Uplift Notes by Serena Lin

Serena Lin, a neuroscience major at Pomona College, has developed Uplift Notes, a conversation-starter toolkit aimed at bridging the generational gap and fostering meaningful connections. Serena is no stranger to the Hive! She took Human-Centered Design, Advanced Human-Centered Design, and completed a subsequent independent study to bring her vision to life. Her family’s experience with Alzheimer’s and volunteer work with senior citizens during the pandemic inspired the design of Uplift Notes, nearly 5 years in the making, as she recognized the powerful connection between meaningful social engagement and improved cognitive health.

Serena credits the interdisciplinary approach of Human-Centered Design, which combines practical problem-solving and the iterative process of user testing, feedback, and prototyping, as integral to the success, accessibility, and effectiveness of Uplift Notes. By applying design thinking principles, Serena was able to create a product that facilitates conversation and also adapts to the unique needs of individuals with memory concerns.

“I learned how to observe people’s interactions, identify problems, and approach solutions with empathy,” Serena explains. Through a hands-on learning experience, she was able to develop a program to address the complex challenges that exist in connecting people across generations, especially those with cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Serena’s future vision for Uplift Notes is to expand it into a resource that reduces the stigma surrounding memory concerns and further integrates those with cognitive challenges into society. The vehicle of human-centered design, paired with her thorough research and hard work, allowed for the development of more than just a product. It gave life to a practical tool for inclusivity, social connection, and lasting impact on real people’s daily lives.

The Pomona College Magazine also covered Serena’s story, which you can read more about here.