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User Experience (UX) Design focuses on how a product feels — navigating a website, using an app, or handling a piece of equipment. Good UX Design ensures that things are simple, straightforward, and delightful.

Our team used UX design concepts to create the Soulo Nail Trimmer for people with disabilities. But how exactly does the process work? To introduce this process, we dive into an example we can all relate to — TV remotes!

Picture yourself with a new TV remote with large, clearly labeled buttons and a straightforward layout. If it’s easy to change the channel or adjust the volume without needing to squint or hunt through a manual, that’s good UX Design in action. The product was made with the user in mind, so you can feel confident using it right away.

Empathize with Users

First, we need to understand what it's like for you to use the current remote. We’ll ask questions like, "Which buttons do you find confusing?" and "What do you find frustrating about using this remote?" This helps us see things from your perspective and understand your needs better.

Define the Problem

Based on what we learn, we define the exact problem with the remote. For example, if many people struggle with tiny buttons or unclear labels, we identify that these are the issues we need to address.

Ideate Solutions

Now, we come up with different ideas to fix these problems. We might consider designing a remote with more oversized buttons, fewer buttons, or more straightforward labels. We brainstorm many ideas to see which could make using the remote easier and more enjoyable.

Prototype

We then create a simple model of the new remote based on our ideas. This prototype might not be a fully finished remote but a version we can test to see how well our new design works. For example, it could be a mock-up with large, clear buttons and a simple layout. Prototypes don’t have to be a working product. It can be a 3D printed model or even a drawing to show users an idea.

Test with Real Users

We give this prototype to people like you to try out. We watch how you use it and ask for your feedback. Do the buttons feel right? Is it easier to find what you need? Your input helps us see if we’re on the right track or if we need to make more changes.

Refine and Improve

Based on your feedback, we make adjustments to the design. If you found some buttons still hard to use or the labels unclear, we make those parts better. We keep testing and refining until the remote works perfectly for you.

Final Product

Once we’ve made all the improvements and everyone agrees that the new remote is much easier to use, we create the final version. This new remote is designed with your needs in mind, making it simple and comfortable to use.

Example: Comcast’s new remote control was designed for—and with—disabled users

In 2022, Comcast worked with disabled users to design a tv remote with larger buttons, bigger text, backlighting, and built-in voice command capability. This is a great example of how the UX design process led to a better product that more people could enjoy.

The human-centered design process focuses on you—the user. We start by understanding your experience, developing ideas to improve things, testing those ideas with you, and making changes based on your feedback. The goal is to create something that truly works well for you and makes your life easier.

While designing the Soulo Nail Trimmer, we prioritized the needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities through a user-centered design process. Research and user interviews helped us identify key issues with nail clippers, such as difficulty holding small devices, poor visibility, difficulty reaching, and safety concerns. Usability testing guided us in refining the trimmer's ergonomics to ensure it was comfortable to grip and easy to use and store. The final product featured an adjustable extension arm, a larger, easy-to-hold handle, LED lighting for better visibility, and safety features, making nail care simpler and more accessible for all. We are thrilled that it has brought independence and comfort to our users and are excited to expand our product offering, making the personal care experience enjoyable and rejuvenating for all.

UX Design ensures products work well for everyone. For seniors and those with physical disabilities, this can mean the difference between feeling independent and feeling frustrated. By designing with these principles, companies like Soulo are helping to create a world where seniors can continue to enjoy their lives fully with products that meet their needs in a thoughtful and respectful way. When products are designed inclusively, they empower users, make daily tasks easier, and enhance the overall quality of life.