A caregiving app that connects families with thoroughly screened caretakers to provide companionship and medical support for elderly loved ones. It is paired with a smart pill dispenser—featuring timed alarms and a locking system—that offers safety and independence for older adults. Cura Seniorum combines safety, care, and peace of mind in one solution.
My Approach
As the UX designer, I prioritized elderly users’ unique needs by:
Designing a caretaker onboarding form to clarify responsibilities (medication, health habits, communication).
Creating an intuitive smart pill dispenser that syncs with the app for seamless medication management.
Simplifying navigation with voice-guided prompts and one-tap action buttons, rigorously tested with real users to ensure ease of use for all.
Vision and Innovation
We reimagined elderly care by merging human connection with smart safety tools:
Combat isolation: Caretakers are carefully selected based on shared interests and medical expertise.
Transparent care plans: Fees and responsibilities are agreed upfront, ending awkward payment conversations.
Error-proof medication: The smart pill dispenser locks post-dose and alerts families if pills are missed.
Identifying Unique Challenges
Understanding emotional needs: Built trust with elderly users to uncover struggles like loneliness when families were away.
Tech hesitancy: Many elderly users found existing apps overwhelming, requiring extreme simplicity in design.
Trust gaps: Families worried about caretaker reliability, necessitating thorough background checks and clear communication about caregiver responsibilities.
Resolving Complex Problems
Simplified app layout with large buttons, voice-guided prompts, and minimal steps for critical tasks (e.g., medication reminders).
Introduced a caretaker rating system and pre-agreed payment terms to build trust with families.
Iteratively tested the pill dispenser’s locking mechanism with users to guarantee ease of use.
User-Centric Design
Prioritized accessibility with high-contrast visuals, adjustable text sizes, and voice-command compatibility.
Designed family dashboards to keep relatives informed about care activities without overwhelming caregivers.
Meeting User Needs
For elderly users: One-tap emergency alerts, medication reminders, and caregiver check-ins.
For families: Real-time care updates, transparent pricing, and verified caregiver profiles.
For caretakers: Clear task lists, in-app communication tools, and emotional support guidelines.
Conclusion
Cura Seniorum proves that technology can amplify compassion. By designing for dignity—not just efficiency—the app has the potential to become a lifeline for families, reducing medication errors and fostering trusted relationships between caretakers and users. This project taught me that listening to vulnerable users isn’t just UX—it’s a responsibility.
