I designed Recuérdalo: a reminder app for adults 70+ grounded in real research with users in the target age range, not on assumptions about what they 'need'. University project in inclusive UX.
The challenge
Balancing autonomy vs help. Older adults want to feel capable (the pride of overcoming challenges is huge) but they also need support when they get stuck. Too much help feels condescending. Too little drives abandonment.
How I solved it
- 01
Visible reversible steps, not blind flows
The key insight came from an 80-year-old interviewee: 'I start fine, but if I make a mistake in the third step, I don't know how to go back'. The solution wasn't to simplify, it was to make reversibility obvious. Numeric indicator (Step 1 of 3), large 'Back' buttons on every screen, immediate visual confirmations.
- 02
Architecture by emotional context, not by function
Open card sorting with 3 older users and 15 cards. They grouped by emotional context, not by type of function: 'My Obligations and Health', 'My People', 'To Entertain and Think', 'Important Things and Help'. The architecture followed that mapping, not a designer's logic.
- 03
Accessibility as foundation, not extra layer
Minimum 18px typography (vs the standard 14px) for aging vision. AA contrast across the board. 60×60px touch targets (vs the general 44px recommendation) for less precise fingers. Floating 'Help' button always visible: contextual tutorials or emergency contact call.
What was delivered
- Documented research: interviews, transcripts, affinity diagrams, the main user's journey map
- User personas with real quotes from interviewees
- High-fidelity Figma prototype with every main screen
Closing
Inclusive design isn't an aesthetic layer you add at the end, it's the foundation of a good experience. Designing for the 3 interviewees, with their visual limitations and fragile sequential memory, ended up creating a product that's clearer and more robust for everyone. If I were to redo it: a 'Family Peace-of-Mind System' that links the app with the user's children to reduce family anxiety and strengthen the support network.