Design for Billions: Building for Users Who Can’t Read

Design for Billions: Building for Users Who Can’t Read

Week 3 of 8: The GetSmart Token Series
Published: February 20, 2026 | Reading Time: 12 minutes


 

Our target user is a domestic worker in Mumbai who can’t read. She’s never used a smartphone app. She doesn’t speak English. She has 15 minutes between cleaning jobs.

In those 15 minutes, she needs to earn her first badge.

This isn’t a nice-to-have design challenge. It’s the core mission. If GetSmart doesn’t work for her, it fails.

TARGET USER PROFILE: PRIYA, AGE 34

  • Education: 3 years of primary school
  • Literacy: Can recognize some letters (Hindi)
  • English: None
  • Smartphone: Basic Android ($50 model)
  • Data plan: 2GB/month prepaid
  • Technical skill: Uses WhatsApp voice messages

NEEDS TO: Find available badges, apply with photo proof, and receive credentials—all without reading.

The Five Core Principles

  1. Icons Over Words: 🏠 📸 ✓ 💰 work in every language.
  2. One Action Per Screen: Never ask users to think about two things at once.
  3. Camera First, Typing Never: Photos prove work; no text input needed.
  4. Voice Everywhere: Speak instead of type in any language.
  5. Gestures Not Menus: Swipe, tap, hold—no navigation bars.

Principle 1: Icons Over Words

GetSmart uses universal symbols to transcend language barriers and reduce cognitive load.

Traditional App GetSmart App
Apply for Badge 📝 Icon
Upload Photo 📸 Icon
Submit Application ✓ Icon

Principle 2: One Action Per Screen

Every screen asks for exactly ONE thing to prevent decision paralysis.

  • Screen 1: Swipe to find work.
  • Screen 2: Tap camera to take photos.
  • Screen 3: Tap checkmark to confirm.
  • Screen 4: Celebrate rewards!

Principle 3: Camera First, Typing Never

Text input is the enemy of accessibility. We have eliminated text boxes, bio fields, and optional comments. Instead, photos prove the work was done.

Principle 4: Voice Everywhere

For users who can speak but can’t type, GetSmart supports voice input in 25 languages, including Hindi, Swahili, and Tagalog.

Principle 5: Gestures Not Menus

We use intuitive gestures like Swiping (up for details, down for home) and Shaking (to cancel) rather than complex hamburger menus.


Accessibility Features Matrix

Feature Benefit
Voice Input Works for illiterate users; no typing.
Icon-only UI Universal understanding.
Offline Mode Works without constant internet.
Next week: Why blockchain? We’ll explain why decentralization isn’t a buzzword—it’s essential.“Technology that excludes 2 billion people isn’t innovative. It’s just bad design.”

GetSmart

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top