Final Solution
This initiative wasn't just about providing internet access it was about creating a sustainable model for digital inclusion. By engaging local organizations and implementing a shared-cost approach, older adults in Massachusetts now have reliable, affordable connectivity.
Initial Solution
Testing Community-Based Internet Models
Early trials focused on understanding how older adults adopt digital services, leading to refinements in funding structures and implementation methods.
Design Decisions
By combining research insights about the existing connectivity of older adults, financial modeling of costs, and community engagement through direct interviews the team began developing an effective, scalable solution.
Stakeholder Collaboration
After identifying the primary stakeholders, that is, the government, the families of older adults, and other local community organizations, the team realized that older adults themselves did not need to shoulder the full financial burden associated with maintaining connectivity.
Intelligent Context Recognition
Communities found it in their best interest to provide internet access to older adults in communal, public spaces, as well as in their own homes. Giving older adults with these connectivity options provided both support and improved accessibility, while strengthening their connection with their communities.
Sustainable Funding
In order to establish a sustainable, reliable, and consistent funding source, a communal funding pool should be established through local community groups, such as churches, community centers, HOAs, and other organizations.
Focus Areas
Community-Led Implementation
Leveraging local organizations to manage internet plans and digital literacy support.
Multi-Stakeholder Funding
A shared financial pool reducing individual internet costs to as low as $4.20/month.
Shared Internet Plans
Grouped broadband access through community centers to maximize cost efficiency.
Long-Term Digital Inclusion
Ensuring sustainable access rather than short-term funding solutions.
Key Insights
Behavior Patterns
Seniors rely on trusted community organizations for technology adoption.
Many older adults avoid using the internet due to cost concerns.
Long-term solutions must be simple, affordable, and community-led.
Pain Points
Internet service is unaffordable for those on fixed incomes.
Many seniors lack digital literacy and struggle with technology adoption.
Temporary subsidy programs often leave seniors stranded once funding ends.
Market Context
Broadband adoption rates among older adults lag behind younger demographics.
Government-funded connectivity programs often fail to provide lasting solutions.
Community-based internet models show promise in ensuring sustainable access.
30% of adults over 65 in Massachusetts lack both a device and broadband access.
$40/month is the average cost of internet often unaffordable for fixed-income seniors.
Shared internet plans could reduce individual costs by up to 80%.
Research
Older adults feel disconnected from family, healthcare providers, and essential services without internet access.
Government subsidy programs are difficult to navigate and often temporary.
Community-driven initiatives create stronger adoption and long-term success.
The Problem
Many older adults in Massachusetts face financial and logistical barriers to internet access. While temporary solutions exist, they often leave seniors disconnected once funding ends. The challenge wasn't just about providing access it was about ensuring long-term affordability and usability.
Connecting Older Adults at EOEA
Role
Research, Ideation, Prototyping
Tools
Miro, Adobe CC
Duration
14 weeks
Imagine being cut off from essential services, social connections, and even healthcare simply because of a lack of internet access. For 30% of adults over 65 in Massachusetts, this is a daily reality. This project aimed to close the digital divide by creating a sustainable, community-driven solution for older adults.
This initiative demonstrated my ability to design for social impact, leading a solution that was later adopted and expanded by Mass EOEA to improve digital access for older adults. By combining financial modeling, stakeholder alignment, and research, we built a scalable program that addressed long-term accessibility challenges.
Conducted in-depth interviews with older adults and community leaders to understand barriers to adoption.
Developed a hybrid funding model that leveraged government, local organizations, and families to share the cost burden sustainably.
Created a community-based implementation strategy that made internet access more affordable and embedded digital literacy support into existing local networks.
Seeing this solution implemented and expanded reinforced my ability to blend research with policy-driven initiatives to create tangible, real-world change.