Short Vera — Daniel Santos Design

Vera
(Case Study)
What is Vera Vera is a senior-focused mobile app framework that bridges the digital divide for Baby Boomers (ages 57–75). It replaces complex, modern UI trends with a predictable, accessible design—transforming technology-induced anxiety into independent digital confidence. Currently working on this design.

Project

A user-centered UX/UI case study focused on designing a seamless, intuitive mobile experience to improve personal wellness, tracking, or daily routine management.

Deliverables
UX Researcher

Research

The Problem

Modern software is built for "digital natives," relying on hidden gestures, abstract icons, and constant updates. This triggers extreme anxiety, task abandonment, and a loss of independence for older adults who rely on memorization rather than spatial intuition.

The solution

A predictable, senior-friendly app interface built on four core pillars:

Biological Accessibility Accommodates aging vision and dexterity with large 16pt+ high-contrast fonts (WCAG AAA) and oversized 48x48px touch targets to prevent mis-clicks.

Linear NavigationReduces cognitive load by using a strict "One Task Per Screen" flow, completely eliminating hidden menus and flashing clutter.

Just-in-Time SecurityExplains data requests in plain English at the exact moment they are needed to build trust and bypass skepticism.

Forgiving Design & SupportReplaces rigid error codes with clear, helpful instructions and provides an ever-present "Human Bridge" button for direct call or video support.

Who was Studied

Qualitative research and interviews were conducted with 14 older adults (ages 58–76) with varying tech comfort levels:

Low Literacy (5)High anxiety; uses devices only for basic calls/texts; relies entirely on family.

Medium Literacy (7)Moderately independent but derailed by sudden app updates or layout changes.

High Literacy (2)Daily users frustrated by physical design barriers like tiny text and small buttons.

Key ArchetypesTeresa (high usage, low confidence; needs step-by-step guidance) and Rita (high literacy, low patience; demands utility over trends).