Design 1 - Category and Item View
This first design is focused on a category-centric approach to purchases. During our conversations with potential users we gathered that sometimes they do not know the exact category of a product that they are looking for. We also found that some users like to purchase gifts based on category (home goods, wedding gifts, etc). In this design, when a user mouses over the left hand side of the screen where the categories are, they will see larger pictures of popular items in the category. This is to benefit users with potential vision problems. When a user selects a category, a set of images comes up in rows of 3. The images contain a title and price. I decided that an image with a name was best for the elderly as often they are not concerned with the description of an item (we found this from a few of our conversations with potential users). If the user clicks on the image, they are taken to a page with more description about the item. There is a search bar at the top of the page which a user can query for categories or items. This search bar will There is also a login system in the top left. If the user is logged in they will see a small amount of information about the account: username, and a drop down with shopping cart, settings and other user information.
This design would be able to walk through our sample scenario as follows: Both searching and selection could be done one the page outlined. Contacting the retailer or customer service would be handled on the item page because it would be item specific. The review of the item would also be found on the item page. The repeat purchases could be taken care of in the checkout.
Design 2 - Blind User (extreme)
This second design is the one I choose to stretch to an extreme. I decided to focus on blind users because it is possible that elderly are losing their vision. This was a very interesting design for me because I was not sure if I wanted to add text to the page at all. What I decided however was a minimalist design which looked and felt similar to a scripted conversation between two people, EasyShop and the user. I believe that it is important to show the conversation because if users are not blind but more interested in having a conversation heavy experience with the software that have the opportunity to do so but can follow along via the text on the screen. Another reason to have the text is that if a blind user begins the conversation but a non-blind caretaker joins, he or she can catch up and know what was previously said. Also the text may have links to appropriate pages (item information, purchase information, etc.). There is also a loading gif at the bottom of the screen so that non-blind users can tell the page is currently processing what was said.
This design would be able to walk through our sample scenario as follows: All items would be take care of during the conversation. The user could purchase the item, call a customer service representative and be returned to the page, hear a review, and then schedule repeated purchases all through the voice system.
Design 3 - Image Scroll
The third and final design is more image focused. The user would be able to search for images in the top bar but would go about selection an item using the image scroll design above. The focus of this design would be to show the user as large an image as possible, tailoring the design to those elderly users who may have trouble with small images or font. The user would also be able to focus on one image at a time and would not feel overwhelmed by a page of over 20 results. Each item would have the name and price in large text above and a option to add to cart below as well as a short text description below the scroll and a few text reviews. The hidden items to the left and right would contain the name and price of potential alternate items. At the top of the page there is a category and subcategory menu and the shopping cart. This would allow users to select items by category as well.
This design works with the sample scenario we suggested as follows: The user would search using the top bar or categories. They would then be able to look through items, read reviews, and finally select an item for the cart. Upon clicking the cart icon at the top, they would be taken to their cart where they could purchase the item and schedule repeat purchases.