TLDR: My work on this job was to redesign an existing app that should allow users (caregivers and doctors) to log, store and access health records on a fast and organized way. The project was originally designed in 2017/18 but never really published. However, as the idea had a special meaning to me, I used to iterate on its design whenever I had the chance. And that was the case by the beginning of 2022, when I published this portfolio.
The problem: As the previous interfaces were pretty basic, I used them as a low-fi prototype to understand business needs and develop a more usable tool. The main idea was to present a timeline where caregivers would click and add events on patients’ days. These events would be stored and detailed at will, and M.D. teams and families would have a hub of access for them to follow up on the news. My biggest challenge was to connect my ideas with the users’ knowledge and skills in using smart apps. Since my first tests, I wanted to design a form-filling experience with fewer inputs, pulldowns, and windows to create an interesting flow and stimulate the use.
Structure and visuals: Based on information from stakeholders I split users into three groups to develop better journeys for the app — caregivers, doctors and family members. And tried to understand what was best for each one. I have kept the ‘timeline’ visible for a while but after some time decided to remove it. The behavior should be the same, with logs getting more detailed step-by-step. But the layout should be more simple.
Branding was a mystery for a while. Stakeholders were not certain about what it should be called, especially because a partner company was being drafted to ‘label’, publish, and market the application. With that, I have tried different names, color palettes, typography, and icons throughout the phases of work. And on its last one decided for a neutral yet warm look, with big type and easy-to-read icons.
Logging periodic events
Persona A, The Caregiver
“I need to add hourly events about my patients and detail them to be checked later. Whether by myself, by the Fredricksens, or by doctors. Reminders would also be fascinating as I use my smartphone to set up caregiving notifications, which always requires critical time.”
Following health records
Persona B, Patient’s Granddaughter
“We, the family, love Marie very much! She’s like family for us. We trust her to take good care of Grandpa Carl, but we know this is not always easy. We all fail sometimes and forget things. Tech is quite welcome here! It is awesome to have the chance to check detailed information whenever we want, without enquiring about it.”
From records to doctors
The app framework should include a Backend system where doctors would consume the data logged by caregivers. It should be a responsive site showing patients’ data, notifications, and direct contact options right from the spot. This part of the project was never concluded but some interesting work was created for it.
Persona C, Geriatric M.D.
“As a doctor, I always ask questions to guide patients’ treatment. But people not only omit but also discard important events that would be quite helpful on diagnostics and treatment. Accessing live events registered by caregivers would be a game-changer for my work. But please consider Mobility as I’m always on the move.”
