Enhancing User Experience for Older Adults on E-Commerce App
In Spring 2024, as part of a Digital Product Development course, my design group and I undertook a comprehensive project aimed at addressing the question: “How might an e-Commerce app better serve older adults?”
- Research and Insights Gathering: To overcome the limitations of our initial assumptions, we engaged directly with older adults to obtain authentic and relevant feedback. We developed a detailed 15-20 minute survey comprising open-ended and qualitative questions, which we administered in local coffee shops and the Evanston Public Library. This approach enabled us to collect valuable, firsthand insights from the target audience.
- Design Process: Based on the research findings, we utilized Figma for designing user-centric interfaces that address the identified issues. We created high-fidelity wireframes and interactive prototypes to visualize and iterate on design solutions. The prototyping phase was crucial in translating user feedback into tangible design elements, allowing us to test and refine our concepts effectively.
- Product Testing and Evaluation: Following the design and prototyping stages, we conducted product testing sessions with participants from the older adult demographic. This iterative testing process provided critical feedback, which informed further refinements to our design. We rigorously evaluated the usability of the proposed solutions, ensuring that the final product aligns with the needs and preferences of the target users.
- Key Findings and Design Implications: Our research and testing revealed significant challenges related to mobile interface accessibility and financial considerations of online shopping for older adults. These insights underscored the necessity for a more user-friendly design and enhanced support systems tailored to this demographic. This project underscored the importance of a consumer-centric design approach and the value of integrating real-world feedback into the development process.
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