WhatsApp Redesign
Accessible Calling for Everyone

WhatsApp Redesign
Accessible Calling for Everyone

Role

UX/UI Designer

Industry

Technology

Duration

3 weeks

Problem Overview

This project reimagines WhatsApp’s calling experience to make it more inclusive for elderly and differently-abled users.


Inspired by my grandmother’s struggle to answer calls independently, I designed a clearer, friendlier interface that restores confidence and helps users communicate without fear or confusion.

Problem Overview

This project reimagines WhatsApp’s calling experience to make it more inclusive for elderly and differently-abled users.


Inspired by my grandmother’s struggle to answer calls independently, I designed a clearer, friendlier interface that restores confidence and helps users communicate without fear or confusion.

Context

WhatsApp connects billions, yet elderly and disabled users often find the swipe gesture confusing and incoming call notifications inconsistent.


Observing my grandmother’s experience and interviewing other seniors revealed a shared need for clear visuals, accessible buttons, and voice guidance.

Context

WhatsApp connects billions, yet elderly and disabled users often find the swipe gesture confusing and incoming call notifications inconsistent.


Observing my grandmother’s experience and interviewing other seniors revealed a shared need for clear visuals, accessible buttons, and voice guidance.

Problem Statement

Many users struggle with:


-Hard-to-execute swipe gestures

-Small, closely placed buttons

-Inconsistent notifications

-Lack of voice or haptic feedback


These barriers lead to missed calls and dependence on others.

Problem Statement

Many users struggle with:

-Hard-to-execute swipe gestures

-Small, closely placed buttons

-Inconsistent notifications

-Lack of voice or haptic feedback

These barriers lead to missed calls and dependence on others.

Solution

The redesigned interface focuses on clarity, comfort, and accessibility.


-Large, colorful “Answer” and “Decline” buttons


-Optional voice prompts for each step


-Call confirmation before dialing


-Consistent, high-contrast incoming call screens


“I did it myself!” — my grandmother, after using the prototype

Solution

The redesigned interface focuses on clarity, comfort, and accessibility.


-Large, colorful “Answer” and “Decline” buttons


-Optional voice prompts for each step


-Call confirmation before dialing


-Consistent, high-contrast incoming call screens


“I did it myself!” — my grandmother, after using the prototype

Solution

The redesigned interface focuses on clarity, comfort, and accessibility.


-Large, colorful “Answer” and “Decline” buttons

-Optional voice prompts for each step

-Call confirmation before dialing

-Consistent, high-contrast incoming call screens


“I did it myself!” — my grandmother, after using the prototype

Goals

-Simplify calling for seniors and users with disabilities

-Maintain WhatsApp’s familiar design

-Build confidence through accessibility and clarity

Goals

-Simplify calling for seniors and users with disabilities

-Maintain WhatsApp’s familiar design

-Build confidence through accessibility and clarity

Research

I interviewed 6 participants - 4 elderly users and 2 with disabilities to understand their struggles.

Key Insights

-Swipe gestures felt unreliable

-Buttons were too small

-Incoming call alerts varied by device

Research

I interviewed 6 participants - 4 elderly users and 2 with disabilities to understand their struggles.

Key Insights

-Swipe gestures felt unreliable

-Buttons were too small

-Incoming call alerts varied by device

Pain Points

-Gestures are confusing and inconsistent

-Buttons are hard to tap

-Missed or unclear call notifications

-Lack of voice feedback creates confusion.

Pain Points

-Gestures are confusing and inconsistent

-Buttons are hard to tap

-Missed or unclear call notifications

-Lack of voice feedback creates confusion.

Final Design

Final Design

Project Impact

-100% of test users completed calls independently

-83% reported higher confidence using the app

-My grandmother answered a call by herself for the first time

Project Impact

-100% of test users completed calls independently

-83% reported higher confidence using the app

-My grandmother answered a call by herself for the first time

Prototype

Prototype

Click on image for Prototype

Click on image for Prototype

Outcomes


This project taught me that accessibility is not a feature it’s respect.Even small design changes, like button sizing or feedback tones, can restore independence and dignity for users

Outcomes


This project taught me that accessibility is not a feature it’s respect.Even small design changes, like button sizing or feedback tones, can restore independence and dignity for users

Thank you for your time🌱

Thank you for your time🌱

Create a free website with Framer, the website builder loved by startups, designers and agencies.