SPF Mötesglädje

Designing for seniors meant embracing complexity from day one. Our users ranged widely in digital confidence, making accessibility and simplicity non-negotiable in every decision.

To truly understand their needs, we ran 6 focus groups across Sweden — from Malmö to Luleå — each with 10–15 participants whose feedback shaped the product throughout design and testing.

When the pandemic hit mid-project, we had to rethink how we worked with a group already at risk of isolation. We introduced Zoom and other digital tools to keep every participant included, turning a major setback into proof that the product's mission was more urgent than ever.

We started each focus group with an open question: what do you want to be able to do? The answers ranged from playing games and watching videos to finding free parking spots. The ideas were creative but sprawling — so we ran extensive card sorting exercises, going back and forth with all six groups until a clear picture emerged.

Five core needs rose to the top: safe messaging — both private conversations and interest-based forums — the ability to find and make new friends, voice calls between verified users, and tools to create and join events, both physical and digital.

Everything had to be built with accessibility at its core. We weren't designing for a general audience — we were serving users whose needs go far beyond what most digital products account for.

Mötesglädje launched on both iOS and Android and has grown to over 8,000 active users, a community of seniors who might otherwise never have connected. Users have found new friendships both locally and across the country, meeting up in person in their own cities or staying in touch through calls and chat.

The app has drawn attention beyond its user base, with media coverage highlighting how a digital tool can meaningfully address loneliness among older adults. What began as an idea to combat isolation has become a living platform, one we continue to maintain and develop together with SPF Seniorerna.