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Golden Bridge
Service&Experience Design
 Embracing Digital Banking for Seniors
Individual work
/2023
Client: Illimity Bank



Intro.


This project was the extender of my previous project Illimity Sense.

Closing the Digital Gap for Italy's Seniors In an interconnected world, the elderly are often left behind by rapid digital advancements. 

Italy, with a rapidly aging population, highlights the need for accessible and inclusive digital solutions. 

Golden Bridge aimed at empowering seniors to navigate digital banking confidently and inclusively.




Research.





The Aging World & Italy’s Silver Economy Potential

a.Aging Population: By 2030, 1 in 6* people globally will be over 60, with Italy among the fastest-aging countries in Europe.

*Data via WHO 
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health


b.Economic Influence: Italian seniors contribute significantly to the economy, presenting a unique opportunity to innovate for an engaged "Silver Economy."

* According to the Pew Research Center,8 in 10 continued their education beyond high school, and 82% use their smartphone every day.

c.Tech Adoption: Contrary to stereotypes, Italian seniors are increasingly tech-savvy, with high internet use for communication, financial management, and wellness.




Evaluating the Digital Landscape for Seniors.

 
To assess existing solutions, I analyzed key competitors, focusing on:

UX/UI: Many digital platforms lack a senior-friendly design, with overly complex or youthful interfaces.

Accessibility & Inclusivity: Gaps in providing clear, supportive resources for seniors.

Support & Education: Limited customer assistance and educational resources beyond investments.











Understanding Seniors' Digital Behavior and Challenges

Physical Barriers: Seniors face declining vision, reduced motor skills, and hearing impairments.

Mental Barriers: Digital services can feel isolating or frustrating, leading to “digital shame.”

User Behavior: Many seniors are open to technology if it’s accessible, with a preference for intuitive, simple tools.




Insights and Oppotunities.








01.Seniors desire for efficient financial management and the convenience provided by digital banking

02.Older people aren’t afraid to try new technology when they see a clear benefit.

03.At a basic level, older customers just want the same as younger customers: an intuitive, easy-to-use and simple-to-understand way of managing their money
04.Existing customers are suffering due to a lack of empathy, inclusiveness and, most importantly, a failed customer strategy in the organisation

05.HNWIs and Affluent Seniors in Italy are more open to digital services

06.Senior use digital service for social and communicate more

07.Children are the first choice when seniors face problems, but the way they teach them is very difficult





How Might We


Empower seniors to embrace digital banking confidently, rejuvenating their mindset and enabling them to experience the wonders of digitalization?







Solution.




Let’s Build a Digital Bridge for All Generations!

GoldenBridge



A Senior-Centered Digital Banking Service


Landing Page


Golden Bridge  is a transformative approach, designed to empower Italian seniors with a holistic, inclusive banking experience.Golden Bridge paves the way for digital inclusion, proving that digital services aren’t just for the young. By focusing on accessibility, empathy, and ease, we’ve created a tool that helps seniors fully engage in the digital world.



Golden Bridge






Feauture 1
Education and Seamless Help


With a simple tap on the NFC card, seniors unlock clear, animated tutorials—no typing or searching required. Learning happens naturally, right from the phone.

If extra help is needed, trusted family members can offer real-time guidance through voice, video, or screen-sharing—no confusion, no pressure.

Support is always there, but control stays with the user. It’s a smooth blend of independence and connection.


NFC Helping card


Seamless assistance feature
Helping card





Feauture 2: Clear UI



The app’s clean design puts clarity first. 
From bold icons to a soft, readable color palette, everything is made to reduce friction and foster ease. 
Smart memory cues gently remind users where they left off, turning unfamiliar tasks into second nature.

It’s not just senior-friendly.

It’s dignity-friendly.




onboarding


Interface






Feature 3 Tailored Events

Personalised events by combining customers' activities with their consumption and daily habits.

Golden Bridge promotes social connections by allowing users to see if their contacts are also interested in the same events. This feature fosters a sense of community and encourages seniors to engage with like-minded individuals, making their digital experience even more enjoyable and fulfilling.








System Map


The whole system is made of two parts: a mobile app designed with large text, simple navigation, and clear memory cues, and a physical toolkit that includes a bank card and NFC cards. 

By scanning the NFC cards with their phone, users access short animated tutorials that guide them through key banking tasks. 

Family members can be added as trusted helpers to provide support remotely when needed, without taking control away from the user. 


Together, the app and toolkit help seniors learn by doing, at their own pace, in a way that feels intuitive and safe. Over time, they gain not just practical skills, but also confidence and a stronger sense of independence and connection.





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