Project Overview
AIRES is a mobile health app concept designed during the Google UX Design Certificate program. This fictitious project addresses real-world challenges faced by elderly asthma patients, particularly those with low digital literacy and multiple chronic conditions.
The app combines symptom tracking, emergency alerts, and AI-generated health insights to empower seniors in managing their asthma independently.
Challenge
Elderly asthma patients often struggle to detect early symptoms and manage environmental triggers. The design of accessible, intelligent health monitoring systems remains underexplored in the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). This project addresses that gap by designing an AI-powered mobile app that detects early signs of asthma crises and supports elderly users through intuitive, personalized interactions.
Solution
Created a user-centered, WCAG-compliant interface with AI support, large navigation elements, personalized health insights, and one-tap emergency access. The app simplifies self-monitoring while enhancing emotional reassurance and independence.
To build a solution grounded in real needs, I conducted secondary research using peer-reviewed articles and qualitative studies from reputable academic sources such as ScienceDirect, the National Library of Medicine (NIH), and leading UX/UI publications on accessibility. A complete list of sources is available in the Research Database created for this project, I also created competitor analysis, and empathy mapping for seniors with asthma and arthritis.
Seniors are becoming more digitally connected
Internet adoption among older adults has increased significantly—from 40% in 2009 to 73% in 2019 (Pew Research). This growing connectivity opens new opportunities for digital health tools.
Managing multiple chronic conditions complicates asthma care
Asthma mortality is rising among older adults
Designing the Solution
After analyzing academic research and user pain points, I identified recurring challenges: fear of flare-ups, poor symptom tracking, and difficulty using digital tools. Older adults want to stay independent but feel they lack the tools to do so safely.
Competitor Gaps:
Existing apps lack accessibility, emotional support, and AI-guided features tailored to seniors.
Framing the Problem:
How might we...
Detect early symptoms without overwhelming users?
Design for low digital literacy and accessibility?
Simplify health data sharing with doctors?
How AIRES Works
Aires empowers older adults with asthma to take control of their health using AI-driven insights and an interface built for clarity, comfort, and confidence.
Conclusions
AIRES was designed with empathy, simplicity, and intelligence to support elderly asthma patients in managing their condition with confidence. By blending AI-powered foresight with human-centered design, Aires empowers older adults to stay safe, informed, and independent, without overwhelming them. That is a product that not only meets medical needs but also restores autonomy and emotional security to aging users.
Good design doesn’t just inform, it empowers.