Designing the UI
After conducting research and creating the video, we ideated and rapidly iterated over MiConcierge’s interface design. We compiled a list of core features that it should be able to perform, as well as constraints — elderly
user population, low familiarity with iOS, etc. After a few dozen rapid sketches, we had a clearer idea of what the app would look like and how it would work and mocked-up high-fidelity mock-ups that would serve as the basis for our
prototype.
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Home:
Interviews with medical and program staff revealed that agendas to explain procedures, introduce doctors, and provide basic wayfinding were the most valuable bits of information for visiting patients.
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Doctor Bios:
Patients can learn more about their doctors, adding an element of humanity to the experience while reassuring patients about their doctor’s background and skills before they meet.
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Wayfinding:
Navigating the UMHS complex has long been a problem for patients. MiConcierge displays a map showing the location of both the current and next appointment. Lost patients can use the app to get help from surrounding hospital staff, or reach a hotline to get directions.
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Procedure Info:
Visiting patients undergo complex procedures which are often difficult for them to understand. The app provides plain-English explanations pulled from existing medical databases.
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Feedback (1):
Collecting feedback following an appointment is critical to improving the patient experience, and allows the program to respond to patient feedback as close to realtime as possible. These prompts were designed to be short and lightweight to encourage completion.
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Feedback (2):
The app also accommodates patients who are less comfortable with mobile technology, as well as those with reduced fine-motor abilities, by providing the option to record vocal feedback.
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Hotline:
Patients can access a hotline at any time to speak with a Destinations Program operator should they have an emergency or require additional consultation.
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Contextual Help:
Contextual help is always available, offering the potential tasks available on the current screen. Providing contextual help in this manner helped to avoid excessive navigation for patients.
Final Prototype
I co-developed a working prototype of our iPad app design that alleviated common issues for visiting patients, and enabled them to send
audio or text-based feedback to the hospital. The app is currently under development by UMHS.