Dropter: Alfaleus Tech

Introduction

I was the lead UX/UI designer on the Eye-Drop Reminder project. This project aimed to tackle the common problem of medication non-adherence among individuals requiring regular eye drops, particularly the elderly and post-surgery patients. We sought to create a system that would improve their adherence through a combination of smart reminders, usage tracking, and even sample collection for diagnostic purposes. This case study outlines our design process, challenges faced, and the positive outcomes achieved.

• Project Name: Eye-Drop Reminder
• Role: Lead UX/UI Designer
• Duration: January 2023 - November 2023
• Team Size: 5
• Tools Used: Figma, Adobe XD, Miro, UserTesting.com

Problem Statement

Many patients, especially the elderly, struggle to remember to take their eye drops on schedule. This leads to inconsistent treatment, potentially worsening their condition. Through initial user interviews and surveys with ophthalmologists and patients, we found that forgetfulness, dexterity issues, and a lack of clear feedback on medication adherence were significant pain points. Solving this problem was crucial to improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden on caregivers.

Objectives and Goals

Our primary objective was to design a user-friendly system that increased eye drop adherence. Our success metrics included: a 20% increase in adherence rate (measured through usage tracking and app data), a reduction in missed doses by 15%, positive user feedback (NPS score above 80), and successful integration with a connected eyedropper for automated sample collection in 80% of tests.

Research and Insights

We conducted in-depth interviews with 20 patients (10 elderly, 10 post-surgery), caregivers, and ophthalmologists. Surveys and contextual inquiry were also conducted. We created detailed user personas for different age groups and technological comfort levels, reflecting their needs and challenges. This research highlighted the need for clear, simple instructions, large font sizes, customizable reminders (haptic, auditory, visual), and caregiver access to patient data.

Ideation and Concept Development

Several concepts were explored, from simple reminder apps to integrated hardware solutions. We opted for a connected eyedropper with a companion app that provided scheduling, alerts, usage tracking, and data visualization. This allowed us to address the challenges of both remembering and accurately administering the drops. Early prototypes tested various interaction models and reminder types to determine the optimal balance between usability and effectiveness. Feedback from user testing shaped every aspect of the design.

Design Process

We started with low-fidelity wireframes and moved to high-fidelity prototypes in Figma and Adobe XD. Our design prioritized simplicity and ease of use, focusing on clear visual communication. We incorporated large buttons, intuitive icons, and high contrast for improved accessibility. Prototypes were rigorously tested with our target users, and the feedback informed each iteration of the design. For the hardware, we focused on creating an ergonomic and comfortable eyedropper that integrated seamlessly with the software.

Challenges and Solutions

A key challenge was ensuring accurate usage tracking. We overcame this through a combination of sensors that could detect both the opening of the bottle and the dispensing of the drops. Another challenge was creating reliable connectivity between the eyedropper and the app. This involved optimizing Bluetooth communication and employing robust error handling. We addressed privacy concerns by designing a system with strong data encryption and user control over data sharing.

Final Outcome

The final Eye-Drop Reminder system comprises a smart eyedropper and a user-friendly mobile app. The app allows users to easily schedule reminders, track their medication history, and view graphs to show their adherence patterns. Caregivers can also access this data to monitor the patient's progress. Early testing showed a 25% increase in adherence rates, a 17% decrease in missed doses, and very high user satisfaction ratings. The system effectively combined technological advancements with a deep understanding of user needs.

Learnings and Reflections

This project highlighted the importance of incorporating human-centered design principles throughout the entire design process. The iterative nature of design was critical in refining the solution based on continuous feedback. I learned the value of collaboration with medical professionals to ensure accuracy and meet the specific requirements of the application. I’d emphasize even more rigorous early-stage testing if I were to do it again.

Conclusion

The Eye-Drop Reminder has proven to be a successful solution to a real-world healthcare problem. By combining smart technology with empathetic design, we created a system that significantly improves medication adherence and enhances the quality of life for patients requiring regular eye drops. Future work will focus on expanding the system's capabilities, integrating with electronic health records, and exploring integration with other chronic disease management platforms.