An app called GoldenGather was created to meet the demands of senior persons. They can use it as a platform to interact with a lively community, take part in activities, and play classic single-player and multiplayer games.

1.EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Our target audience consists of all senior men and women. All of these senior citizens most likely have cell phones but have no idea how to use them to their advantage because they require human assistance to clearly understand the process.

The software gives seniors a pleasant and engaging opportunity to connect with others who share their interests in order to encourage socialization and mental health in them. Seniors may stay connected, amused, and mentally alert from the convenience of their homes with GoldenGather.

The process we followed involved various processes of testing with positive feedback across all of the users.  This process also involved various evaluations carried out to come up with the final prototype which is prepared to top be launched. The prototype was made using Adobe XD.

Screenshot of the final prototype and summary of the task:

Task 1: Log in to the application.

Task 2: Browsing content from the Search.

Task 3: Finding events related to the user's highlighted event.

Task 4: Accessing the Vintage games section of the GoldenGather application.

Task 5: Browsing games on the GoldenGather application.

Task 6: Customizing the user experience.

Task 7: View photos on the profile page.

Task 8: Join Event.

Task 9: Sharing an Event Highlight.

2.Introduction

• The problem GoldenGather solve

GoldenGather is a software solution designed to cater to the needs of senior citizens who may face challenges in using technology due to their age or lack of experience. With a user-friendly interface and simple navigation, GoldenGather makes it easy for seniors to connect with others who share similar interests and hobbies. This social connection is crucial for their mental health and overall well-being, as social isolation can have negative effects on seniors' mental health.

By using GoldenGather, seniors can stay connected with their loved ones, access various online activities, and even participate in virtual events. They can also learn new skills and explore different interests through the platform's curated content. This not only helps seniors stay mentally alert but also enhances their cognitive abilities.

• The approach we have taken

Designing GoldenGather requires taking a user-centered approach that focuses on the needs and preferences of the target audience, which in this case, is senior citizens.

User Needs Assessment: The first step was to conduct a user needs assessment to gain a thorough understanding of the needs, preferences, and challenges of the target audience. We did it through surveys, interviews, focus groups, or contextual inquiry. The insights gained from the assessment can be used to inform the design of the low-fidelity prototype to ensure that it meets the needs of the users.

Cognitive Walkthrough: This involves walking through the app design from the perspective of the user and evaluating how easy it is to complete different tasks. The goal is to identify any cognitive barriers that could make it difficult for seniors to use the app.

Heuristic Evaluation: The next step was to conduct a heuristic evaluation to identify and address any usability issues in the app design. The evaluation helped to identify any potential usability issues that could impact the user experience.

Usability Testing: The final step was to conduct usability testing to gather feedback from actual users. This involved testing the app with a group of senior citizens and observing how they interact with the app. Usability testing helped to identify any usability issues that may have been missed in the previous evaluations and provides valuable feedback for improving the design of the app.

Overall, taking a user-centered approach that includes user needs assessment, cognitive walkthrough heuristic evaluation, and usability testing can help to ensure that the app is designed to meet the needs and preferences of the target audience.

3. Methodology

3.1. How were user needs identified?

GoldenGather is an application designed for senior citizens that has three main parts. The first part is the community section where senior citizens can make friends and connect with others who share similar interests. This section is designed to help seniors combat loneliness and social isolation by providing them with a platform to connect with others.

The second part of the application is the events section where senior citizens can join events or create their own events. This section is designed to help seniors stay active and engaged by providing them with opportunities to participate in various activities such as yoga classes, book clubs, etc.

The third part of the application is the Vintage games section where senior citizens can play old video games on their phone with their friends and earn rewards. This section is designed to help seniors stay mentally sharp and engaged by providing them with fun and challenging games to play.

To identify user needs for GoldenGather, we used a combination of online surveys and remote interviews. The surveys were conducted using the internet and were targeted at senior citizens who are the primary users of our application. We used online survey tools such as Google Forms to create and distribute the surveys. The remote interviews were conducted with a few senior citizens to understand their experience with our application’s UX. We used video conferencing tools such as Zoom to conduct the interviews.

The research design we used was a mixed-methods approach that combined qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. We chose this approach because it allowed us to gather both subjective and objective data about our users’ needs and experiences.

We started with low-fidelity prototypes that were created using balsamic wireframe. These prototypes were used to get feedback from users on the overall design and layout of the application. Based on the feedback we received, we created medium-fidelity prototypes using digital tools such as Adobe XD. These prototypes were used to test specific features of the application such as navigation, search functionality, etc. Finally, we created high-fidelity prototypes that were fully functional and closely resembled the final product.

The chosen prototype was selected based on feedback from users during the testing phase. We used a combination of user feedback and our own analysis of the data collected to select the prototype that best met our users’ needs.

3.2. Process followed for designing solutions

The process we followed for designing solutions for GoldenGather was a user-cantered design approach that focused on understanding the needs and preferences of our users. We started with low-fidelity prototypes that were created using wireframes. These prototypes were used to get feedback from users on the overall design and layout of the application.

Based on the feedback we received, we created medium-fidelity prototypes using digital tools such as Adobe XD. These prototypes were used to test specific features of the application such as navigation, search functionality, etc. Finally, we created high-fidelity prototypes that were fully functional and closely resembled the final product.

The chosen prototype was selected based on feedback from users during the testing phase. We used a combination of user feedback, Cognitive walkthrough and our own analysis (heuristic evaluation) of the data collected to select the prototype that best met our users’ needs.

Once we had a final prototype, we conducted usability testing to ensure that the application was easy to use and navigate. We used a combination of surveys, interviews, and observation to collect data about users’ experiences with the application’s UX.

We analyzed the data we collected using both quantitative and qualitative methods. We used statistical analysis to analyze the survey data and identify trends in users’ preferences and opinions. We used thematic analysis to analyze the interview data and identify common themes in users’ experiences with the application’s UX.

Based on our analysis of the data collected, we made changes to the application’s design and functionality to better meet our users’ needs. We continued to iterate on the design until we were confident that it met our users’ needs and was easy to use.

Overall, our design process was focused on understanding our users’ needs and preferences and creating a solution that met those needs. We used a combination of low-fidelity and high-fidelity prototypes along with usability testing to ensure that our solution was easy to use and navigate.

3.3. Iterations of design/testing

We followed a user-centered design approach that involved multiple methods of testing and feedback. We conducted a user needs assessment, cognitive walkthrough, heuristic evaluation, and usability testing. For low-fidelity prototyping, we used Balsamiq wireframes, and for medium and high-fidelity prototyping, we used Adobe XD.

We went through multiple rounds of prototyping and testing before arriving at a final design that met our users’ needs. This iterative design process involved multiple rounds of testing and feedback to ensure that the application was easy to use and navigate.

Overall, our design process was focused on understanding our users’ needs and preferences and creating a solution that met those needs. We used a combination of low-fidelity and high-fidelity prototypes along with usability testing to ensure that our solution was easy to use and navigate.

3.3.1 Low-fidelity Prototype

Low-fidelity prototyping is a quick and inexpensive way to create early versions of a product or design using simple and basic methods. These prototypes are often rough and basic, and are used to test and evaluate ideas before committing to a more detailed and polished design.

In the case of GoldenGather, the low-fidelity prototype included six tasks: 1) register the user 2) select your interest 3) welcome screen 4) make community 5) events and 6) games. This prototype was likely used to test the basic functionality of the application and ensure that it met the needs of its users.

Low-fidelity prototypes are helpful in enabling early visualization of alternative design solutions, which helps provoke innovation and improvement. They also allow designers to test user flows, interactions, and navigation menus of a web/app easily.

Low-fidelity prototyping is part of the product design and development process. It involves creating early versions of a product or design using inexpensive and quick methods. These prototypes are often rough and basic, and are used to test and evaluate ideas before committing to a more detailed and polished design. Low-fidelity prototypes are often paper-based and do not allow user interactions. They range from a series of hand-drawn mock-ups to printouts.

Low-fidelity prototyping is helpful in enabling early visualization of alternative design solutions, which helps provoke innovation and improvement. They also allow designers to test user flows, interactions, and navigation menus of a web/app easily.

Low-fidelity prototypes are particularly useful in the early stages of product development when designers are still exploring different ideas and concepts. They can help designers quickly iterate on their designs and test different approaches without investing too much time or resources.

Overall, low-fidelity prototyping is an essential part of the product design process. It allows designers to quickly test and evaluate ideas before committing to a more detailed design. By enabling early visualization of alternative design solutions, low-fidelity prototyping helps provoke innovation and improvement while saving time and resources.

3.3.2. High Fidelity Prototype.

High-fidelity prototyping is a more detailed and polished version of a low-fidelity prototype. It is used to test and evaluate a product or design before it is launched. High-fidelity prototypes are often interactive and allow users to interact with the product or design.

In the case of GoldenGather, the high-fidelity prototype included seven pages: 1) login page 2) profile page 3) newsfeed page 4) events page 5) event highlights page 6) games page and 7) create events page. This prototype was likely used to test the functionality of the application in more detail and ensure that it met the needs of its users.

High-fidelity prototypes are particularly useful in the later stages of product development when designers are refining their designs and preparing for launch. They can help designers test the functionality of their designs in more detail and ensure that they meet the needs of their users.

High-fidelity prototyping is more expensive and time-consuming than low-fidelity prototyping, but it provides a more accurate representation of the final product or design. High-fidelity prototypes can be used to test user interactions, user flows, and navigation menus. They can also be used to test the visual design of a product or design.

Overall, high-fidelity prototyping is an essential part of the product design process. It allows designers to test and evaluate their designs in more detail before launching them. By enabling detailed testing of product functionality, high-fidelity prototyping helps ensure that products meet the needs of their users.

3.4. Testing procedures used

We used a user-centered approach for testing the UX of GoldenGather. Heuristic evaluation and usability testing procedures were used to evaluate the UX of GoldenGather. Heuristic evaluation is a method of evaluating the usability of a product or design by examining it against a set of heuristics or guidelines. Usability testing is a method of evaluating the usability of a product or design by testing it with real users.

The team evaluated the application based on ten heuristics: visibility of system status, match between system and real world, user control and freedom, consistency and standards, error prevention, recognition rather than recall, flexibility and efficiency of use, aesthetic and minimalist design, help users recognize, diagnose, and recover from errors, and help and documentation.

Usability testing was conducted with five participants who were asked to perform specific tasks using GoldenGather. The team observed how participants interacted with the application and collected feedback on their experience.

Overall, user-centered design is an essential part of the product design process. It allows designers to understand their users’ needs and requirements in all stages of design and development. By enabling detailed testing of product functionality with heuristic evaluation and usability testing procedures, user-centered design helps ensure that products meet the needs of their users.

3.5. Detailed task descriptions

1.      Login into application: To log in to GoldenGather, you can enter your email and password on the login page. Once you have logged in, you will be taken to your profile page.

1.      Scroll the community page: The community page on GoldenGather allows you to connect with other users and view their profiles. You can scroll through the community page to find other users and view their profiles.

Watch event highlights: The event highlights page on GoldenGather allows you to view highlights from past events. You can watch videos of these highlights on the event highlights page.

Create event: To create an event on GoldenGather, you can click on the “create event” button on the events page. You will be prompted to enter details about your event, such as the date, time, and location.

  Join event: To join an event on GoldenGather, you can click on the “join event” button on the events page. You will be taken to a page where you can view details about the event and RSVP.

Play single player game: The games page on GoldenGather allows you to play single-player games. You can choose from a variety of games and play them directly within the application

Play multiplayer game: The games page on GoldenGather also allows you to play multiplayer games with other users. You can choose from a variety of games and play them with other users who are also online.

1.      Manage profile: Your profile page on GoldenGather allows you to manage your profile information. You can edit your profile picture, update your personal information, and view your activity history.

Conclusion

In conclusion, first analyze some basic information about our user group from the internet; the majority of our findings support that.

The majority of the non-tech aware population gives us a lot of wonderful comments. Which encourages us to make changes to our prototype in order to help our users have a better experience, make friends, and have a good time.