Project Overview

The Problem

Design an app that will improve individuals’ health by managing their medications and better their understanding of how to properly take them.

The Goal

‍In the United States, 75% of Americans have difficulty taking their medicine as prescribed (National Library of Medicine).

User Research

Overview

I utilized statistics on medication from the U.S. population to develop interview questions. Many participants admitted that they often took their medication late due to the busy nature of their lives. The results from the research showed that it would be beneficial for users if they had assistance in reminding them.

User Personas

Problem Statement: Angela is a hardworking lab assistant who needs reminders and instructions to take her medicine on time because she has a busy routine and wants to improve her health.

Problem Statement: Ethan is the lead architect and primary caretaker of his elderly mother and kids who needs an organized system to manage everyone’s medication because he’s often confused and can’t afford to hire anyone to help him.

User Flow

I mapped out the user flow for adding a new medication.

Competitor Analysis

I audited several highly-rated competitors that highlighted some of the gaps and opportunities for the Bean app.

competitive analysis for 4 different companies

competitor analysis for 4 different companies

Ideation

After mapping out the user flow and conducting a competitive audit, I did a variety of sketches of what the app would eventually look like. I prioritized simplicity and would eventually come to realize that I didn't sketch out key pages that I needed.

Digital Wireframes

After iterating on paper wireframes, I created digital wireframes for the Bean app. The home page is geared towards users managing medication for themselves and any other individuals in their care. I also added a confirmation page to show users that their medication was added.

Low-Fidelity Prototype

View Low-Fi Prototype

medicine customize page digital wireframe

Mockups

The insights from the usability study prompted me to make several changes. I made the profiles and the buttons for adding medication more prominent.

Usability Studies

Study Type

Unmoderated usability study

Location

USA, remote

Participants

5 participants

Length

15-30 minutes

Key Findings

These were the main priorities that users pointed out:

1. Buttons

Altering buttons and making them more apparent

2. Add Medication Feature

Splitting up medication processes to be more seamless

3. Navigation

Navigation needs to improve with different features (back buttons, exit buttons)

View Research Study

After the usability study, I decided to change the following items:

1. Adding a tab to show users the frequency of their pills
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2. Splitting up the process to add medication because the initial process was too cluttered and not specific enough
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3. An overview page so users can edit before submitting
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4. Component for 'time of day' so users can be reminded at a specific time or time of day
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5. Start and end day for medication
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6. Better frequency table for users who take multiple pills a day, every other day, etc.
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Final Design

Mobile

mobile medication customize page final design

Tablet

Watch

Prototype

View Final Prototype

or view above!

Conclusion

What I learned:

Although the concept of “medication reminder” initially seemed simple, I was surprised to learn how intricate it actually is. There are so many different types of medications and schedules that I oversaw. It was a great challenge and I had to constantly iterate my designs to find the best solution for all users.

Next Steps

1. Conduct research on the app's effectiveness in reminding users to take medication and if it is beneficial for caretakers of children, the elderly, pets, etc.
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2. Provide metrics that users can use to track their progress over time.
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3. Add resources for users the opportunity to get medication at a reduced price