I. Strategic Framing: The Problem
The "Tech-Gap" in AI
While Generative AI is rapidly evolving, seniors—the primary keepers of family heritage—are often excluded. Traditional restoration tools are clinical, complex, and rely on sliders that require high dexterity.
II. Discovery: User Journey
| Phase | Old Process Pain Point | Emotional State | Mend Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Scanning | Glaring and blurry physical photos. | Frustrated | AI-Guided Scanning: Real-time feedback ensures a high-quality capture. |
| 2. Restoration | Complex sliders and technical jargon. | Confused | Conversational AI: Users type or speak simple requests like "Make eyes sharper". |
| 3. Finalizing | "Black box" AI processing feels opaque. | Anxious | System Transparency: Empathetic updates like "Mending Your Memory...". |
III. Design & Implementation
Key Design Solutions & Accessibility
- Inclusive Accessibility: Implemented 48px+ touch targets and high-contrast #C98D32 buttons for users with limited dexterity.
- Heritage-First UI: Used a warm #F5F2E7 cream palette to evoke nostalgia and reduce digital eye strain.
- LLM Integration: Replaced complex UI controls with a natural language "Refine with AI" interface.