Lei Zhang

Redesigning WeChat for Seniors

Abstract

This research project investigates how to design apps on smartphones based on user-centred design theory to improve the experiences of seniors. Based on my grandfather's terrible experience with WeChat, a Chinese social network, I investigated and explored through my own practice how WeChat can be simplified and redesigned to support people like my grandfather.

This project takes on a user-centred approach, considering intimately the various challenges that seniors encounter when using smartphones and considering how to solve them. As a communication designer, the research has given consideration to the user's vision, thoughts and health status to design a new version of WeChat targeted at seniors (lite mode WeChat).

  • Artefacts

  • Select Bibliography

    1. Subramanyam, A., Singh, S. & Raut, N. 2018, "Mobile phone use in the elderly: Boon or bane?", Journal of Geriatric Mental Health, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 81-83.

    2. Kammerhofer, D. & Scholz, J. 2020, "An Approach to Decompose and Evaluate a Complex GIS-Application Design to a Simple, Lightweight, User-Centered App-Based Design Using User Experience Evaluation", ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, vol. 9, no. 9, pp. 505.

    3. Brhel, M., Meth, H., Maedche, A. & Werder, K. 2015, "Exploring principles of user-centered agile software

    Filed under

    user experience

    Keywords

    seniors

    WeChat

    user-centered design

    empathy

    simplification

    Contact

    Email: zhanglei3830399@gmail.com