Roles
About the Project
Overall Ideation
UX Researcher
UX Designer
UI Designer
Brand Designer
We’re Not Really Distant seeks to foster meaningful connections between the elderly and young people by sharing stories of unique experiences. With a core focus on shared commonalities and reciprocal relationships, my goal is to create an interactive experience that facilitates genuine, two-way connections between these generations.
The Problem
In today’s society, the elderly are often perceived as less valuable due to changes in their individualism, self-reliance, and independence. This perception contributes to a growing disconnect between the elderly and the broader community, making social isolation one of the most prevalent challenges faced by the older generation.
Process
Empathising with my target audience through one-to-one conversations enabled me to uncover the root of the problem. When asked about differences in opinions and beliefs resulting from the generation gap, their responses were often negative. However, when the conversation shifted to the valuable lessons they had learned from the elderly, their mood changed instantly, becoming more positive and reflective. This shift made me realise that focusing on commonalities plays a crucial role in fostering better interactions between the two generations.
Solution
I created a website platform where stories of courage and grit from the elderly can be shared. The theme of courage encourages narratives that highlight our shared humanity in facing and overcoming challenges, regardless of how different the experiences may be.
I also recognised the need for this interaction to be two-way for it to feel authentic. As a result, users are encouraged to send a video reply to the elderly immediately on the website.
To introduce this platform to young adults, I decided to present it during a time when they typically engage in conversations—coffee breaks—so as not to disrupt their social interactions but to integrate seamlessly into everyday conversations. The website platform can be accessed via a distinct QR code on takeaway coffee cups.