OzGenerations
Intergenerational Connection Platform
OzGenerations is a community-focused intergenerational connection platform designed to bridge the gap between seniors and younger generations through skill exchange and community engagement. The project prioritized accessibility and inclusive design to ensure seniors with varying levels of digital literacy could participate confidently.
How I approached it
Conducted interviews and competitive analysis to understand the needs and behaviors of both seniors (65+) and younger users (18–35). Research revealed that seniors prioritize trust, simplicity, and larger interactive elements, while younger users value speed and feature density. Uncovered key pain points: complex registration flows, small text sizes, unclear navigation labels, and lack of confidence with digital tools.
Created personas and user journey maps for both user groups. Identified WCAG AA accessibility gaps in the existing design concept. Defined the core problem statement: 'How might we design a platform that is equally welcoming to seniors with limited digital literacy and younger users who expect a modern, fast experience — without bifurcating the product?'
Drew hand-sketched wireframes testing large-tap-target layouts adapted for senior motorskills, alongside information-dense mobile-first layouts for younger users. Explored multiple navigation patterns to find a universal structure that served both groups without creating two separate products.
✏️ Paper sketches
🖥️ Digital wireframes
Built an adaptive design system in Figma with WCAG AA compliant color ratios, flexible type scaling (minimum 16px body text), simplified navigation with descriptive labels, larger touch targets (minimum 48×48pt), and clear visual hierarchy. High-fidelity mockups were created for the core user flows: profile setup, skill discovery, and community event browsing.
Ran accessibility audits against WCAG AA guidelines and conducted usability testing with senior participants. Iterated on tap target sizing, navigation label clarity, and onboarding flow length. Final designs validated with both user groups, confirming improved confidence and task completion rates among senior users.
Digital barriers and complex interfaces often exclude older generations from community engagement. Seniors feel isolated and struggle with traditional app navigation patterns, while the platform needed to serve younger users who expected a modern interaction model — creating conflicting design requirements.
Created an adaptive interface with accessibility as a core requirement: large tap targets, high-contrast color ratios (4.5:1 WCAG AA), flexible type scaling, simplified navigation, and clear iconography. Designed both interfaces with a unified design language so the brand experience remained consistent.
Delivered an inclusive platform that empowered elderly users to navigate community services independently, bridging the digital divide and increasing community participation for seniors.
