My Award Winning Approach to Reducing Digital Illiteracy Among Seniors.
In this project, I developed a concept for a tool to help the elderly learn technology, earning me the Accessibility Award for Best Project in Year 2.
Overview
Discipline
Creative Concepting, UX-Research, Usability testing
Kind of project
6th School Project (Year 2)
Team Project
Tools
Figma, Miro, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop
Role
As a Researcher, I conducted interviews and tests with the elderly target audience and their caretakers. I also performed desk research to identify best practices and relevant technologies.
As a Designer, I created both a physical book and a companion app.
As Team Lead, I was responsible for making all major decisions and completing 90% of the deliverables, as my teammates were unmotivated and often didn’t attend school.
Problem
How can we help elderly people who lack digital skills ("digibeten") to independently use and understand technology, overcoming fears of online scams or failure?
In a world where digital literacy is increasingly essential, older adults often struggle with basic digital interactions, such as navigating apps, using online services, and engaging with digital tools for essential tasks.
Solution
A hybrid digital literacy tool that combines a user-friendly physical guidebook with an app on the user's smartphone, embedded in a special case within the book. The app mirrors the content on each page, creating an approachable and intuitive way for older adults to build digital confidence.
DigiBoek offers an innovative approach that uses a familiar and engaging format to help seniors build digital skills. The hybrid format—comprising a physical guidebook and a companion app—was strategically chosen to meet seniors where they are: the book offers a trusted, tactile entry point, while the app provides hands-on practice in a safe, simulated environment. The app includes a replica simulator for popular applications like WhatsApp, Facebook, and device settings, allowing users to safely practice skills without the risk of mistakes affecting their personal data.
DigiBoek’s design was guided by feedback from both seniors and their caretakers. This feedback informed the choice of accessible language, large text, simplified icons, and intuitive navigation, ensuring that the tool is easy and enjoyable for elderly users. The solution is also inclusive, reducing barriers to digital interaction and supporting seniors' independence and confidence.