.png)
Premium Feature for Alexa to Promote Collaborative Caregiving
Work Summary
Overview:
This project emphasizes research and user studies to address the challenges of aging adults and caregivers. The case study showcases the iterative design and testing process that led to a voice-activated platform promoting safety, independence, and connection, empowering older adults while providing caregivers with reliable support.
My Role:
-
Product Designer and Strategist, Creative repurposing
-
4 Months (External engagement studio)
Impact:
-
Obtaining stakeholder buy-in and conducting effective feature discovery.
-
The project successfully repurposed 80% of existing digital assets, optimizing resources and reducing development time
-
The project identified and catered to a previously underserved segment within the U.S.
Users: -> The primary users are informal caregivers within multi-generational households, providing care for aging family members who prefer to age in place
Team:
Shreyans Baid + Saskia Aryono + Petek Basibuyuk
Clients:
.png){kind=small}
Professional Tools: -> Prototyping Tools (Figma) -> User Research Tools (Surveys, interviews) -> Usability Testing Tools (UserTesting) -> Collaboration Platforms (Miro)
Professional Skills: -> User-Centered Design -> Empathy and Inclusivity -> Prototyping and Testing ->Interface Design -> Research and Analysis -> Strategic Thinking -> Collaboration -> Problem-Solving -> Communication -> Project Management
Problem
Statement
Meet
the team
Note: the characters are fictional but depict a valid exaple of a multi-generational family
Context: The global older population is increasing, with those aged 80+ expected to triple by 2050 (UN, 2018). Aging brings physical and cognitive decline, making effective “aging in place” strategies crucial. This concept allows older adults to stay in their homes, with support adapting to their needs. With 77% of U.S. adults aged 50+ wanting to age in place (Binette, 2021), the "Amazon Alexa Together" project enhances collaborative caregiving for improved management.
User Needs: Caregivers need a cohesive assistive technology solution that addresses multiple challenges simultaneously, supports both remote and in-person interactions, and intuitively aids in caregiver support. Introducing technology early and in a user-friendly manner, such as for individuals like Martha, will facilitate long-term adoption and effective use.
Objective: The objective is to empower caregivers with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to deliver better care. Through the "Amazon Alexa Together" platform, Amazon aims to support caregivers in providing comprehensive, high-quality care for their loved ones, while maintaining their own well-being shifting the focus from isolated assistance to a more integrated and collaborative approach.
Meet the team of care givers and care recipient: A valid example of multigenerational family that provides care to a loved one in need.
Their caregiving practice
Our users
More than 32 million caregivers are facilitating multi-generational caregiving practices for their loved ones in the U.S.A.
Our approach
Promoting collaborative caregiving by design:
Alexa Together Initially targeting care recipients living alone, we identified an emerging living configuration that could benefit from collaborative caregiving. By promoting shared responsibilities, caregivers in multi-generational families can care for themselves while delivering better care to the care recipient.
How did we do that?
Through our feature prioritization tool and a series of ideation sessions, we identified an opportunity to enhance Alexa Together by introducing two new features. These additions aim to create a more cohesive and inclusive solution tailored to the needs of multi-generational families
Feature 1:
Care Coordination
Share The Load:
Easily obtain the practical support you require without feeling like a burden. Share requests for assistance, delegate specific tasks and manage your care schedule all in one place.
Offer, Request and easily manage caregiving tasks with your circle members.
''Someone must take mom to the hospital tonight, but I have a night shift. I wonder if Alexis can take her.''
-Judy, 55, daughter, full time professional
_gif.gif)
_gif.gif)
Widget
Widgets in informal caregiving apps offer quick access, enhance engagement, save time, allow customization, increase visibility, and provide a competitive edge. They streamline caregiving activities, display vital information, and promote user efficiency, ultimately improving the overall caregiving experience and outcomes.
_gif.gif)
Feature 2:
Guidance
Better You, Better Caregiving
Amazon Alexa Together facilitates better utilisation of Amazon's resources to take care of one's self while taking care of their loved ones.
Better utilization of Amazon resources to take care of yourself while taking care of your loved ones
Connect to care devices and care related services to keep track of your mental and physical well-being
_gif.gif)
Proposed Benefits: 6 Weeks Later
