CARL
Carl is an operating system with a companion app designed to support people with dementia and their caregivers, enhancing communication and daily interactions through user-friendly technology.
My Role at Carl
As a Senior UX Designer at Carl, I tackle the unique challenges of designing for people with dementia and their caregivers.
My focus is on ensuring our designs are grounded in solid research, creating an intuitive and accessible experience.
I also consult on UI design systems, building consistency across the platform.
It’s all about balancing user needs, design, and functionality to make a meaningful impact for our users.
Creating Diverse Digital Products
Operating System
I created a completely new design system for the simplified operating system tailored to individuals with dementia, Alzheimer's, or cognitive impairments. One of the biggest challenges was ensuring accessibility, carefully considering what would be intuitive and clear for users with cognitive difficulties. The design prioritizes simplicity and clarity, enabling users to stay connected and navigate essential features effortlessly.
Carl Care App
I designed the caregiver-facing app, enabling family members to remotely manage the Carl device, track the loved one's location, and customize settings to ensure safety and accessibility. My work focused on creating a seamless interface for managing care remotely, while taking into consideration that the app is often used by a caregiver who is also elderly themselves, such as a partner or an adult child.
Carl Company Website
In addition to app design, I also designed Carl's website, ensuring it reflects the brand’s mission of making users feel cared for and understood, while guiding them to the right place to access our products.
The site is user-friendly, with clear navigation and accessibility in mind, providing caregivers and potential customers with easy access to Carl’s offerings.
Research Techniques
Studies Insights
I reviewed clinical research detailing the challenges faced by caregivers, gaining valuable insights into their experiences and needs.
Usability Testing
Conducted usability tests with internal users to gather feedback on early prototypes, identifying areas of confusion and inefficiency.
User Interviews
Held in-depth interviews with real users to understand their pain points, needs and general feeling when they used the app.
Company needs
Emapthy
User feedback
Fast-paced enviorment
Challenges in the Journey
Understanding THE COMPANY NEEDS
Getting to know the unique challenges faced by people living with dementia and their caregivers is at the heart of what I do.
My goal is to design solutions that truly make a difference in their everyday lives, making things a little easier and more meaningful for them.
Gathering and Using User Feedback
I focus on listening to users by conducting interviews, surveys, and usability tests. This helps me refine the product and ensure that their voices are truly heard throughout the design process.
Balancing Multiple User Journeys
At Carl, designing for individuals with dementia and their caregivers poses unique challenges. Many caregivers are older adults, which adds another layer of complexity.
While individuals with dementia need simplicity and clarity, caregivers require detailed insights. My role is to balance these experiences, ensuring technology is easy to navigate for both groups and fostering meaningful connections.
Crafting User Experiences Within Business Realities
At Carl, navigating the constraints of startup life presents a unique challenge for user journeys. While aiming to create seamless experiences for people living with dementia and their caregivers, factors like technical limitations, budget restrictions, and time pressures can complicate the process.