Geridoc: Expert Care for Seniors
A user-friendly and responsive website designed to effortlessly connect people with essential services and consultations for the elderly. Discover the process dedicated to tailor the needs of users, ensuring a seamless and friendly experience for both caregivers and those seeking elderly care solutions.
Geridoc: Expert Care for Seniors
A user-friendly and responsive website designed to effortlessly connect people with essential services and consultations for the elderly. Discover the process dedicated to tailor the needs of users, ensuring a seamless and friendly experience for both caregivers and those seeking elderly care solutions.
Geridoc: Expert Care for Seniors
A user-friendly and responsive website designed to effortlessly connect people with essential services and consultations for the elderly. Discover the process dedicated to tailor the needs of users, ensuring a seamless and friendly experience for both caregivers and those seeking elderly care solutions.
Project Overview
Challenge:
To modernize the website of a clinic specialized in consultations for the elderly and increasing lead generation.
Solution:
Conducted a comprehensive analysis of the needs of elderly users, identifying areas for improvement in the user experience in order to make the website more accessible, intuitive and appealing to the target audience.
Key Results:
I worked in collaboration with another product designer and we proposed strategies to optimize lead generation through the website, with the goal of increasing the number of scheduled appointments and strengthening the clinic's online presence.
My exploration into reading habits and book sharing preferences was conducted via an online survey that garnered 56 participant responses. Here's what was uncovered:
A remarkable 93% showed a readiness to exchange books with others.
On average, 46% of these individuals' personal libraries will not be reread.
Social interaction appears limited, with 63% not engaging with neighbors beyond casual greetings, however, a notable 38% would be receptive to conversations about literary interests.
Complementing the survey, I conducted 5 remote interviews, enriching my understanding of user expectations and experiences. Here are the insights gained:
They demonstrated a strong preference for the physical feel of books, favoring the tactile experience over digital formats.
There is willingness to engage in book-sharing activities.
The respondents' social circles are key to their reading engagement.
They expect a user interface as intuitive as apps like Instagram, Netflix, Spotify, and WhatsApp.
Let´s start by undestanding who is the target audience.
In Portugal, as of 2021, 23.4% of the population was over 65 years old. Of these, only 36.8% were somewhat dependent on others and 46.7% of the elderly population received informal external assistance, indicating that the majority of the elderly were independent. (Source: INE, 2020).
My exploration into reading habits and book sharing preferences was conducted via an online survey that garnered 56 participant responses. Here's what was uncovered:
A remarkable 93% showed a readiness to exchange books with others.
On average, 46% of these individuals' personal libraries will not be reread.
Social interaction appears limited, with 63% not engaging with neighbors beyond casual greetings, however, a notable 38% would be receptive to conversations about literary interests.
Complementing the survey, I conducted 5 remote interviews, enriching my understanding of user expectations and experiences. Here are the insights gained:
They demonstrated a strong preference for the physical feel of books, favoring the tactile experience over digital formats.
There is willingness to engage in book-sharing activities.
The respondents' social circles are key to their reading engagement.
They expect a user interface as intuitive as apps like Instagram, Netflix, Spotify, and WhatsApp.
In Portugal, caregivers, predominantly consisting of women, account for 92.5% of those who look after the elderly. These women have an average age of 57 years. Additionally, 58.6% of these caregivers have been identified as having a low level of health literacy.
According to Eurostat data, Portugal's elderly population (aged 65 and over) has been increasing, reflecting a broader trend seen across Europe, emphasizing the growing need for caregiving services.
My exploration into reading habits and book sharing preferences was conducted via an online survey that garnered 56 participant responses. Here's what was uncovered:
A remarkable 93% showed a readiness to exchange books with others.
On average, 46% of these individuals' personal libraries will not be reread.
Social interaction appears limited, with 63% not engaging with neighbors beyond casual greetings, however, a notable 38% would be receptive to conversations about literary interests.
Complementing the survey, I conducted 5 remote interviews, enriching my understanding of user expectations and experiences. Here are the insights gained:
They demonstrated a strong preference for the physical feel of books, favoring the tactile experience over digital formats.
There is willingness to engage in book-sharing activities.
The respondents' social circles are key to their reading engagement.
They expect a user interface as intuitive as apps like Instagram, Netflix, Spotify, and WhatsApp.
💡Some insights from that:
1. Given that most of the elderly population are independent, the website should also account for their usage.
2. The predominant role of women in caregiving, with an average age of 57, was confirmed by the CEO during our meeting, so they would also constitute a significant portion of the target audience.
3. Caregivers' low health literacy may impact service selection, suggesting a need for clear and accessible information about GeriDoc services.
💡Some insights from that:
1. Given that most of the elderly population are independent, the website should also account for their usage.
2. The predominant role of women in caregiving, with an average age of 57, was confirmed by the CEO during our meeting, so they would also constitute a significant portion of the target audience.
3. Caregivers' low health literacy may impact service selection, suggesting a need for clear and accessible information about GeriDoc services.
💡Some insights from that:
1. Given that most of the elderly population are independent, the website should also account for their usage.
2. The predominant role of women in caregiving, with an average age of 57, was confirmed by the CEO during our meeting, so they would also constitute a significant portion of the target audience.
3. Caregivers' low health literacy may impact service selection, suggesting a need for clear and accessible information about GeriDoc services.
So, I thought I would start by understanding what is the reality of internet usage among the elderly and what activities do they engage in online
In delving into the realm of this question, I encountered a study conducted in 2012 in the United States by Forrester, that emphasized the growing presence of seniors in the digital sphere. Contrary to common assumptions, the study revealed that a significant portion of seniors, constituting 60% of the demographic, are active online.
Realizing that depending solely on a study from over a decade ago, centered on the American population, might not give me the full picture, I decided to dig deeper. That's when I found a newer study conducted in Portugal, which shed more light on the topic. This study, released in 2023 by Marktest, revealed a notable surge in internet adoption among Portuguese seniors over the past five years. The percentage of seniors accessing the internet nearly doubled, reaching 41% by 2022. Additionally, 35% of these internet-active seniors reported using smartphones for online activities, mirroring the percentage of those who engaged in online shopping.
🤔 So, after stumbling upon these findings, it hit me how crucial it is to dive into the world of digital accessibility for seniors. It's not just about understanding their online habits; it's about recognizing any hurdles they might face. That's why I decided to dig into digital accessibility issues.
🤔 So, after stumbling upon these findings, it hit me how crucial it is to dive into the world of digital accessibility for seniors. It's not just about understanding their online habits; it's about recognizing any hurdles they might face. That's why I decided to dig into digital accessibility issues.
🤔 So, after stumbling upon these findings, it hit me how crucial it is to dive into the world of digital accessibility for seniors. It's not just about understanding their online habits; it's about recognizing any hurdles they might face. That's why I decided to dig into digital accessibility issues.
From that, my question is: How can I create an accessible digital experience for the elderly?
Understanding the unique needs of older adults is crucial for effective interface design, considering the projected increase in their population globally. Physiological changes such as vision impairments necessitate UI adjustments, including larger font sizes and increased color contrast. Simplified navigation and clear visual cues enhance interaction, while attention to memory and concentration issues ensures usability.
To ensure optimal usability for older adults, it's essential to prioritize legibility and ease of interaction. Text and button sizes should be larger, with fonts set at a minimum of 16px for enhanced readability. Additionally, using sans serif typefaces enhances on-screen readability.
Icons play a crucial role in user navigation, and labeling them with text clarifies their purpose for all users. This is particularly beneficial for older adults who may require additional guidance. Incorporating subtitles for video or audio content is also essential, not only for accessibility but also for accommodating users in various environments where sound may be disruptive. These practices contribute to creating user-friendly interfaces tailored to the needs of older adults.
With this data, I felt it was crucial to double-check its validity within the Portuguese population, so I went searching for relevant information in this area. A very interesting study about the use of e-banking by elderly people caught my attention.
☝🏻 The outcomes of this study further emphasize the importance and relevance of the initial guidelines, highlighting the critical need to address the specific requirements of older adults in interface design to enhance overall usability.
☝🏻 The outcomes of this study further emphasize the importance and relevance of the initial guidelines, highlighting the critical need to address the specific requirements of older adults in interface design to enhance overall usability.
☝🏻 The outcomes of this study further emphasize the importance and relevance of the initial guidelines, highlighting the critical need to address the specific requirements of older adults in interface design to enhance overall usability.
And from all of these, I could move forward to establishing the problem statement...
How might we improve the website's user interface to ensure a seamless and engaging experience for both caregivers and elderly patients?
How might we improve the website's user interface to ensure a seamless and engaging experience for both caregivers and elderly patients?
How might we improve the website's user interface to ensure a seamless and engaging experience for both caregivers and elderly patients?
How do people contact the clinic?
The information for this topic was sourced directly from the company. The majority of user interactions begin with phone calls, yet a significant portion of these individuals are guided to the company's website through social media channels (specially Facebook). This trend not only illustrates the growing interplay between social media and web-based services but also suggests a pivotal opportunity for website development.
☝🏻The clinic's website is super important for turning social media clicks into client inquiries. By making it easier to use and adding clear buttons, we can help users smoothly go from social media to checking out the clinic online.
☝🏻The clinic's website is super important for turning social media clicks into client inquiries. By making it easier to use and adding clear buttons, we can help users smoothly go from social media to checking out the clinic online.
☝🏻The clinic's website is super important for turning social media clicks into client inquiries. By making it easier to use and adding clear buttons, we can help users smoothly go from social media to checking out the clinic online.
From that, I was able to create personas to better understand who would be the target audience
Before sharing the data with the team, I found it useful to create personas for each segment of the target audience. This helped me understand the needs, desires, pains, and obstacles of potential users.
Maria, a Lisbon native, finds solace in nature and her loyal dog. Following her husband's passing, she retired from teaching but stayed in the city, finding comfort in familiar surroundings. Now, she enjoys exploring parks and cultural spots, embracing both urban and natural settings.
Maria, a Lisbon native, finds solace in nature and her loyal dog. Following her husband's passing, she retired from teaching but stayed in the city, finding comfort in familiar surroundings. Now, she enjoys exploring parks and cultural spots, embracing both urban and natural settings.
Maria, a Lisbon native, finds solace in nature and her loyal dog. Following her husband's passing, she retired from teaching but stayed in the city, finding comfort in familiar surroundings. Now, she enjoys exploring parks and cultural spots, embracing both urban and natural settings.
Resilient, introspective, and appreciative of life's simple joys. Her resilient spirit shines through in her ability to find joy amidst adversity, reflecting a deep-rooted sense of gratitude for the small moments that make life meaningful.
📱 Interaction with technology
She uses her smartphone mainly for staying connected with family and friends through messaging apps and occasional video calls. Maria also relies on her smartphone for practical purposes, such as managing appointments and setting reminders for her daily walks and medication.
Maria, now retired, seeks to expand her digital skills for personal enrichment. She also prioritizes maintaining her health and independence to fully enjoy quality time with her grandchildren.
She suffers with a lack of structured daily routine and also finds navigating technology and digital tools challenging, especially if she encounters barriers or difficulties in accessing online resources.
💬 Quotes
"As a diverse reader, I want to discover new books without spending a fortune, so that I can expand my reading horizons with ease."
"As a retiree with a passion for staying healthy and independent, I strive to easily discover preventive care resources and connect with medical professionals to ensure my well-being and longevity"
"As an active senior navigating life's transitions, I aspire to access reliable health guidance and services tailored to my needs"
🤜 Needs
Maria is searching for a user-friendly platform that allows her to quickly schedule medical appointments and access reliable health information online. She wants to effortlessly navigate websites tailored to her needs, ensuring she can maintain her health and independence while enjoying time with her grandkids and loyal dog.
And how about the competitors?
To help me come up with a solid plan, I laid out some goals for the market research:
Check out what our competitors or market leaders are doing well and learn from them.
Find areas where we can make the website even better by learning from what others are doing.
Get inspired and find fresh ideas that can set us apart and keep us innovative.
Take a close look at how other websites look and work to spot any design trends or ideas we can use.
Positive Aspects:
Caption that clarifies what user will find
Visible phone number for easy access
High contrast
Positive Aspects:
Caption that clarifies what user will find
Visible phone number for easy access
High contrast
Positive Aspects:
Caption that clarifies what user will find
Visible phone number for easy access
High contrast
Positive Aspects:
High contrast
Large letters and buttons
Good spacing, enhances visibility
Positive Aspects:
High contrast
Large letters and buttons
Good spacing, enhances visibility
Positive Aspects:
High contrast
Large letters and buttons
Good spacing, enhances visibility
Negative Aspects:
Icons without labels are unclear for the age group
Small letters, reduce readability and accessibility
Positive Aspects:
Large button size to improve usability and accessibility
Label for the icons
Visible and accessible phone contact
Positive Aspects:
Large button size to improve usability and accessibility
Label for the icons
Visible and accessible phone contact
Positive Aspects:
Large button size to improve usability and accessibility
Label for the icons
Visible and accessible phone contact
Based on this, I've developed some key guidelines for creating an effective solution.
Larger letters with greater line spacing to facilitate reading
High contrast
Phone contact always visible and accessible
Icons with labels
Preferential use of photographs over illustrations
Large CTA buttons
Important information highlighted
Search option prominently displayed on the homepage
Zoom option to enlarge images
Option to increase text size
Version for visually impaired users
Offer information gradually to reduce cognitive overload
Online appointment booking
Login area and online calendar
Based on this, I developed an Information Architecture Guide to support the Product Designer, who will handle the UI, in effectively continuing and refining the project. Additionally, I provided references to websites targeting the same audience to serve as inspiration during the design process. This collaboration resulted in a polished, user-centric interface that aligned with the project's objectives and user needs.
Take a sneak peek at the outcome
Redesigning the website highlighted how critical user-focused design is, particularly for an audience with unique accessibility needs.
Navigation was challenging due to tiny, poorly positioned buttons that weren’t suited for elderly users. The updated layout now includes larger, clearly labeled buttons, making navigation simple for everyone.
Essential details like the phone number were buried, requiring extra effort to locate. The updated layout now has the phone number placed at the top of every page, ensuring it's always easy to find.
Without photos or relatable visuals, the site felt cold and impersonal. Now a welcoming photo of the clinic was added, helping visitors feel comfortable and connected.
Thanks for reading this case study. If you have any questions or simply want to learn more about it, please reach out by email to hey@uxleticia.com or through LinkedIn.
Let's Get in Touch!
Whether you have a question, a project idea, or just want to say hello, I'd love to hear from you. Reach out and let's start a conversation.
Designed in Figma, built in Framer ❤️
© Leticia Machado, All rights Reserved
Let's Get in Touch!
Whether you have a question, a project idea, or just want to say hello, I'd love to hear from you. Reach out and let's start a conversation.
Designed in Figma, built in Framer ❤️
© Leticia Machado, All rights Reserved
Let's Get in Touch!
Whether you have a question, a project idea, or just want to say hello, I'd love to hear from you. Reach out and let's start a conversation.
Designed in Figma, built in Framer ❤️
© Leticia Machado, All rights Reserved
