after losing my husband. My breathing isn’t what it used to be, and I have trouble with my asthma. I forget to take my medications sometimes, and it’s hard to keep track of everything. I want to try yoga or meditate, but I don’t know where to start. And these apps are too complicated for me.”
Age: 74
Job : Seamstress
Education: B.Ed
Location : Bhopal
Meet Savitri Devi,
Savitri is a 74-year-old retired seamstress from Bhopal. A widow for several years, she lives alone and often feels lonely. She enjoys sewing, cooking, and visiting the temple, but lately, she's been struggling with breathing issues due to mild asthma. Although she’s familiar with basic technology, she finds most apps too complicated and prefers simple, easy-to-use solutions. Savitri wants to maintain her health and stay mentally calm but struggles to find the right tools.
Pain Points:
-
Often feels isolated, especially without her spouse, and struggles to stay connected with her family.
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Sometimes, she forgets to monitor her breathing, take medications, or track her health.
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Wants to try yoga and meditation to improve her health but doesn't know where to start.
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Finds most apps overwhelming and needs something simple to use.
Goals:
-
Simple, accessible health tracking for asthma and medication reminders.
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Guided yoga and meditation routines to help with her breathing and mental well-being.
Common challenges in user interfaces for seniors
Seniors often have specific needs determined by their age and health condition. And sadly, web and mobile interfaces are not always designed with an older audience in mind.
For example, seniors often use products like grocery deliveries or health-tracking apps. But they often have too complex UI with many small elements that might confuse older users.
New design patterns and unfamiliar user interfaces may challenge or stress older users, who tend to adapt to changes slower and feel more comfortable relying on previous digital experiences.
Points for better UI design for seniors
Designing for seniors involves adjusting key elements to enhance accessibility for those over 60.
Key considerations include:
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Ensuring the user interface features large, easy-to-see elements like links, buttons, and sliders placed centrally for easier readability.
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Using large, legible fonts and semi-modular icons, with the option for users to customize font sizes for better readability.
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Implementing bold, contrasting colors for checkboxes and lists, making options more visible.
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Designing an interface that adapts to poor lighting conditions by switching from color to black-and-white mode, reducing screen contrast and minimizing eye strain.
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Providing sufficient white space between items and organizing content in grids, with rows or columns, for easier navigation and scanning.
Ultimately, a clear, simple design benefits users across all age groups.
Key Features
01. Health Monitoring & Reminders:
Simple tracking for health conditions with automated reminders for medications and health checks.
02. Breathing Exercises & Yoga:
Guided yoga and breathing exercises tailored for elderly users to improve mobility and lung health.
03. Emergency Alerts:
Automatic fall detection with an emergency button to alert family or emergency services.
04. Simple Communication Tools:
Easy-to-use messaging and video calling features to stay connected with family and friends.
05. Mindfulness & Meditation:
Guided sessions for mindfulness and relaxation to reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
06. Activity & Fitness Tracker:
Basic activity tracking with gentle reminders to stay active throughout the day.
07. Voice Assistance:
Voice commands and text-to-speech features to help navigate the app easily.
08. Personalized Health Insights:
Customizable health goals and tips based on individual needs and conditions.
09. User-Friendly Interface:
Simple design with large buttons, clear text, and easy navigation for elderly users.
10. Support Network:
Features for connecting with AI for emotional support and reducing loneliness.
03 Ideate
Brain Storming
Maping it Out
01. Onboarding
02. Homepage
03. Tab Bar
04 Design
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Main Features:
1. Book Elder Care Compaion
2. Book Nursing Care
3. Lab Tests at Home
4. Book Ambulance
5. Physiotherapy at Home
6. Cosult a Doctor
7. Order Pharmacy Online
8. Rent Medical Equiments
9. Health Tracker
10. Talk to AI
11. Take Notes
12. Meditation Audios & Videos
Good morning!
It's a reminder to drink 1 glass of water!
Design System
Design System
Registration and Onboarding
Simple and intuitive login and registration in the app. It is also possible to login/sign up via social network
Splash Screen
Login / Registration
OTP
OTP
Choose Language
Select Gender
Select Date of Birth
Onboarding Complete
Home Screen
homepage offering a wide range of features for elderly care, including health monitoring, caregiving tips, emergency services, and support.
A convenient home-based physiotherapy service
feature that allows users to book professional therapists
A user-friendly feature that enables easy booking of professional nurses for in-home care, tailored to the elderly’s medical needs.
A booking feature that connects users with trained companions for social support and assistance for the elderly at home.
A quick and easy feature that allows users to book an ambulance for emergency transportation
Users to book lab tests at home, offering various customizable packages to suit different health needs.
Users to schedule a doctor’s visit at home for personalized medical consultations and care.
A health care tracker that reminds users to drink water, monitors heart rate, tracks physical activity, and provides health insights for better well-being.
easily purchase medications, health products, and essentials with home delivery.
Purchase medications, health products, and essentials with home delivery.
A meditation feature offering guided videos and audio tracks to help users practice mindfulness, relaxation, and stress reduction at home.
A feature that lets users chat with an AI friend for companionship, offering conversations, emotional support, and interactive engagement.
A convenient feature that allows users to rent medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers, and oxygen tanks, with easy delivery and pickup options.
Emergency Call
An emergency call feature with essential contact numbers, easily accessible with just one click for immediate assistance.
Emergency Call
Emergency Call
Elder Care Companion
A booking feature that connects users with trained companions for social support and assistance for the elderly at home.
Add Preferences
Add Personal Details
Check Out
Booking Status
Lab Tests
Users to book lab tests at home, offering various customizable packages to suit different health needs.
Add Preferences
Choose Packages
Choose Packages and proceed
Select Slot
Check Out
Rent Medical Equipment
A convenient feature that allows users to rent medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers, and oxygen tanks, with easy delivery and pickup options.
Select Equipment
Select Equipment
Add Preferences
Select Quantity and Check Out
Consult Doctor
Users to schedule a doctor’s visit at home for personalized medical consultations and care.
Select Category
Select Doctor
Book Appoinment to get a call
Meditation
A meditation feature offering guided videos and audio tracks to help users practice mindfulness, relaxation, and stress reduction at home.
Select Preference
Choose Options
Health Tracker
A health care tracker that reminds users to drink water, monitors heart rate, tracks physical activity, and provides health insights for better well-being.
Base Question
Selected Base Question
Sub Question
Sub Question
Sub Question
Daily Tasks
Schedule Daily Tasks
