ComGrand
Context
Aging populations face social isolation and health challenges, especially those living alone in China. Comgrand bridges this gap through a smart ring and mobile app.
Solution
Connects seniors with their community
Tracks health with real-time updates
Simplifies access to events & healthcare
Impact
Designed an integrated user-centered system with both hardware and software, ensuring accessibility for elderly users and validated through user testing.
Role
Solo Designer & Researcher
Guided by
Vince Ye
Date
Mar - Nov 2023
Category
Service Design
ComGrand
Context
Aging populations face social isolation and health challenges, especially those living alone in China. Comgrand bridges this gap through a smart ring and mobile app.
Solution
Connects seniors with their community
Tracks health with real-time updates
Simplifies access to events & healthcare
Impact
Designed an integrated user-centered system with both hardware and software, ensuring accessibility for elderly users and validated through user testing.
Role
Solo Designer & Researcher
Guided by
Vince Ye
Date
Mar - Nov 2023
Category
Service Design
ComGrand
Context
Aging populations face social isolation and health challenges, especially those living alone in China. Comgrand bridges this gap through a smart ring and mobile app.
Solution
Connects seniors with their community
Tracks health with real-time updates
Simplifies access to events & healthcare
Impact
Designed an integrated user-centered system with both hardware and software, ensuring accessibility for elderly users and validated through user testing.
Role
Solo Designer & Researcher
Guided by
Vince Ye
Date
Mar - Nov 2023
Category
Service Design
ComGrand
Context
Aging populations face social isolation and health challenges, especially those living alone in China. Comgrand bridges this gap through a smart ring and mobile app.
Solution
Connects seniors with their community
Tracks health with real-time updates
Simplifies access to events & healthcare
Impact
Designed an integrated user-centered system with both hardware and software, ensuring accessibility for elderly users and validated through user testing.
Role
Solo Designer & Researcher
Guided by
Vince Ye
Date
Mar - Nov 2023
Category
Service Design
ComGrand
ComGrand
ComGrand
ComGrand
Understanding the Problem
Challenge
As the aging population grows in China, many seniors, especially those living alone, struggle with social isolation and health management. The COVID-19 pandemic made this problem worse. It restricted in-person interactions and reduced access to essential healthcare. Traditional community programs and healthcare systems do not provide smooth, technology-based support. As a result, many seniors feel disconnected and unprotected.
Understanding the Problem
Challenge
As the aging population grows in China, many seniors, especially those living alone, struggle with social isolation and health management. The COVID-19 pandemic made this problem worse. It restricted in-person interactions and reduced access to essential healthcare. Traditional community programs and healthcare systems do not provide smooth, technology-based support. As a result, many seniors feel disconnected and unprotected.
Understanding the Problem
Challenge
As the aging population grows in China, many seniors, especially those living alone, struggle with social isolation and health management. The COVID-19 pandemic made this problem worse. It restricted in-person interactions and reduced access to essential healthcare. Traditional community programs and healthcare systems do not provide smooth, technology-based support. As a result, many seniors feel disconnected and unprotected.
Understanding the Problem
Challenge
As the aging population grows in China, many seniors, especially those living alone, struggle with social isolation and health management. The COVID-19 pandemic made this problem worse. It restricted in-person interactions and reduced access to essential healthcare. Traditional community programs and healthcare systems do not provide smooth, technology-based support. As a result, many seniors feel disconnected and unprotected.
Research Question
🔹 What are the key factors driving social isolation among seniors, and how does it affect their well-being?
🔹 How effectively do existing community services facilitate senior social engagement and health management, and what gaps remain?
🔹 What challenges do seniors face in adopting technology for communication and health tracking, and how can these be addressed?
Research Question
🔹 What are the key factors driving social isolation among seniors, and how does it affect their well-being?
🔹 How effectively do existing community services facilitate senior social engagement and health management, and what gaps remain?
🔹 What challenges do seniors face in adopting technology for communication and health tracking, and how can these be addressed?
Research Question
🔹 What are the key factors driving social isolation among seniors, and how does it affect their well-being?
🔹 How effectively do existing community services facilitate senior social engagement and health management, and what gaps remain?
🔹 What challenges do seniors face in adopting technology for communication and health tracking, and how can these be addressed?
Research Question
🔹 What are the key factors driving social isolation among seniors, and how does it affect their well-being?
🔹 How effectively do existing community services facilitate senior social engagement and health management, and what gaps remain?
🔹 What challenges do seniors face in adopting technology for communication and health tracking, and how can these be addressed?
Research & Insights
Literature Review
To understand aging and social engagement, I reviewed existing research on elderly well-being in urban communities.
Research & Insights
Literature Review
To understand aging and social engagement, I reviewed existing research on elderly well-being in urban communities.
Research & Insights
Literature Review
To understand aging and social engagement, I reviewed existing research on elderly well-being in urban communities.
Research & Insights
Literature Review
To understand aging and social engagement, I reviewed existing research on elderly well-being in urban communities.
Field Study
Stage 1
Mapping Seniors' Daily Routines and expectations
I observed my grandmother’s daily routines and responses to changes around her. I mapped out her activities, emotional changes, and unmet expectations throughout the day, trying to highlight key pain points in her routines.
Field Study
Stage 1
Mapping Seniors' Daily Routines and expectations
I observed my grandmother’s daily routines and responses to changes around her. I mapped out her activities, emotional changes, and unmet expectations throughout the day, trying to highlight key pain points in her routines.
Field Study
Stage 1
Mapping Seniors' Daily Routines and expectations
I observed my grandmother’s daily routines and responses to changes around her. I mapped out her activities, emotional changes, and unmet expectations throughout the day, trying to highlight key pain points in her routines.
Field Study
Stage 1
Mapping Seniors' Daily Routines and expectations
I observed my grandmother’s daily routines and responses to changes around her. I mapped out her activities, emotional changes, and unmet expectations throughout the day, trying to highlight key pain points in her routines.
Key Observations
Limited Information Access & Fear of Change
My grandmother bought a pulse oximeter for the pandemic, but avoided going out for almost a month because she lacked real-time updates on the outbreak.
Key Observations
Limited Information Access & Fear of Change
My grandmother bought a pulse oximeter for the pandemic, but avoided going out for almost a month because she lacked real-time updates on the outbreak.
Key Observations
Limited Information Access & Fear of Change
My grandmother bought a pulse oximeter for the pandemic, but avoided going out for almost a month because she lacked real-time updates on the outbreak.
Key Observations
Limited Information Access & Fear of Change
My grandmother bought a pulse oximeter for the pandemic, but avoided going out for almost a month because she lacked real-time updates on the outbreak.
Resistance to Technology Adoption
She tried using a smartphone but quickly gave up, afraid others might laugh at her struggles. Lacking confidence in learning new technology, she returned to her basic phone, preferring familiarity over frustration.
Resistance to Technology Adoption
She tried using a smartphone but quickly gave up, afraid others might laugh at her struggles. Lacking confidence in learning new technology, she returned to her basic phone, preferring familiarity over frustration.
Resistance to Technology Adoption
She tried using a smartphone but quickly gave up, afraid others might laugh at her struggles. Lacking confidence in learning new technology, she returned to her basic phone, preferring familiarity over frustration.
Resistance to Technology Adoption
She tried using a smartphone but quickly gave up, afraid others might laugh at her struggles. Lacking confidence in learning new technology, she returned to her basic phone, preferring familiarity over frustration.
Spontaneous Socialization, Not Structured Engagement
One of her few hobbies is taking walks in the community. When she meets neighbors her age, they sit on benches and chat. However, she does not actively seek out organized activities.
Spontaneous Socialization, Not Structured Engagement
One of her few hobbies is taking walks in the community. When she meets neighbors her age, they sit on benches and chat. However, she does not actively seek out organized activities.
Spontaneous Socialization, Not Structured Engagement
One of her few hobbies is taking walks in the community. When she meets neighbors her age, they sit on benches and chat. However, she does not actively seek out organized activities.
Spontaneous Socialization, Not Structured Engagement
One of her few hobbies is taking walks in the community. When she meets neighbors her age, they sit on benches and chat. However, she does not actively seek out organized activities.
Stage 2
Understanding Seniors' situation Through Interviews
To understand how seniors engage with their community and technology, I interviewed elderly residents in my grandmother’s neighborhood.
Stage 2
Understanding Seniors' situation Through Interviews
To understand how seniors engage with their community and technology, I interviewed elderly residents in my grandmother’s neighborhood.
Stage 2
Understanding Seniors' situation Through Interviews
To understand how seniors engage with their community and technology, I interviewed elderly residents in my grandmother’s neighborhood.
Stage 2
Understanding Seniors' situation Through Interviews
To understand how seniors engage with their community and technology, I interviewed elderly residents in my grandmother’s neighborhood.
Stage 3
Expert Interviews: Understanding Systemic Challenges
Community workers and elderly care professionals confirmed that current support systems fail to meet the diverse needs of seniors, particularly those with low digital literacy or mobility limitations.
Limited resources and rigid structures make it difficult to implement proactive health monitoring or foster meaningful social engagement, leaving many seniors disconnected and underserved.
Stage 3
Expert Interviews: Understanding Systemic Challenges
Community workers and elderly care professionals confirmed that current support systems fail to meet the diverse needs of seniors, particularly those with low digital literacy or mobility limitations.
Limited resources and rigid structures make it difficult to implement proactive health monitoring or foster meaningful social engagement, leaving many seniors disconnected and underserved.
Stage 3
Expert Interviews: Understanding Systemic Challenges
Community workers and elderly care professionals confirmed that current support systems fail to meet the diverse needs of seniors, particularly those with low digital literacy or mobility limitations.
Limited resources and rigid structures make it difficult to implement proactive health monitoring or foster meaningful social engagement, leaving many seniors disconnected and underserved.
Stage 3
Expert Interviews: Understanding Systemic Challenges
Community workers and elderly care professionals confirmed that current support systems fail to meet the diverse needs of seniors, particularly those with low digital literacy or mobility limitations.
Limited resources and rigid structures make it difficult to implement proactive health monitoring or foster meaningful social engagement, leaving many seniors disconnected and underserved.
From research, I conclude -
Existing community systems often treat seniors as passive recipients of care rather than active participants in their own health and social lives. This results in low motivation to engage with technology, learn new skills, or seek out structured activities.
How Might We
Create an intuitive and empowering system that builds seniors' confidence, fosters lifelong learning, and seamlessly integrates health monitoring with social engagement?
Key Design Criteria
Confidence-Driven Interaction
A simple, familiar interface that gives seniors a sense of control, reduces fear of failure and encourages gradual engagement with technology.
Social Engagement as Motivation
A community-focused experience that uses peer networks, shared activities, and social recognition.
Progressive Learning & Encouragement
A system that provides gentle guidance, positive reinforcement, and peer mentorship, helping seniors develop skills at their own pace.
Design Approach
Concept & Ideation
I mapped out the factors that influence active aging, including health, participation, community, and digital support. This mind map helped identify key intervention points where design can support engagement, build self-confidence, and improve well-being.
Design Approach
Concept & Ideation
I mapped out the factors that influence active aging, including health, participation, community, and digital support. This mind map helped identify key intervention points where design can support engagement, build self-confidence, and improve well-being.
Design Approach
Concept & Ideation
I mapped out the factors that influence active aging, including health, participation, community, and digital support. This mind map helped identify key intervention points where design can support engagement, build self-confidence, and improve well-being.
Design Approach
Concept & Ideation
I mapped out the factors that influence active aging, including health, participation, community, and digital support. This mind map helped identify key intervention points where design can support engagement, build self-confidence, and improve well-being.
co-design
To refine the functions, I invited elderly community members and a few community workers for group discussions. They explored my design concepts and provided first-hand feedback.
co-design
To refine the functions, I invited elderly community members and a few community workers for group discussions. They explored my design concepts and provided first-hand feedback.
co-design
To refine the functions, I invited elderly community members and a few community workers for group discussions. They explored my design concepts and provided first-hand feedback.
co-design
To refine the functions, I invited elderly community members and a few community workers for group discussions. They explored my design concepts and provided first-hand feedback.
Design strategy
Based on the feedback, I decided to develop an NFC-based, senior-friendly app to simplify social participation and provide an intuitive digital platform that encourages active engagement in community activities. Additionally, I integrated health tracking and daily convenience features into a non-intrusive smart wearable device, ensuring seamless support for seniors' well-being without disrupting their routines.
Design strategy
Based on the feedback, I decided to develop an NFC-based, senior-friendly app to simplify social participation and provide an intuitive digital platform that encourages active engagement in community activities. Additionally, I integrated health tracking and daily convenience features into a non-intrusive smart wearable device, ensuring seamless support for seniors' well-being without disrupting their routines.
Design strategy
Based on the feedback, I decided to develop an NFC-based, senior-friendly app to simplify social participation and provide an intuitive digital platform that encourages active engagement in community activities. Additionally, I integrated health tracking and daily convenience features into a non-intrusive smart wearable device, ensuring seamless support for seniors' well-being without disrupting their routines.
Design strategy
Based on the feedback, I decided to develop an NFC-based, senior-friendly app to simplify social participation and provide an intuitive digital platform that encourages active engagement in community activities. Additionally, I integrated health tracking and daily convenience features into a non-intrusive smart wearable device, ensuring seamless support for seniors' well-being without disrupting their routines.
Touch Points
To build the system map, I identified key touchpoints, the app and wearable device, as the primary interfaces for seniors to interact with their community and healthcare services.
Touch Points
To build the system map, I identified key touchpoints, the app and wearable device, as the primary interfaces for seniors to interact with their community and healthcare services.
Touch Points
To build the system map, I identified key touchpoints, the app and wearable device, as the primary interfaces for seniors to interact with their community and healthcare services.
Touch Points
To build the system map, I identified key touchpoints, the app and wearable device, as the primary interfaces for seniors to interact with their community and healthcare services.
System map
This system map shows how information, data, and physical interactions flow within the ecosystem and the connections between stakeholders, devices, and services.
System map
This system map shows how information, data, and physical interactions flow within the ecosystem and the connections between stakeholders, devices, and services.
System map
This system map shows how information, data, and physical interactions flow within the ecosystem and the connections between stakeholders, devices, and services.
System map
This system map shows how information, data, and physical interactions flow within the ecosystem and the connections between stakeholders, devices, and services.
Design development
Hardware Iteration: Smart Ring Design
I explored multiple design directions for the smart ring, sketching different forms and functions for evaluation.
Design development
Hardware Iteration: Smart Ring Design
I explored multiple design directions for the smart ring, sketching different forms and functions for evaluation.
Design development
Hardware Iteration: Smart Ring Design
I explored multiple design directions for the smart ring, sketching different forms and functions for evaluation.
Design development
Hardware Iteration: Smart Ring Design
I explored multiple design directions for the smart ring, sketching different forms and functions for evaluation.
Software Design Process
Stage 1
outlining the core functionalities
I first defined the core functionalities of the app, ensuring they align with the daily needs and habits of elderly users. By structuring the information architecture, I mapped out interactions between key features like social networking, health monitoring, and event participation.
Software Design Process
Stage 1
outlining the core functionalities
I first defined the core functionalities of the app, ensuring they align with the daily needs and habits of elderly users. By structuring the information architecture, I mapped out interactions between key features like social networking, health monitoring, and event participation.
Software Design Process
Stage 1
outlining the core functionalities
I first defined the core functionalities of the app, ensuring they align with the daily needs and habits of elderly users. By structuring the information architecture, I mapped out interactions between key features like social networking, health monitoring, and event participation.
Software Design Process
Stage 1
outlining the core functionalities
I first defined the core functionalities of the app, ensuring they align with the daily needs and habits of elderly users. By structuring the information architecture, I mapped out interactions between key features like social networking, health monitoring, and event participation.
Stage 2
LO-FI prototyping
I translated the core functionalities into low-fidelity wireframes, showing interactions with chats, contacts, health records, reminders, and community events. They helped test information flow, refine navigation, and align the design with user habits before moving to high-fidelity development.
Stage 2
LO-FI prototyping
I translated the core functionalities into low-fidelity wireframes, showing interactions with chats, contacts, health records, reminders, and community events. They helped test information flow, refine navigation, and align the design with user habits before moving to high-fidelity development.
Stage 2
LO-FI prototyping
I translated the core functionalities into low-fidelity wireframes, showing interactions with chats, contacts, health records, reminders, and community events. They helped test information flow, refine navigation, and align the design with user habits before moving to high-fidelity development.
Stage 2
LO-FI prototyping
I translated the core functionalities into low-fidelity wireframes, showing interactions with chats, contacts, health records, reminders, and community events. They helped test information flow, refine navigation, and align the design with user habits before moving to high-fidelity development.
Stage 3
Making HI-FI Prototype
Stage 3
Making HI-FI Prototype
Stage 3
Making HI-FI Prototype
Stage 3
Making HI-FI Prototype
SERVICE BLUEPRINT
Software Design Process
I designed this elderly community engagement platform that integrates digital and physical touchpoints to enhance user experience. The service blueprint is structured into 5 key stages: Preparation, Treatment, Event Participation, Online Socialization, and Achievements, ensuring a holistic approach to elderly care, social connection, and health management.
SERVICE BLUEPRINT
Software Design Process
I designed this elderly community engagement platform that integrates digital and physical touchpoints to enhance user experience. The service blueprint is structured into 5 key stages: Preparation, Treatment, Event Participation, Online Socialization, and Achievements, ensuring a holistic approach to elderly care, social connection, and health management.
SERVICE BLUEPRINT
Software Design Process
I designed this elderly community engagement platform that integrates digital and physical touchpoints to enhance user experience. The service blueprint is structured into 5 key stages: Preparation, Treatment, Event Participation, Online Socialization, and Achievements, ensuring a holistic approach to elderly care, social connection, and health management.
Preparation
Users activate their accounts, set up their smart rings, watch tutorials, and start viewing their health data in the app. The system supports this process with authentication, device pairing, and real-time data collection.
Preparation
Users activate their accounts, set up their smart rings, watch tutorials, and start viewing their health data in the app. The system supports this process with authentication, device pairing, and real-time data collection.
Preparation
Users activate their accounts, set up their smart rings, watch tutorials, and start viewing their health data in the app. The system supports this process with authentication, device pairing, and real-time data collection.
Treatment
Both offline and online services help users manage their health. They receive medical visit reminders, seek consultations, access treatment records, and authenticate payments using their smart rings. The app sends real-time notifications, while connected devices collect physiological data and interact with third-party systems.
Treatment
Both offline and online services help users manage their health. They receive medical visit reminders, seek consultations, access treatment records, and authenticate payments using their smart rings. The app sends real-time notifications, while connected devices collect physiological data and interact with third-party systems.
Treatment
Both offline and online services help users manage their health. They receive medical visit reminders, seek consultations, access treatment records, and authenticate payments using their smart rings. The app sends real-time notifications, while connected devices collect physiological data and interact with third-party systems.
Event Participation
This stage covers before, during, and after events. Users can browse and register for events, authenticate entry with their smart rings, and interact with others at the venue. The app provides event details, tracks participation history, and rewards engagement with community points.
Event Participation
This stage covers before, during, and after events. Users can browse and register for events, authenticate entry with their smart rings, and interact with others at the venue. The app provides event details, tracks participation history, and rewards engagement with community points.
Event Participation
This stage covers before, during, and after events. Users can browse and register for events, authenticate entry with their smart rings, and interact with others at the venue. The app provides event details, tracks participation history, and rewards engagement with community points.
Online Socialization
Users chat with friends, share daily moments, and explore community content. The system supports this by managing message delivery, providing content recommendations, and enabling data exchange.
Online Socialization
Users chat with friends, share daily moments, and explore community content. The system supports this by managing message delivery, providing content recommendations, and enabling data exchange.
Online Socialization
Users chat with friends, share daily moments, and explore community content. The system supports this by managing message delivery, providing content recommendations, and enabling data exchange.
Achievements
The Achievements section lets users track earned points, view rankings, and redeem rewards for health services. The system processes requests, updates databases, and analyzes user engagement trends.
Achievements
The Achievements section lets users track earned points, view rankings, and redeem rewards for health services. The system processes requests, updates databases, and analyzes user engagement trends.
Achievements
The Achievements section lets users track earned points, view rankings, and redeem rewards for health services. The system processes requests, updates databases, and analyzes user engagement trends.
SERVICE BLUEPRINT
Software Design Process
I designed this elderly community engagement platform that integrates digital and physical touchpoints to enhance user experience. The service blueprint is structured into 5 key stages: Preparation, Treatment, Event Participation, Online Socialization, and Achievements, ensuring a holistic approach to elderly care, social connection, and health management.
Preparation
Users activate their accounts, set up their smart rings, watch tutorials, and start viewing their health data in the app. The system supports this process with authentication, device pairing, and real-time data collection.
Treatment
Both offline and online services help users manage their health. They receive medical visit reminders, seek consultations, access treatment records, and authenticate payments using their smart rings. The app sends real-time notifications, while connected devices collect physiological data and interact with third-party systems.
Event Participation
This stage covers before, during, and after events. Users can browse and register for events, authenticate entry with their smart rings, and interact with others at the venue. The app provides event details, tracks participation history, and rewards engagement with community points.
Online Socialization
Users chat with friends, share daily moments, and explore community content. The system supports this by managing message delivery, providing content recommendations, and enabling data exchange.
Achievements
The Achievements section lets users track earned points, view rankings, and redeem rewards for health services. The system processes requests, updates databases, and analyzes user engagement trends.
SCENARIO & Reflection
