How I designed an engaging wellness app that motivates elder users with a balanced approach to gamification.
I developed a comprehensive wellness app, applying in-depth UX research, competitor analysis, and the Octalysis framework to uniquely address elder wellness. The design strategically incorporates white hat gamification principles, such as Epic Meaning and Calling and Empowerment of Creativity and Feedback, which motivate users through progress, wellness goals, and personal growth.
To keep users engaged without overwhelming them, the app also applies black hat principles like Scarcity and Loss and Avoidance, using carefully designed streak tracking and goal reminders. These create a sense of urgency but remain adaptable to elders' needs and pace.
Using a flower visualization that fills as tasks are completed, the app gives users a clear view of their progress across wellness dimensions. A gauge system allows users to track key wellness metrics daily, comparing them to personal benchmarks and age-based averages to stay motivated and make adjustments. Further, a token economy and reward system lets users unlock boosts to enhance their wellness journey. Personified notifications keep users connected, ensuring they remain aware of their progress and upcoming wellness challenges.
Built with insights from specific studies on gamification for seniors, this data-driven approach ensures that gamified elements meet elder-specific requirements, supporting long-term engagement, accessible navigation, and social connection—all while empowering users to maintain a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Pending results from focus group, using a clickable demo, and a survey will be shared here later on. Value proposition
Design thinking workshop
Scoping the MVP
Information visualization studies
Toward a clickable demo
