About the project
VestaConnect is a smart, touch-only communication platform designed for older adults, including those with cognitive challenges such as dementia, to stay connected with family, friends, and caregivers. With no need for prior tech experience, users can interact with the platform using a simple touchscreen device installed in their living space. VestaConnect focuses on accessibility, clarity, and emotional connection, and is HIPAA and GDPR compliant.

Project Overview

Goals

• Design a minimum viable product (MVP) for launch

• Ensure accessibility for people with moderate to severe cognitive decline

• Create distinct, user-centered experiences for:

  1. Primary users (older adults)

  2. Caregivers and family members

  3. VestaConnect internal team

• Design a scalable, modular interface ready for future development

• Build trust through simplicity, security, and human connection

Duration:
December - 2024

My role and accomplishments

• Product Designer for the MVP

• Led user research on accessibility needs of older adults with dementia

• Defined user flows for all three audiences (elderly users, caregivers, internal team)

• Designed and prototyped the complete UI for the MVP

• Collaborated closely with developers and stakeholders to ensure feasibility and impact

1. Research & Discovery

Conducted desk research and stakeholder interviews to understand the cognitive, physical, and emotional needs of elderly users with dementia. Studied accessibility guidelines for neurodiverse users and reviewed patterns from assistive tech and elder care platforms.

2. User Flows & Information Architecture
Defined tailored journeys for three distinct user groups:

• Primary users (elderly): minimal steps, no menus, large touch zones, daily reminders

• Caregivers: a functional dashboard to manage schedules, communication, and alerts

• Internal team: management interface for user support and system configuration

3. Design & Prototyping
Created a three-tier interface system:

• Simple screens for older adults with essential information (reminders, calendar, photos)

• A caregiver dashboard with user management, logs, notifications, and communication tools

• An internal admin panel for Vesta staff to manage the ecosystem

4. Collaboration & Validation
Worked in sprints with developers and project stakeholders to test feasibility, refine features, and adapt to hardware constraints. Ensured HIPAA/GDPR compliance throughout the process.

Process

Solution

The final MVP included:

👵 Primary User Interface

• Simple, full-screen touch buttons (no menus)

• Reminders, daily agenda, call buttons, and photos

• High-contrast visuals and friendly color palette

• No login, keyboard, or settings required — purely touch-based

🧑‍⚕️ Caregiver Dashboard

• Monitor and schedule reminders for primary users

• Manage communication (calls, messages, content sharing)

• Notifications for key events or missed interactions

• Web and mobile-friendly interface

🛠️ Internal Admin Panel

• Manage user accounts and devices

• Adjust permissions and troubleshoot remotely

• Access usage data and system performance metrics

• Delivered a validated MVP that reflected real needs of both end users and support teams

• Helped bridge the gap between design and accessibility for dementia care

• Learned to design for cognitive accessibility with constraints in mind (e.g. no typing, no navigation)

• Strengthened my ability to balance simplicity with functionality across different user groups

• Gained experience creating a multi-interface system where each part supports the others seamlessly

• Reinforced the value of inclusive design in creating digital solutions that serve people with dignity

Learnings

Thank you