Project Overview
As a community, we are trying to find ways to overcome the issues amongst seniors including isolation, depression and disconnection, particularly in regional and rural communities.
Imagine the impact on our older community members to easily tap into what is going on and re-energise their lives through participation? YourLink enables this and all from an iPad.
YourLink is a simple and tailored app that will connect seniors with life.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
YourLink Pty Ltd with
Design team - JSD (Joel Spencer Design Pty Ltd)
Development team - Appiwork Pty Ltd
Project Brief
The number of seniors taking up smart tablets is growing each year as the technology becomes even easier for people of all ages to access and use. There are, however, very few apps that are designed for seniors, with information that’s relevant and helpful, all in a design that is easy to use.
YourLink set out to design and build an easy to use app for seniors to stay in touch with family, friends, local community, interest groups and services.
Project Need
YourLink brings the many great services, organisations and activities available for seniors in the local community to the finger tips of the older community and their families.
With YourLink seniors and their families can:
Find the latest information, events and activities happening in the local area
Message family and friends in a safe and easy to use environment
Link into social or interest groups
Quickly access chosen services and interests from a personalised, easy to use home page.
As one of the YourLink launch partners says:
"YourLink is an innovative, responsive solution developed out of love to meet an identified need. It helps reduce social isolation for older Australians and their carers by connecting them to their region's activities events and services. A great simple resource and a great service! A must to connect all!" Elena Katrakis, CEO Carers NSW
User Experience
Even though more iPads and smart devices are in the hands of seniors, having the hardware is not enough. YourLink has built what we believe will be the ‘Go-to’ app for seniors to connect with family, friends, local community and services they need.
The design process has been completely orientated from a Senior's perspective. The UX and UI is focused from the ground up with their needs in mind and the various levels of technology literacy. Large buttons, icons and a very clean, simple interface allowing for ease of use and making it intuitive to understand.
To ensure the app isn't a 'empty room' when users download it, the drive has been on service providers and organisations to upload content.
Project Marketing
YourLink has launched in regional NSW first in an effort to directly contribute to supporting the rural and regional isolation amongst seniors. Communication and marketing focussed on Seniors events including Seniors Expo's, partner channels, local marketing and social media in the first phase while service providers came on board.
Project Privacy
Particular sensitivity has been placed on the information capture for the app community given the demographic. For example, in regards to date of birth only month and year captured and in regards to address only postcode, state, country captures to help improve the experience of the app user.
All relationship connections are permission based.
Tags
Community
Apps more than ever are helping our communities to connect and engage, from emergency services to Not for Profits to social groups, these apps not only assist in delivery but provide efficiencies importantly providing those at the coalface more time to do their important work whether it be fighting fires or managing the local team. It's not all serious though we're also looking for apps that work to help bring the community groups together with fun and enjoyable activities.
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