In today’s technological world, staying safe online is a challenge, especially for non-digital natives who did not grow up with modern technology. These users face a heightened risk of scams, phishing, and identity theft, leaving them vulnerable to financial loss, emotional distress, and confusion. As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, these individuals often lack the confidence or technical know-how to recognize and prevent digital threats.
The pain isn’t just about losing money or falling victim to scams. It’s about the anxiety of navigating unfamiliar systems, the frustration of trying to stay connected without fear, and the burden placed on family members who worry about their loved ones’ online safety. Many older adults want to maintain their independence but need a digital safety net to ensure they can engage with technology confidently and securely.
This problem affects a significant and growing population. In the U.S. alone, over 50 million adults aged 65 and older use smartphones, and that number is increasing every year. However, studies show that 40% of older adults report feeling uncomfortable with navigating digital systems, leaving them vulnerable to online threats. Family members often step in as unofficial tech support, but this solution is not sustainable or foolproof.
At the beginning of our process, we knew that protecting non-digital natives from cybersecurity threats was a complex challenge with no straightforward solution. We resisted the urge to jump to conclusions and instead leaned into the ambiguity. Through multiple brainstorming sessions and user feedback, we uncovered unexpected insights—such as the emotional toll that online scams have on older adults and the hidden anxiety they feel when asking family members for help. As we iterated through different ideas, we realized that the solution needed to combine real-time scam detection with an intuitive support system that empowers users rather than making them feel dependent or powerless. Embracing ambiguity led us to refine Safety Mode into a solution that provides protection while preserving the user’s autonomy.
Our process was collaborative from the start. By having diverse perspectives, we uncovered gaps in existing solutions and iterated on our concept multiple times to refine it. What made our collaboration even more impactful was our ability to meet in person weekly to discuss challenges, gather feedback, and rethink our ideas. These face-to-face meetings fostered open dialogue, built trust, and allowed us to brainstorm and problem-solve more effectively. This consistent in-person collaboration ensured that Safety Mode not only meets the technical requirements but also resonates with the end users.
Our empathy-building phase involved gathering insights from older adults and seniors to better understand the challenges faced by our target audience for Safety Mode. A recurring theme that emerged was the fear of “messing something up” while navigating unfamiliar digital environments. Our insights indicated that many older adults wanted to feel more confident online without constantly relying on their children or grandchildren for assistance. They expressed a strong desire for greater independence and the ability to navigate digital environments with more ease and less fear of making mistakes.
The inspiration for our Safety Mode came from our own experiences with our grandparents, allowing us to better understand the emotional toll that uncertainty in digital spaces can create. These personal connections reinforced the importance of designing a solution that balances security with simplicity, ensuring that older adults can protect themselves without feeling overwhelmed.