What is the project?
Android App for Google
Google has been investing more into healthcare and needs help developing an app catered to individuals with diabetes.
My task was to work within the existing google design guidelines to create additional features for Android systems. Specifically, designing a medicine checklist, a food log, a glucose tracking system and providing direct access to finding a diabetes specialist.
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There is no one size fits all application for individuals with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. There are only separate apps that exist for either diagnosis, and to access special features users have to pay.
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To translate the impact and successes of the organization onto its website so the organization can increase member traffic
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Identify key pain points from both users when managing their diagnosis to come with organized and all-inclusive features that can be used by both parties.
What are the research insights?
According to the CDC, diabetes affects more than 34 million people in the United States alone. Those diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes understand that their health and lifestyle have to be completely transformed and monitored in order to manage their diagnosis.
Although users diagnosed with diabetes must accustom quickly to keep their diagnosis in check, that doesn’t mean it is easy. Luckily the healthcare industry has evolved immensely over the years, and much of that change has been driven by technology. Making healthcare technology more efficient and accessible to users
Key Interview Takeaways:
Type 1 Users: Were diagnosed young age and are accustomed to managing their diagnosis, also well versed in the various apps and tools they could use.
Type 2 Users: Were diagnosed at a later age and struggled with properly managing this newfound diagnosis.
Both Users: Mentioned their difficulty with keeping track of their glucose levels and medications and the emotional toll diabetes takes on their moods.
Research Methods:
Quantitative & Qualitative Data
Interviews/Zoom calls
Email Surveys
Moderated remote usability testing
What People Are Saying
“I need something that makes tracking my glucose levels easy so that I don’t have to keep checking my glucose monitor, then enter it manually into an app. Doing that now feels like I’m doing the work myself”
— Joseph G. Type 2
“It is very nerve-wracking when you realize that this is something that has to be taken seriously as it was having serious impacts on my mental and physical health when left untreated”
—Mike T. Type 2 Diabetes
“ It is really difficult for me to keep track of all of my meals and medications because typically I don’t have a set schedule where I can stick to the same eating times or times when I might be able to get in exercise”
— Rosangela Q. Type 1 Diabetes
Thoughts on Doctors
- Type 1
- Type 2
- Type 1
- Type 2
User Difficulties
- Diet
- Medication
- Glucose
- Diet
- Medication
- Glucose
Who Are We Up Against?
BlueStar
Rating 4.4
Cons:
Only available by prescription
Needs an access code from an authorized health care provider to activate
Only caters to Type 2 diabetes users
MySugr
Rating 4.6
Cons:
Syncing capabilities don’t work
Users have to manually enter health information
Confusing layout and navigation
Diabetes: M
Rating 4.6
Cons:
Can only access special features with a paid monthly subscription
Recurring app bugs
Incessant ads when using the free version
Key Competitive Advantage
A simple, all-inclusive product that reaches a wider audience and produces better usability satisfaction.
Understanding Our Users
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Hectic schedule which affects eating habits
Frustrated with manually entering glucose info
Hates the doctors but it is necessary
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Trouble remembering to take medication
Trouble tracking diet/carb intake
Hates the doctors and would rather self-manage
Design Decisions Based on Pain Points
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To keep track of daily medications, with set times and push notifications.
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That connect via bluetooth to glucose devices that show statistics of current glucose levels.
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To keep track of user’s diet and whether they are over or under their daily calorie intake.
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Including a diabetes 101 (type 1 &type 2) tab and a CTA to book an appointment with a specialist.
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During the interview and research process of this project, multiple users told stories of how negatively their mental health was affected if their glucose levels fluctuated or if they did not get enough exercise for the day. I decided to do some research on how to help users not only use the app to manage their physical condition but mental conditions as well, I noticed that Daylio is available on Google Play for Android device option
Lofi Wireframes
Project Takeaway
This was my first time working on a project with set design guidelines for me to follow and design for healthcare technology. I also feared how accurately I would meet user needs due to my lack of knowledge on the subject matter.
However the more research I did, and open ended discussions with type 1 and type 2 diabetes users, I gained more of an insight into what their pain points and needs are when using a mobile diabetes app