Root :
Your branch to meaningful connections
Designing a Digital application that fosters connection for senior citizens with their community at ease and enhances their social health and well-being.
Project Overview
In a 6-day design sprint, we set out to improve social connection for adults aged 65+, many of whom experience loneliness and feel unsure about using technology.
We designed Root, a simple, accessible app that supports social engagement through group activities, health information, reminders, and event updates. With larger text, streamlined navigation, and a customizable AI companion, Root makes it easy for seniors of all abilities to stay connected and confident using digital tools.
Duration - 6 Days
Skills applied - User Research & Interviews, Journey & Empathy Mapping, Prototyping & Usability Testing, Idea Prioritization & Concept Development
Team - Atchayaa Krishnan, Courtney Duong, Evelyn Syau, Prathi Selvapathi.
Institution - M.A in Design Focused on Health,The University of Texas at Austin
Challenge
In a 6-day summer design bootcamp, our team explored the theme “Social Health + Digital Platforms.” We found that many older adults struggle with complex communication apps, leading to frustration and isolation. Our goal was to design a simpler, more supportive way for them to stay connected.
Outcome
We designed Root, a simple, supportive app that helps older adults stay connected through easy communication tools, interest-based groups, and centralized health information. A built-in virtual companion offers gentle guidance, making digital interactions more intuitive and reducing feelings of loneliness.
Define
"Research indicates that nearly 1 in 4 adults aged 65 and above are socially isolated and at an increased risk for medical comorbidities such as dementia, suicidality, and early death."
How might we improve communication app experiences for older adults so they can stay connected and feel less lonely?
Lack of social interaction often leads to anxiety, depression, and distress among older adults. While technology offers ways to stay connected, many seniors struggle with complex app features, leaving them overwhelmed and further isolated. This creates a cycle of frustration and social withdrawal.
How might we improve communication app experiences for older adults so they can stay connected and feel less lonely?
Our Target Population
Contextual Interviewes
Customer Journey
We created a detailed customer journey map to understand how older adults interact with digital applications, their needs, frustrations, and moments of confusion. This helped us visualize their end-to-end experience and identify key opportunities for simplifying the interface, reducing cognitive load, and improving confidence at every stage of use.
Customer Journey
We used empathy mapping as a rapid synthesis tool to quickly understand older adults’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This approach helped us uncover emotional needs and deeper motivations within a short project timeline, guiding us toward more human-centered design decisions.
Brainstorming & Idea Prioratisation
We conducted fast-paced brainstorming sessions to generate a wide range of concepts, then used prioritization frameworks to evaluate feasibility, impact, and user value. This helped us narrow down ideas quickly and focus on solutions that best addressed seniors’ needs within the project timeline.
Rapid Prototyping
We built a quick, functional prototype of the app and tested it with classmates to gather initial feedback.
Test
We tested our app prototype with classmates to gather quick user insights. Their feedback highlighted usability gaps and improvement opportunities, which we incorporated into the final design.
Final Product
Root helps older adults stay socially connected through easy-to-use communication features and interest-based groups. The app also centralizes essential health information, medications, conditions, allergies, and emergency contacts, making it a practical daily tool. To support confident use, Root includes a customizable virtual companion that guides users through tasks and helps troubleshoot challenges, ensuring a smoother, more reassuring digital experience.
© 2026 by Atchayaa Krishnan..