The concept of age-friendly design (part of inclusive design) is gaining increasing traction as the global population aging which will exceed half a billion by 2050.

More and more large enterprises begin to systemize and standardize age-friendly design. However, how many of these companies genuinely invite elderly people to participate in design test and validation?

For this article, our focus is specifically on age-friendly design in China at 2025.

Perhaps the answer to truly effective age-friendly design lies in minimalism.

The following insights are what I learnt from teaching my 78-year-old grandma to use WeChat and Tiktok as a UX designer. The insights consist of 4 design principles, 2 warnings and a few design rules.

Design Principle 1: See/Hear Clearly

As people age, declining vision and hearing significantly limit the phone using experience.

Different font size for different age group

Age: 60–69 years old | Font Size: 20pt

Age: 70–79 years old | Font Size: 25pt

Age: 80+ years old | Font Size: 30pt

Extend display times for feedback components like “toast” messages

The elderly's reading speed is considerably slower than that of digital natives. Often, a toast message disappears before they've fully read the information.

Design Principle 2: Understand What’s Seen/Heard

For them, understanding the current internet language is akin to learning an entirely new language and tool.

[Warning] Eliminate Icons

It's not about using fewer icons; it's about not using them at all. Expecting seniors aged 65–80 to correctly interpret an icon's meaning is like asking them to learn a new foreign language. Use direct, clear text instead of icons.

[Warning] No Advertisements

The most severe problem is the proliferation of pop-up ads and misleading UI elements. Nearly 100% of seniors fall into these commercial UI traps.

Design Principle 3: Easy to Use

For seniors, the most fundamental usability is paramount.

Simplify Processes

We observed a sharp decline in task completion rates when a test task involved more than 4–5 clicks. Aim to limit the number of clicks in a task flow to less than 4 times.

Single Interaction Modality — Clicking

Interaction methods with low error tolerance, such as swiping and long-pressing, should ideally be avoided.

Design Principle 4: Love

Offer seniors patience and time. Everyone ages, and when our generation grows old, new technologies will inevitably challenge us. Without genuine care and empathy, even the best product is just a lifeless iron box.

Integrate caring functions like “Family Help” or “Remote Assistance.”

The most effective support often comes from the help and guidance of family members.