PDConnect
Empowering Parkinson's Patients: Designing an Accessible App for Symptom Tracking & Seamless Doctor Communication
Role
Visual & UI/UX Designer
Timeline
6 Months
Tools
Figma, Notion, Discord
Introduction
Introduction
As the Visual and UX/UI Designer for the Parkinson's Progression App, I led the development of a cohesive design system and collaborating closely with our design & research team to help guide the app's visual aesthetics.
This case study explores how we tackled challenges to create a user-friendly tool for tracking Parkinson's disease progression, aiming to make a meaningful impact.
As the Visual and UX/UI Designer for the Parkinson's Progression App, I led the development of a cohesive design system and collaborating closely with our design & research team to help guide the app's visual aesthetics.
This case study explores how we tackled challenges to create a user-friendly tool for tracking Parkinson's disease progression, aiming to make a meaningful impact.
Understanding Parkinson's Disease (PD)
Understanding Parkinson's Disease (PD)
Research : Insights & Challenges
Research : Insights & Challenges
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and can lead to significant physical and cognitive challenges.
Parkinson's disease impacts millions of people worldwide, but not everyone has equal access to treatment, especially those from low and middle-income families.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and can lead to significant physical and cognitive challenges.
Parkinson's disease impacts millions of people worldwide, but not everyone has equal access to treatment, especially those from low and middle-income families.
Who has Parkinson's Disease (PD)?
Who has Parkinson's Disease (PD)?
Who has Parkinson's Disease (PD)?
Source: Parkinson's Foundation (2024)
Source: Parkinson's Foundation (2024)
Source: Parkinson's Foundation (2024)
> 1 million
> 1 million
> 1 million
Over 1 million people in the US live with Parkinson's, with numbers expected to reach 1.2 million by 2030.
Over 1 million people in the US live with Parkinson's, with numbers expected to reach 1.2 million by 2030.
Over 1 million people in the US live with Parkinson's, with numbers expected to reach 1.2 million by 2030.
> 90,000
> 90,000
> 90,000
people are diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease each year.
people are diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease each year.
people are diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease each year.
> 10 million
> 10 million
> 10 million
people worldwide are living with Parkinson's Disease.
people worldwide are living with Parkinson's Disease.
people worldwide are living with Parkinson's Disease.
The Problem
The Problem
There is a clear need for a solution that could streamline these tasks and offer patients a more integrated approach to managing their health. Existing tools were either not tailored to the specific needs of Parkinson's patients or lacked essential features to support effective symptom tracking and doctor-patient communication.
There is a clear need for a solution that could streamline these tasks and offer patients a more integrated approach to managing their health.
Existing tools were either not tailored to the specific needs of Parkinson's patients or lacked essential features to support effective symptom tracking and doctor-patient communication.
How might we help people with Parkinson's Disease to reduce their disability-adjusted life years and enable them to live a healthy and joyous life?
*DALY - Disability Life Years represent the sum of life years lost due to premature mortality and years lived with a disability
How might we help people with Parkinson's Disease to reduce their disability-adjusted life years and enable them to live a healthy and joyous life?
*DALY - Disability Life Years represent the sum of life years lost due to premature mortality and years lived with a disability
The Solution
The Solution
PDConnect is a mobile app designed to support Parkinson's patients in their daily lives.
All aiming to support healthcare providers & caregivers in making informed decisions.
PDConnect is a mobile app designed to support Parkinson's patients in their daily lives.
All aiming to support healthcare providers & caregivers in making informed decisions.
Connect with their doctors online
Connect with their doctors online
Connect with their doctors online
Instant access to trusted medical professionals from the comfort of your own home
Instant access to trusted medical professionals from the comfort of your own home
Instant access to trusted medical professionals from the comfort of your own home
Track medications & symptoms
Track medications & symptoms
Track medications & symptoms
Monitor, manage, and understand Parkinson's Disease symptoms for better health Insights
Monitor, manage, and understand Parkinson's Disease symptoms for better health Insights
Monitor, manage, and understand Parkinson's Disease symptoms for better health Insights
Empower your Journey
Empower your Journey
Access articles, support groups, and activities for comprehensive Parkinson's Disease management
Access articles, support groups, and activities for comprehensive Parkinson's Disease management
Empower your Journey
Access articles, support groups, and activities for comprehensive Parkinson's Disease management
Taking Initiative & Collaborating with Research Team
Taking Initiative & Collaborating with Research Team
Research : Research Accessibility Guidelines
Research : Research Accessibility Guidelines
I proactively engaged with our internal research team to immerse myself in their research methodologies and gain a thorough understanding of user behaviors and preferences.
By participating in their process, I contributed insights that enriched our collective understanding of user needs, thereby enhancing our ability to design more intuitive , accessible and user-friendly solutions.
I proactively engaged with our internal research team to immerse myself in their research methodologies and gain a thorough understanding of user behaviors and preferences.
By participating in their process, I contributed insights that enriched our collective understanding of user needs, thereby enhancing our ability to design more intuitive and user-friendly solutions.
Introduction
As the Visual and UX/UI Designer for the Parkinson's Progression App, I led the development of a cohesive design system, collaborating closely with our design & research team to help guide the app's visual aesthetics. This case study explores how we tackled challenges to create a user-friendly tool for tracking Parkinson's disease progression, aiming to make a meaningful impact.
Defining Problems & Opportunities
Defining Problems & Opportunities
Research: Brainwriting
Research: Ideation Workshop
The workshop aimed to encourage our team's collaboration and gather valuable feedback based on user research insights and design principles. This process helped me guide the creation of mood boards, setting a direction for the project.
The workshop aimed to encourage our team's collaboration and gather valuable feedback based on user research insights and design principles. This process helped me guide the creation of mood boards, setting a direction for the project.
Design Ideation Workshop
Research: Brainwriting
The workshop aimed to encourage collaboration and gather valuable feedback based on user research insights and design principles. This process helped me guide the creation of mood boards, setting a direction for the project.
Visual Exploration
Visual Exploration
Design: Moodboarding
Design: Moodboarding
By focusing on accessibility considerations, particularly for users with Parkinson's disease, I aimed to create a design that not only met functional needs but also resonated with our target audience on a deeper level. This collaborative approach not only strengthened team cohesion but also enriched the project's overall creative direction.
By focusing on accessibility considerations, particularly for users with Parkinson's disease, I aimed to create a design that not only met functional needs but also resonated with our target audience on a deeper level. This collaborative approach not only strengthened team cohesion but also enriched the project's overall creative direction.
Mapping out the Steps
Research: User Flows & Information Architecture
I was given the important task of mapping out the screens that connect doctors and patients, guiding users from onboarding through to their virtual consultations.
I started by creating an easy-to-follow onboarding process, ensuring that new users could quickly understand how to use the app.
Core Problem Identified
Research: Stakeholder Feedback
While working on connecting the doctor and patient user flow, my team and I highlighted a critical issue in our user flow ensuring that users, particularly those living far from healthcare providers, can maintain regular treatment.
This feedback was crucial, as it directly relates to our core problem
Sets up medication reminders to ensure timely medication administration
Provides consistent updates on Parkinson’s disease symptoms and progression
Enhancing knowledge and understanding of Parkinson's Disease
From Concept to Cohesion
Design: Crafting the Design System
As a visual designer, my responsibility is to define the visual tone and mood for the project, ensuring consistency across all design elements. This involved collaborating closely with team members to integrate diverse perspectives and feedback into our visual strategy.
By focusing on accessibility considerations, particularly for users with Parkinson's disease, I aimed to create a design that not only met functional needs but also resonated with our target audience on a deeper level.
Mapping out the Steps
Mapping out the Steps
Research: User Flows & Information Architecture
Research: User Flows & Information Architecture
I was given the important task of mapping out the screens that connect doctors and patients, guiding users from onboarding through to their virtual consultations.
I started by creating an easy-to-follow onboarding process, ensuring that new users could quickly understand how to use the app.
I was given the important task of mapping out the screens that connect doctors and patients, guiding users from onboarding through to their virtual consultations.
I started by creating an easy-to-follow onboarding process, ensuring that new users could quickly understand how to use the app.
Visual Exploration
Design: Moodboarding
By focusing on accessibility considerations, particularly for users with Parkinson's disease, I aimed to create a design that not only met functional needs but also resonated with our target audience on a deeper level. This collaborative approach not only strengthened team cohesion but also enriched the project's overall creative direction.
Core Problem Identified
Core Problem Identified
Research : Stakeholder feedback
Research : Stakeholder feedback
While working on connecting the doctor and patient user flow, my team and I highlighted a critical issue in our user flow ensuring that users, particularly those living far from healthcare providers, can maintain regular treatment.
This feedback was crucial, as it directly relates to our core problem
While working on connecting the doctor and patient user flow, my team and I highlighted a critical issue in our user flow ensuring that users, particularly those living far from healthcare providers, can maintain regular treatment.
This feedback was crucial, as it directly relates to our core problem
While working on connecting the doctor and patient user flow, my team and I highlighted a critical issue in our user flow ensuring that users, particularly those living far from healthcare providers, can maintain regular treatment.
This feedback was crucial, as it directly relates to our core problem
Sets up medication reminders to ensure timely medication administration
Provides consistent updates on Parkinson’s disease symptoms and progression
Enhancing knowledge and understanding of Parkinson's Disease
Exploring Accessible Layout & Structure
Exploring Accessible Layout & Structure
Design: Lo-Fi Wireframes
Research: Low - Fidelity Wireframes & Round 1 Usability Testing
Research: Low - Fidelity Wireframes & Round 1 Usability Testing
As we transitioned from conceptualization to tangible design, I designed low fidelity wireframes for doctor-to-patient connection screens to visualize and test the core user flows. These wireframes were essential for laying the groundwork for our user interface, providing a clear and simplified representation of the app’s functionality.
As we transitioned from conceptualization to tangible design, I designed low fidelity wireframes for doctor-to-patient connection screens to visualize and test the core user flows. These wireframes were essential for laying the groundwork for our user interface, providing a clear and simplified representation of the app’s functionality.
Identifying Usability Issues
Identifying Usability Issues
Research: Round 1 Usability Testing
Research: Round 1 Usability Testing
Our team conducted internal usability testing using heuristic evaluations and cognitive walkthroughs.
We simulated user interactions and collected metrics to measure the usability of our prototypes, with a focus on meeting accessibility standards.
The final iteration embraced all the feedback that our team received, resulting in a user-centered, accessible app. Significant improvements included larger text, more accessible navigation, and enhanced visual consistency. Our efforts improved the accessibility score by 90% after incorporating feedback from accessibility testing tools showing our commitment to create a better user experience for Parkinson’s patients.
The final iteration embraced all the feedback that our team received, resulting in a user-centered, accessible app. Significant improvements included larger text, more accessible navigation, and enhanced visual consistency. Our efforts improved the accessibility score by 90% after incorporating feedback from accessibility testing tools showing our commitment to create a better user experience for Parkinson’s patients.
While working on the lo-fi wireframes, I experimented with accessible design elements and consistently gathered feedback from my team. This approach was crucial for several reasons:
Early Detection of Issues: Experimenting with accessibility elements in the lo-fi stage allowed us to identify and address potential usability issues early in the process. This proactive approach prevented more significant problems down the line.
Team Collaboration: Regular feedback sessions with the team fostered a collaborative environment where ideas and suggestions could be shared openly. This collective input enriched the design, bringing in diverse perspectives and expertise.
Efficient Iteration: Working out accessibility considerations in the lo-fi stage made the iteration process more efficient. We could make quick adjustments and refinements without the time and cost implications of high-fidelity design changes.
01
Information Overload
Issue: Users were overwhelmed by too much information on some screens.
Improvement: Simplified content, increased button size for meet accesibility standards
02
Form Completion
03
Button Size
Old
New
01
Information Overload
Issue: Users were overwhelmed by too much information on some screens.
Improvement: Simplified content, increased button size for meet accesibility standards
Old
New
02
Form Completion
03
Button Size
01
Information Overload
Issue: Users were overwhelmed by too much information on some screens.
Improvement: Simplified content, increased button size for meet accesibility standards
Old
New
02
Form Completion
03
Button Size
01
Information Overload
Issue: Users were overwhelmed by too much information on some screens.
Improvement: Simplified content, increased button size for meet accesibility standards
02
Form Completion
03
Button Size
Old
New
Design: Lo-Fi Wireframes
From Concept to Cohesion
From Concept to Cohesion
Design: Crafting the Design System
Design: Crafting the Design System
As a visual designer, my responsibility is to define the visual tone and mood for the project, ensuring consistency across all design elements. This involved collaborating closely with team members to integrate diverse perspectives and feedback into our visual strategy.
By focusing on accessibility considerations, particularly for users with Parkinson's disease, I aimed to create a design that not only met functional needs but also resonated with our target audience on a deeper level.
As a visual designer, my responsibility is to define the visual tone and mood for the project, ensuring consistency across all design elements. This involved collaborating closely with team members to integrate diverse perspectives and feedback into our visual strategy.
By focusing on accessibility considerations, particularly for users with Parkinson's disease, I aimed to create a design that not only met functional needs but also resonated with our target audience on a deeper level.
An Elevated User Experience
An Elevated User Experience
Research: High-Fidelity Wireframes
Research: High-Fidelity Wireframes
In our second round of usability testing, we focused on refining the user experience based on initial feedback. My team and I made impactful adjustments, resulting in a significant improvement in user satisfaction.
In our second round of usability testing, we focused on refining the user experience based on initial feedback. My team and I made impactful adjustments, resulting in a significant improvement in user satisfaction.
While working on the lo-fi wireframes, I experimented with accessible design elements and consistently gathered feedback from my team. This approach was crucial for several reasons:
Early Detection of Issues: Experimenting with accessibility elements in the lo-fi stage allowed us to identify and address potential usability issues early in the process. This proactive approach prevented more significant problems down the line.
Team Collaboration: Regular feedback sessions with the team fostered a collaborative environment where ideas and suggestions could be shared openly. This collective input enriched the design, bringing in diverse perspectives and expertise.
Efficient Iteration: Working out accessibility considerations in the lo-fi stage made the iteration process more efficient. We could make quick adjustments and refinements without the time and cost implications of high-fidelity design changes.
Connecting Doctor to Patient Screens
Connecting Doctor to Patient Screens
While working on the lo-fi wireframes, I experimented with accessible design elements and consistently gathered feedback from my team. This approach was crucial for several reasons:
Early Detection of Issues: Experimenting with accessibility elements in the lo-fi stage allowed us to identify and address potential usability issues early in the process. This proactive approach prevented more significant problems down the line.
Team Collaboration: Regular feedback sessions with the team fostered a collaborative environment where ideas and suggestions could be shared openly. This collective input enriched the design, bringing in diverse perspectives and expertise.
Efficient Iteration: Working out accessibility considerations in the lo-fi stage made the iteration process more efficient. We could make quick adjustments and refinements without the time and cost implications of high-fidelity design changes.
Design: Lo-Fi Wireframes
Medication & Symptom Tracker
Medication & Symptom Tracker
Medication & Symptom Tracking
While working on the lo-fi wireframes, I experimented with accessible design elements and consistently gathered feedback from my team. This approach was crucial for several reasons:
Early Detection of Issues: Experimenting with accessibility elements in the lo-fi stage allowed us to identify and address potential usability issues early in the process. This proactive approach prevented more significant problems down the line.
Team Collaboration: Regular feedback sessions with the team fostered a collaborative environment where ideas and suggestions could be shared openly. This collective input enriched the design, bringing in diverse perspectives and expertise.
Efficient Iteration: Working out accessibility considerations in the lo-fi stage made the iteration process more efficient. We could make quick adjustments and refinements without the time and cost implications of high-fidelity design changes.
Design: Lo-Fi Wireframes
Resources
Resources
While working on the lo-fi wireframes, I experimented with accessible design elements and consistently gathered feedback from my team. This approach was crucial for several reasons:
Early Detection of Issues: Experimenting with accessibility elements in the lo-fi stage allowed us to identify and address potential usability issues early in the process. This proactive approach prevented more significant problems down the line.
Team Collaboration: Regular feedback sessions with the team fostered a collaborative environment where ideas and suggestions could be shared openly. This collective input enriched the design, bringing in diverse perspectives and expertise.
Efficient Iteration: Working out accessibility considerations in the lo-fi stage made the iteration process more efficient. We could make quick adjustments and refinements without the time and cost implications of high-fidelity design changes.
Design: Lo-Fi Wireframes
Our Team's Impact and Key Results
Our Team's Impact and Key Results
Research: Usability Testing Round 2
Research: Usability Testing Round 2
After implementing the improvements, a second round of testing revealed remarkable enhancements. The positive results and key learnings from this phase underscore the importance of iterative design and user feedback in creating successful digital products.
The final iteration embraced all the feedback that our team received, resulting in a user-centered, accessible app. Significant improvements included larger text, more accessible navigation, and enhanced visual consistency. Our efforts improved the accessibility score by 90% after incorporating feedback from accessibility testing tools showing our commitment to create a better user experience for Parkinson’s patients.
The final iteration embraced all the feedback that our team received, resulting in a user-centered, accessible app. Significant improvements included larger text, more accessible navigation, and enhanced visual consistency. Our efforts improved the accessibility score by 90% after incorporating feedback from accessibility testing tools showing our commitment to create a better user experience for Parkinson’s patients.
While working on the lo-fi wireframes, I experimented with accessible design elements and consistently gathered feedback from my team. This approach was crucial for several reasons:
Early Detection of Issues: Experimenting with accessibility elements in the lo-fi stage allowed us to identify and address potential usability issues early in the process. This proactive approach prevented more significant problems down the line.
Team Collaboration: Regular feedback sessions with the team fostered a collaborative environment where ideas and suggestions could be shared openly. This collective input enriched the design, bringing in diverse perspectives and expertise.
Efficient Iteration: Working out accessibility considerations in the lo-fi stage made the iteration process more efficient. We could make quick adjustments and refinements without the time and cost implications of high-fidelity design changes.
98%
98%
98%
Increased task success rate
Increased task success rate
Increased task success rate
1 min
1 min
1 min
Avg. time on task decreased
Avg. time on task decreased
Avg. time on task decreased
100%
100%
100%
Compliance with WCAG 2.2 standards
Compliance with WCAG 2.2 standards
Compliance with WCAG 2.2 standards
30%
Reduction in design time for new screens
+40 screens
Designed by my awesome team
70%
of UI components were reused = scalability & efficiency
30%
30%
Reduction in design time for new screens
Reduction in design time for new screens
+40 screens
+40 screens
Designed by my awesome team
Designed by my awesome team
70%
70%
of UI components were reused = scalability & efficiency
of UI components were reused = scalability & efficiency
Design: Lo-Fi Wireframes
Reflection
Reflection
Throughout this project, I encountered several challenges such as:
Balancing the complex information required for Parkinson’s disease management to ensuring the design was both accessible and user-friendly.
By leveraging user flows and collaborating closely with my team, I was able to map out and refine critical user journeys, including the vital connection between patients and doctors through virtual consultations.
When faced with the task of selecting the right color palette and visual elements, I delved into accessibility standards, ensuring that the final design was inclusive and easy to navigate for all users.
Moving forward, I am inspired by the progress my team and I have made. This experience has been a reminder that great design is not just about aesthetics or functionality, but about creating meaningful and accessible experiences for all users.
As I continue to evolve and improve, I will hold onto the belief that
Throughout this project, I encountered several challenges such as:
Balancing the complex information required for Parkinson’s disease management to ensuring the design was both accessible and user-friendly.
By leveraging user flows and collaborating closely with my team, I was able to map out and refine critical user journeys, including the vital connection between patients and doctors through virtual consultations.
When faced with the task of selecting the right color palette and visual elements, I delved into accessibility standards, ensuring that the final design was inclusive and easy to navigate for all users.
Moving forward, I am inspired by the progress my team and I have made. This experience has been a reminder that great design is not just about aesthetics or functionality, but about creating meaningful and accessible experiences for all users.
As I continue to evolve and improve, I will hold onto the belief that
Throughout this project, I encountered several challenges such as:
Balancing the complex information required for Parkinson’s disease management to ensuring the design was both accessible and user-friendly.
By leveraging user flows and collaborating closely with my team, I was able to map out and refine critical user journeys, including the vital connection between patients and doctors through virtual consultations.
When faced with the task of selecting the right color palette and visual elements, I delved into accessibility standards, ensuring that the final design was inclusive and easy to navigate for all users.
Moving forward, I am inspired by the progress my team and I have made. This experience has been a reminder that great design is not just about aesthetics or functionality, but about creating meaningful and accessible experiences for all users.
As I continue to evolve and improve, I will hold onto the belief that
While working on the lo-fi wireframes, I experimented with accessible design elements and consistently gathered feedback from my team. This approach was crucial for several reasons:
Early Detection of Issues: Experimenting with accessibility elements in the lo-fi stage allowed us to identify and address potential usability issues early in the process. This proactive approach prevented more significant problems down the line.
Team Collaboration: Regular feedback sessions with the team fostered a collaborative environment where ideas and suggestions could be shared openly. This collective input enriched the design, bringing in diverse perspectives and expertise.
Efficient Iteration: Working out accessibility considerations in the lo-fi stage made the iteration process more efficient. We could make quick adjustments and refinements without the time and cost implications of high-fidelity design changes.
Every improvement, no matter how small, makes a big difference.
Every improvement, no matter how small, makes a big difference.
While working on the lo-fi wireframes, I experimented with accessible design elements and consistently gathered feedback from my team. This approach was crucial for several reasons:
Early Detection of Issues: Experimenting with accessibility elements in the lo-fi stage allowed us to identify and address potential usability issues early in the process. This proactive approach prevented more significant problems down the line.
Team Collaboration: Regular feedback sessions with the team fostered a collaborative environment where ideas and suggestions could be shared openly. This collective input enriched the design, bringing in diverse perspectives and expertise.
Efficient Iteration: Working out accessibility considerations in the lo-fi stage made the iteration process more efficient. We could make quick adjustments and refinements without the time and cost implications of high-fidelity design changes.
Design: Lo-Fi Wireframes
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PDConnect
PDConnect
Empowering Parkinson's Patients: Designing an Accessible App for Symptom Tracking & Seamless Doctor Communication
Role
Visual & UI/UX Designer
Timeline
6 Months
Tools
Figma, Notion, Discord
Collaborating with Research Team
Research : Research Accessibility Guidelines
I proactively engaged with our internal research team to immerse myself in their research methodologies and gain a thorough understanding of user behaviors and preferences. By participating in their process, I contributed insights that enriched our collective understanding of user needs, thereby enhancing our ability to design more intuitive and user-friendly solutions.
PDConnect
Empowering Parkinson's Patients: Designing an Accessible App for Symptom Tracking & Seamless Doctor Communication
Role
Visual & UI/UX Designer
Timeline
6 Months
Tools
Figma, Notion, Discord
PDConnect
Empowering Parkinson's Patients: Designing an Accessible App for Symptom Tracking & Seamless Doctor Communication
Role
Visual & UI/UX Designer
Timeline
6 Months
Tools
Figma, Notion, Discord
