Assista

Assista

Format: In-person attendees

Inspiration

We noticed a growing technological distance within households, where elders like our mothers struggled with tasks like online money transfers, and other family members weren't always free to help. This gap highlighted the need for a tool that could empower less tech-savvy individuals. We envisioned an application that could provide on-demand guidance or assistance directly within other apps, bridging this divide.

What it does

Assista is designed as an AI-powered assistant that integrates seamlessly with the user's device upon activation and authorization. When a user opens an application, like their banking app, and needs help, they can activate Assista. The AI then scans the current screen, identifies available actions, and can either provide step-by-step instructions or, with permission, perform the desired task for the user.

How we built it

As first-time Figma users, our journey started with the initial inspiration, which we then refined through brainstorming and ideation sessions. We sketched out potential logo designs and user interface layouts to visualize the concept. Finally, we translated these sketches and ideas into interactive prototypes using Figma.

Challenges we ran into

Our primary challenges stemmed from being new to the design tool and collaborating remotely. We sometimes struggled to articulate our individual ideas in a way everyone could easily grasp, leading to minor miscommunications. Additionally, navigating Figma's intricacies for the first time meant we encountered hurdles, such as getting certain interactive elements to function as intended in the prototype.

Accomplishments we're proud of

Despite the challenges, we're incredibly proud of transforming a conceptual idea into a tangible prototype using unfamiliar tools. Successfully navigating the complexities of Figma and creating a functional representation of Assista felt like a major achievement. Most importantly, we're proud of our team's resilience and collaborative spirit throughout the process.

What we learned

This project was a significant learning experience, particularly in mastering the fundamentals of Figma for UI/UX design and prototyping. We also gained valuable insights into effective teamwork, especially regarding clear communication and collaborative problem-solving. Overcoming the hurdles together definitely strengthened our ability to work as a cohesive unit.

What's next for Assista

Currently, Assista exists as a Figma prototype that represents our core vision. Our hope is to attract interest or resources for further development to bring this concept to life as a fully functional application. We believe Assista has the potential to significantly improve how elders and low-tech individuals interact with essential digital services, making technology more accessible for everyone.