RESEARCH | UI | UX | PROTOTYPING | VISUALS
Bloodhound
It was this small conceptual project that sparked my desire to transition from the Consumer Data/Security sector into Digital Health. Bloodhound was a weekend project that started as a conversation with my wife. She was suffering from highblood pressure after having our son however couldn't make sense of her blood test results. It’s a digital health product that helps to educate consumers on their reading and provide recommendations on healthier living.
The Problem
Blood test results are traditionally designed with a consultation in mind between a medical professional and patient. The problem is most consultations, due to limited time, will only focus on a few key areas and leave the patient to question the other health related data. I wanted to design a digital experience that would not only educate the patient about themselves but also empower them to take action on their health.
Research & Inspiration
The idea was to research and learn who the authorities in this space are, understand how to read blood test results, and talk to my wife (as a representative user) to uncover some unknowns.
Examples of blood test result by leading labs. The example to the far right was a redesign experiment lead by Wired Magazine 8 years ago. Although an improvement, it was lacking so much.
Early Sketches
My early design explorations centered around several important questions users would have; two of which were: (1) What are my results? (2) What should I do? I soon realized another challenge: systematizing metrics that used different units of measurements. For example, one (+) positive result might represent good news while for others a (+)positive was cause for alarm. I eventually came up with a system.
Early explorations of paired visualizations and data.
Low fidelity wireframes: Manifestations of a few core screens.
Logo Design
Prototyping
Visual design elements were added. I also considered the voice and tone of the app and wanted to personify “Dr. Oz” whereby the app used a conversational tone however could also using medical language when diving deeper on topics. High fidelity prototypes were later created in Invision to feel the interaction.
“I also considered the voice and tone of the app and wanted to personify “Dr. Oz”...”
Feature Integrations
The experience started to feel a bit one-dimensional. It was nice to consume test results in an enjoyable way however what about “helping” users take action on recommendations? What other things could patients be helped with? I felt the following feature integrations could not only help increase product value however the patients overall health journey. They range from simple blood donations to automatically pairing patients with local programs that offer low cost prescription drugs based on information already known.
Takeaways
Although Bloodhound is a conceptual project and personal undertaking, it seeks to address a real issue in the market: communication and digital gaps between patients and health care providers. Why must a patient have a doctor breakdown blood test results from a lab; not to mention just a fraction of it? Why can’t I have my "full" test results on an app just as health reports live on Health Kit or Google Fit?
There is certainly more research and testing to be done with this app. Like learning more about various blood diseases and it's impact on the design and experience, to talking with more prospects like my wife.
