PROJECT OVERVIEW
This project was completed during a one-week hackathon, focusing on a B2C app connected to a medication dispenser for dementia patients. The startup team provided user research, market analysis, and basic feature definitions, and we were tasked with completing the design.
In this portfolio, I showcase the final version of the design, which includes expanded features considering the potential launch of the service. The MVP model from the hackathon was only available in Korean, so this portfolio focuses solely on the final, refined version.
'Is that all I need to know?'
PROBLEM
1
When managing medications, users are faced with various data points such as drug names, dosage times, and amounts. This can overwhelm users, particularly elderly individuals who may struggle with digital systems. Additionally, unnecessary details being shown all at once can lead to fatigue, making it harder for users to process key information.
'Okay, This is all I need to know'
DESIGN STRATEGY
1
Information Hierarchy
Important information (such as medication time and whether it’s been taken) is shown first, with less critical details provided in a smaller format or accessible later. This helps reduce confusion and makes it easier to focus on the essential information.
1st Priority
Resend notifications for missed medications
2st Priority
Number of remaining doses
Medication taken status
3rd Priority
Time for the next dose
4th Priority
Medication name, dosage, and other details
Use of Icons and Visuals
nstead of relying solely on text, we use icons to represent medications and times, making it easier to understand at a glance. For example, morning, afternoon, and evening doses are distinguished with different icons, as the textual differences between AM and PM are subtle.
PROBLEM
2
Difficulty in managing complex medication schedules
Managing different medications with varying schedules and dosages can be difficult for caregivers, especially when trying to track everything at once.
Example Daily Medication Schedule
DESIGN STRATEGY
2
Personalised User Experience
Adaptive Interface
The interface adjusts to provide more detailed data for caregivers who need to manage multiple medications while also ensuring the layout remains simple and accessible for older users.
Personalised Reminders
The app allows caregivers to use recorded family voices for medication reminders. Hearing a familiar voice helps patients stay more attentive, providing emotional comfort, while also making medication management easier for caregivers.
PROBLEM
3
Overload from Showing All Features at once
When users are presented with too many features simultaneously, it becomes overwhelming, making it harder for them to complete even simple tasks. This can lead to confusion and increased cognitive load, especially for older users.
'Here we go. It's really easy'
DESIGN STRATEGY
3
Progressive Disclosure
Instead of showing all features upfront, only the basic ones are shown initially, and additional features are revealed as needed.
Feedback & Key Insights
Feedback from Hackaton Judges
“The UX is excellent, and the design of user actions such as swiping is very well thought out. I appreciate the inclusion of features that allow users to set medication schedules with options for repeat intervals (weekly, daily, monthly).”
— Ji-Won, Eom (Project Owner)
“The user interface that allows you to view medication records was quite convenient. I liked that the app accounts for repetitive tasks by allowing users to group medications. Also, the ability to record initial doses and provide detailed information about the medication was a great touch for caregivers.”
— Eun-Ji, Son (Judge)
“Really appreciated the thoughtful consideration put into the UX flow. It shows a meticulous attention to detail, which is essential for ensuring usability. I truly believe that good usability comes from that level of detail. Well done.”
— Ki-Young, Kim (Judge)
Key Insights
The Importance of Information Volume
When presenting professional information, I learnt the value of keeping the initial display concise while smoothly linking to more detailed content later. It’s essential to strike a balance between providing sufficient information and maintaining readability.
Adjusting Sentence and Word Length for Clarity
Instead of using overly formal language like “This medication may induce drowsiness”, I opted for more conversational phrases such as “drowsy”, making the content easier to understand. For longer, important sections like warnings, I summarised key points in a tag-like format and ensured the language was more accessible, avoiding overly technical or complicated terms.
Customising for digitally excluded users
Given that many elderly users in Korea are not familiar with apps, I focused on displaying only one function per screen to maintain a clean and straightforward interface. While other apps often present multiple categories on the home screen, I prioritised a design that aligns with the user’s skill level by showcasing one clear function at a time.
Potential Refinements
In future designs, I plan to accommodate larger font sizes, as elderly users tend to increase text size on their devices. This project highlighted the need for more responsive design considerations. Additionally, while I avoided limiting options to provide detailed functionality, I learnt the importance of balancing customisation with simplicity. Going forward, I aim to incorporate larger UI elements and a more intuitive design approach.