improved medtech design
CERV
Better Labor Monitoring
CONTEXT: OB-GYNs measure the cervix to track patients in labor and determine how best to help them. But the current measuring technique for cervical dilation is unnecessarily painful and extraneous, currently with no easier solution.
CERV aims to lessen pain and increase efficiency by comfortably inserting a device in the cervix that can comfortably measure its dilation, displaying its output on a digital screen. I worked with their engineer to visualize the system that would keep track of and display these measurements in real-time.
Problem
CERV needed a design for the app that would connect to their medical device, and display data but their engineer required help to create a design before she could start building the software.
Objective
We aimed to create a quick working prototype of the app for the Skandalaris Expo and generate investor interest, thus prioritizing information clarity over full functionality.
Research
3 Major Pain Points of OB-GYNs
Current measuring method isn't very objective
Clinicians need full context and information on patient status before deciding next step
Multiple patients and their delivery processes need to be managed in a hectic environment
How might we ensure that measuring cervical dilation can be efficiently optimized for stressed healthcare providers, so doctors don't have to worry about manually managing multiple patients?
Example of a standardized graph that the CERV team was aiming to replicate + simplify
The ultimate goal: showing potential partners that this device will ultimately decrease the time it takes to inform OB-GYN providers what their next course of action will be.
Solution
Maximizing accessibility under high-stress
Accessibility
In the context of a high-stress environment, it was paramount that all displays are easy to track. Sample user testing revealed a reduced error rate of 25%.
Simplicity
All unnecessary information was cut and icons were utilized so the users' cognitive loads wouldn't be overloaded.
Privacy
Under HIPPA, personal information of the patients is not allowed to be recorded. Each patient is registered as a separate dashboard with designated room and device numbers. Additional notes that can be modified by other verified doctors.
Early Design Iterations
Adding a critical datapoint
Not initially in our sketches, "Latest Dilation" was a datapoint that I proposed in order to prioritize quick information for doctors to make their next choice.
balancing hierarchy
The founders initially wanted "Latest Dilation" to be featured more prominently. I suggested creating a balance between this datapoint and the measuring function in order to increase clarity.
Next Steps?
Though CERV is an earlier stage company, I'd like to measure success metrics through an increase in sales investor calls, a tangible decrease in decision-making time, and overall positive qualitative feedback from target users down the line.
Takeaways
Adapting is key
In the world of health-tech, there are higher stakes, limited room for user error, and a limited amount of target test users. I had to quickly learn to improve my work efficiency by considering these external factors.
information intake is
not universal
Designing dashboards for an intended doctor audience forced me to refine my approach to information hierarchy, tailoring the design language.
the design process
is a toolkit!
While the process wasn't entirely linear, each step, even the arbitrary, informed the entire team the next action we should be prioritizing. It helped to take a step back to look at the big picture.