Most of the time, we think of UX design in terms of creating an easy to use website or a helpful app. What we tend to overlook are life-changing UX design examples that prove that a human-centered design has the power to make lives better.
While these typically aren’t anywhere near as popular as something like an iPhone or weather app, they mean the world to the people they help. The right UX design does make a massive difference.
Sometimes, all we need to feel inspired is to see how UX goes beyond taps and clicks and somehow makes the world a better place for everyone.
Leka
Leka is an adorable little robot/smart toy that is designed specifically for kids with special needs, such as autism. It’s programmed to appeal to their needs and Leka looks like a fun, approachable toy. It’s actually helping kids learn how to interact better with others and it’s helping parents better understand their children. The creators focused on UX to ensure that kids truly enjoyed the experience of playing with Leka without feeling like something was wrong with them.
Pouncer
Not to be confused with Prancer, this innovative drone is the perfect example of life-changing UX design. Everything about it is focused on creating a great experience for the end user. Pouncer is a humanitarian drone, but it’s not like any drone we’ve seen before. Instead of just dropping off supplies, Pouncer itself is a supply. The shell works as a shelter, the frame can be used as firewood and the drones carry food and water. It’s a simple way to provide aid without any waste.
NIFTY Cup
NIFTY Cup not only changes lives, but saves them. The uniquely designed cup helps infants who aren’t able to breastfeed to still eat. It’s being sent to developing countries where bottles often aren’t available. It’s also designed for infants who can’t suckle, such as those with cleft palate. The cups only cost around $1 and feature a small dip in the front for infants to drink while the rest of the milk rests inside the cup. It’s estimated that the cups could save millions of babies.
ElliQ
We all know that it can’t be fun for elderly people to live alone. They end up feeling lonely and sit around versus being active. ElliQ seeks to change all that. It’s life-changing UX design for the elderly in the form of a simple robot. While it looks more like Amazon’s Echo, it’s far more engaging. It’s not just an assistant. The sophisticated AI is easy for seniors to understand and encourages them to connect with friends and family on social media, make calls, play games and more. It’s designed to provide an engaging experience to keep the elderly active and happy.
Liftware
Most of us don’t know what it’s like to not be able to eat with utensils. But imagine if your hands shook so bad that food wouldn’t stay on your spoon. Liftware seeks to give independence back to those with hand tremors and limited mobility in their hands and arms. Two different types of utensils use computer sensors to automatically correct the spoon’s position, counteracting the disability.
LELO HEX
We usually don’t think of condoms and UX design together. However, user experience isn’t exactly the focus with traditional condoms. With an increasing number of STIs, it’s more important now than ever to be protected. LELO HEX finally put UX first. Their innovative condoms are designed to drastically reduce the chance of breakage and make the experience better for both parties. Considering how dangerous some STIs are, this is truly life-changing UX design. Plus, it proves that even the most traditional product could use an upgrade in the UX department.
Life-changing UX designs are all around us if we stop to look. Products, apps and even websites are being created all the time to help people with disabilities, help keep the environment cleaner and help save lives. Whenever we need inspiration, we need only look at how much the user experience matters to those who’ve had their lives changed by it.
Images: Kelly Sikkema, Madi Robson, Ben Neale