iN2L Platform

The iN2L platform includes mobile application, kiosk software, and a content management system. iConnect, the mobile application, is designed to connect people in senior living centers with their friends and family. The app is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, with a focus on fostering connections and promoting social interaction among seniors. It's similar to Instagram and also includes features to help people with similar interests meet.

Duration

July 2021 to July 2022

Problem

During and after the pandemic, seniors suffered intense isolation and loneliness leading to a significant increase in attrition.

Phase 1 Goal

Help seniors connect with friends and family through chat and video; participate in group events such as scrapbooking and gaming.

Phase 2 Goal

Create a kiosk platform where living center staff can engage residents in stimulating activities that promote a healthy mind and body.

Phase 3 Goal

Launch a content management system where iN2L staff can create and edit content, and set broadcasting schedules across devices.

My Role

Lead UX Designer

Results

iConnect has been well-received by seniors and their families, and has helped to foster connections and promote social interaction among seniors. The app has been downloaded over 10,000 times and has a user rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. User feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many users praising the app for its user-friendly interface and ability to help them stay connected with friends and family.

View Final Design

Process

To design iConnect, we used a user-centered design process that involved extensive research, ideation, prototyping, and testing.

Know the User to Understand the Problem

To inform the design of iConnect, we conducted extensive user research with seniors in various living situations, including assisted living, independent living, and memory care. We also spoke with family members and caregivers to better understand the needs of the seniors we were designing for.

Design Language

Based on our research, we developed a set of design principles to guide the development of iConnect. These principles focused on making the app easy to use, intuitive, and visually appealing, with a focus on fostering connections and promoting social interaction among seniors.

Design System

We created a clear and concise design system with a larger than average font size by default. We used a color palette that is consistent with the company's branding, and we prioritized legibility and ease of use in the layout and typography.

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Interaction Design

We created several prototypes of the app, testing each one with seniors and their families to get feedback on the design. We iterated on the design based on this feedback, making changes to the user interface and adding new features to better meet the needs of our users.

Instagram-like interface

The app features a user-friendly interface that is similar to Instagram, making it easy for seniors to use.

Profile creation

Users can create a profile and add photos and information about themselves, making it easier for others to find and connect with them.

Friend and family connections

Users can connect with friends and family members who also use the app, making it easy to stay in touch and share updates.

Interest groups

The app also includes interest groups where users can meet other people who share similar hobbies and interests.

Event calendar

The app features an event calendar where users can see upcoming events and activities in their senior living center, as well as events organized by other users.

View Prototype

Resident Engagement

Living center staff use our kiosk to engage residents with games, slideshows, trivia, music, television, and movies in group settings.

View Games

Resident Entertainment

When not in a group setting, residents have access to all of iN2L's content, internet access, news, and exploration.

View Operating System

Testing

We conducted usability testing with seniors and their families to validate the design of iConnect. We also tested the app with a group of seniors with similar interests, observing how they used the app to meet new people and make connections.

Collaboration

I collaborated closely with a team of developers and product managers to bring iN2L to life. We worked together to ensure that the platform met the needs of our users and that it was user-friendly and intuitive. I also worked closely with a group of seniors and their families to get feedback on the design of the app and to ensure that it met their needs.

View Content Management System