import React from 'react'; ## Table of Contents 1. [Introduction](#introduction) 2. [User Research and Persona Creation](#user-research-and-persona-creation) - [Research Methodology](#research-methodology) - [Online Survey Results](#online-survey-results) - [Market Research of Existing Solutions](#market-research-of-existing-solutions) - [Secondary Research](#secondary-research) - [Persona Creation](#persona-creation) 3. [User Journey Mapping](#user-journey-mapping) - [Key Insights for Health Companion App Design](#key-insights-for-health-companion-app-design) 4. [Wireframing and Prototype Design](#wireframing-and-prototype-design) - [Wireframe Creation](#wireframe-creation) - [Prototype Design](#prototype-design) 5. [Usability Testing](#usability-testing) - [Testing Approach](#testing-approach) - [Expected Areas for Testing Focus](#expected-areas-for-testing-focus) - [Planned Iterations](#planned-iterations) 6. [Reflection](#reflection) ## Introduction This case study explores the user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design process for a **Health Companion Super App** aimed at helping individuals with chronic health conditions manage their medications and doctor appointments. The app's goal is to streamline healthcare management by providing medication reminders, tracking medication usage, and facilitating communication with healthcare professionals. My design process follows a user-centered approach, focusing on understanding the unique needs, challenges, and behaviors of individuals managing chronic health conditions. Through research, persona development, journey mapping, and wireframe creation, I aim to create an intuitive solution that addresses real user pain points in healthcare management. ## User Research and Persona Creation ### Research Methodology #### Online Survey Results I distributed an online survey through health-focused social media groups and forums, gathering responses from individuals managing chronic health conditions. The survey collected data on demographics, health management practices, and technology preferences. Key findings from the survey revealed: **Medication Management Challenges:** - 73% of respondents reported missing at least one medication dose in the past month - 82% manage 3 or more different medications daily - 64% use some form of manual reminder system (paper calendars, alarms, pillboxes) - 41% rely on family members to help track medications **Technology Usage:** - 91% own smartphones - 45% have tried health management apps before - 38% currently use a health-related mobile app - 67% expressed interest in an all-in-one health management solution **Pain Points:** - 78% found scheduling and rescheduling appointments time-consuming - 69% reported difficulty coordinating between multiple healthcare providers - 58% struggle with remembering medication instructions - 52% want better ways to track medication side effects **Desired Features:** - 89% prioritized medication reminders - 76% wanted prescription refill tracking - 72% requested appointment scheduling capabilities - 68% desired secure messaging with healthcare providers - 54% expressed interest in symptom tracking features #### Market Research of Existing Solutions I analyzed several existing medication and health management apps to understand current solutions and opportunities: **Medisafe** - Strengths: Comprehensive medication tracking, family member alerts - Weaknesses: Complex setup process, overwhelming interface for older users **Mango Health** - Strengths: Gamification elements, simple medication logging - Weaknesses: Limited healthcare provider integration **MyTherapy** - Strengths: Combined medication and appointment tracking - Weaknesses: Steep learning curve, limited customization **Common Pain Points in Existing Apps:** - Complex onboarding processes - Overwhelming feature sets - Limited integration with healthcare providers - Poor accessibility for older users #### Secondary Research Review of healthcare studies and literature revealed: - Medication non-adherence costs the U.S. healthcare system approximately $100-$300 billion annually - Effective digital reminders can improve adherence by up to 65% - Older adults often struggle with health app interfaces - Privacy and data security are major concerns in health technology - Simple, focused features tend to have better adoption rates than complex solutions These comprehensive research findings directly informed the development of user personas and guided the key design decisions for the Health Companion app. ### Persona Creation Based on the research findings, I developed three detailed user personas representing key user segments:

{/* Margaret Johnson Persona */}

Persona 1: Margaret Johnson

Demographics

68-year-old retired teacher
Lives alone in suburban area
Moderate technology comfort level

Health Profile

Managing hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and arthritis
Takes 5 different medications daily on varying schedules
Sees 3 different specialists regularly

Goals

Maintain independence in managing her health
Reduce anxiety about forgetting medications
Simplify coordination between multiple healthcare providers

Pain Points

Struggles with small text on smartphone screens
Often forgets which medications she has already taken
Finds it difficult to keep track of different doctors' instructions
Gets confused by complex technology interfaces

Behaviors

Uses a physical pill organizer but sometimes forgets to fill it
Keeps a paper calendar for appointments
Relies on her daughter for help with complex healthcare tasks
Prefers phone calls to digital communication with doctors

Needs from the App

Large text and simple, intuitive interface
Clear medication reminders with visual identification
Consolidated view of all healthcare provider instructions
Easy appointment scheduling with transportation options

{/* Michael Torres Persona */}

Persona 2: Michael Torres

Demographics

35-year-old marketing professional
Lives in urban area with partner
High technology proficiency

Health Profile

Recently diagnosed with Crohn's disease
Takes daily medications plus as-needed treatments during flare-ups
Frequent appointments with gastroenterologist and nutritionist

Goals

Maintain active professional and social life despite condition
Track correlation between symptoms, diet, and medication
Minimize disruption of health management on daily routine

Pain Points

Unpredictable disease flare-ups causing missed work
Difficulty remembering to take medication during busy workdays
Frustration with limited communication between appointments
Embarrassment about discussing symptoms

Behaviors

Uses calendar apps for work and personal life
Often researches his condition online
Prefers digital communication for most interactions
Values privacy when managing health in workplace environment

Needs from the App

Discreet medication reminders during work hours
Symptom and trigger tracking tools
Secure messaging with healthcare team
Integration with existing calendar and productivity tools

{/* Sophia Rodriguez Persona */}

Persona 3: Sophia Rodriguez

Demographics

42-year-old single mother of two
Works two part-time jobs
Moderate technology proficiency

Health Profile

Living with lupus and fibromyalgia for 8 years
Complex medication regimen that changes based on disease activity
Manages her own health plus children's healthcare needs

Goals

Simplify healthcare management to focus on family
Reduce mental load of tracking multiple appointments
Better communicate changing symptoms to healthcare providers

Pain Points

Limited time to manage health between work and childcare
Frequently changing medication dosages based on symptoms
Financial constraints affecting medication adherence
Difficulty scheduling appointments around work hours

Behaviors

Uses smartphone primarily for practical purposes
Often postpones her own healthcare needs to prioritize children
Relies on pharmacy auto-refill programs when available
Uses cost-saving strategies for medications

Needs from the App

Time-saving features for quick health management
Flexible reminder system accommodating irregular work schedule
Medication cost comparison tools
Family calendar integration for coordinating all appointments

These personas represent the diverse needs, challenges, and goals of potential users of the Health Companion Super App. They will guide the design decisions throughout the development process to ensure the final product addresses real user pain points and provides meaningful solutions for managing chronic health conditions. ## User Journey Mapping To better understand our users' experiences with the Health Companion app, I mapped out Margaret Johnson's journey as she begins managing her multiple chronic conditions through our platform. This map highlights key interactions, emotional responses, and challenges she faces at each stage.

{/* Header Row */}

Touchpoints

Doctor recommends app during appointment

Creates account and enters medications

Receives first medication reminder

Tracks symptom changes for medication review

Messages healthcare provider through app

{/* Emotions Row */}

Emotions

Hesitant & Overwhelmed

Frustrated, Determined & Worried

Surprised and Reassured

Engaged and Uncertain

Satisfied & Empowered

{/* Pain Points Row */}

Pain Points

Doubts her ability to use technology effectively

Complex form fields cause confusion with medication dosages

Doesn't recognize sound for notification, almost misses dose

Symptom tracker too detailed, takes too long to complete

Uncertain if provider has seen message, no read confirmation

### Key Insights for Health Companion App Design From mapping Margaret's journey, I've identified these critical design considerations:

Accessibility-First Design: Larger text, high contrast, and simplified navigation are essential for users with varying abilities and tech comfort levels
Streamlined Data Entry: Medication input should include barcode scanning options and pre-populated common dosages to reduce manual entry
Customizable Notifications: Users should be able to select preferred alert sounds, vibration patterns, and visual cues for medication reminders
Progressive Disclosure: Symptom tracking should start simple with optional advanced features for users who want more detail
Communication Transparency: Message status indicators and estimated response times would reduce anxiety when contacting healthcare providers

These insights directly inform our wireframe designs, particularly focusing on accommodating users like Margaret who may have limited technology experience but significant health management needs. ## Wireframing and Prototype Design Based on our user research and journey mapping insights, I created wireframes in **Figma** focusing on the four key screens of the Health Companion app. The wireframes prioritize *simplicity, accessibility, and intuitive navigation* - especially considering users like Margaret who may have limited technology experience. ### Wireframe Creation

Home Screen

Medication Screen

Calendar Screen

Messages Screen

### Prototype Design