York Sunglasses App Enhancing E-commerce for Individuals with Macular Degeneration
Overview
The York Sunglasses app represents a groundbreaking step towards inclusive design, focusing on creating an accessible online shopping experience for individuals with Macular Degeneration. This case study explores the design process, challenges, and outcomes of developing an app that prioritizes ease of navigation and accessibility, particularly for those like Gretchen, who face significant barriers in the digital shopping world due to visual impairments. Background Macular Degeneration affects the central part of the retina, impairing the central vision required for activities like reading and shopping. Recognizing this challenge, the York Sunglasses app was developed to cater specifically to this demographic, ensuring that key information and navigation elements are easily accessible, thereby facilitating a more user-friendly online shopping experience.
Strategy
Methodology
User research was conducted through interviews and an online survey to understand the current shopping experiences of individuals with visual impairments. Participants aged 55-71 were interviewed, and feedback from 51 survey respondents was analysed to identify pain points and preferences.
Key Findings
53% of respondents owned sunglasses in multiple models, indicating a diverse need and preference.
Major pain points included scams, poor website navigation, and low contrast on existing platforms.
Essential features for sunglasses were high UV protection and lightweight frames.
55% reported having vision problems primarily in the center, aligning with Macular Degeneration symptoms.
There was a significant interest (55%) in sunglasses models specifically designed for individuals with Macular Degeneration.
The Goal
The main objective was to enhance user satisfaction through improved app navigation, aiming for a satisfaction rate of 90% or higher and a 30% reduction in customer support queries related to navigation issues within the first three months post-launch.
Ideation
Using the Crazy 8 technique, we sketched ideas to address "How Might We" questions, focusing on simplifying the user journey, ensuring data and purchase protection, and making the shopping experience accessible without complex account creation.
Design Principles
Accessibility First
The app was designed with screen reader compatibility, voice navigation, and options for tactile feedback, ensuring it meets the needs of users with varying degrees of visual impairment.
Intuitive Navigation and High-Contrast Design
A straightforward, predictable layout with clear labels and a high-contrast colour scheme was implemented, making it easier for users to navigate and read content.
Simplicity and Clarity
The design was kept simple and clutter-free, with a focus on presenting essential information in a clear and concise manner.
Solutions
Solutions
Navigation:
A button at the bottom of the home screen was introduced for quick and easy ordering.
Dynamic Text Sizing and High-Contrast Mode:
These features allow users to adjust the app according to their visual needs, enhancing accessibility.
Results and Learnings
The project highlighted the importance of understanding legal and compliance standards, such as the ADA and WCAG, and the value of cross-functional collaboration. Data-driven design decision-making, informed by user behavior analytics, played a crucial role in refining the app's features to better serve users with visual impairments.
Conclusion
The York Sunglasses app project underscores the critical need for inclusive design in digital products, especially for individuals with disabilities like Macular Degeneration. Through empathetic design practices, user-centered research, and a commitment to accessibility, the project successfully enhanced the online shopping experience for a previously underserved demographic, paving the way for more inclusive digital environments.
Landscape Design
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As sustainability is an important consideration in the built environment, our team of consultants is committed to helping our clients achieve their environmental goals through innovative design and consulting services that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each project
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Feasibility Studies
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