Elminda
Elminda, a neuro-technology company, creates tools for assessing brain health, visualizing neurological disorders, and offering mental health solutions by combining neuroscience with technology.
In my role as a UI/UX Designer, I successfully conducted UX research, revamped the web application interface, improved the usability of analytical reports, and contributed to the overall enhancement of user satisfaction.
Customer Journey Mapping
Brain health evaluation involves complex procedures, specialists, and patient instructions for accurate results. This can create friction for all participants: patients, medical technicians, and even doctors interpreting data.
To gain insights into user behaviors and pain points, I conducted Customer Journey Mapping (CJM) research for three primary user roles: Doctors, Medical Technicians, and Patients. This research revealed distinct challenges and preferences for each group, highlighting the importance of tailored solutions.
After identifying their individual journeys and pain points, I collaborated with stakeholders from the Product and Medical teams to prioritize and address these issues both in production and on site.
Findings:
Medical Technicians, who are heavily involved in conducting tests and preparing results, required UI/UX improvements to the system and adjustments in the lab experience to minimize errors and enhance efficiency.
Doctors primarily preferred printed versions of Brain Network Analytics (BNA) reports and had less interaction with the web app. For them, we optimized the data visualization of the reports, ensuring vital information was easily accessible and interpretable.
Patients relied on clear instructions to prepare for tests and navigate the lab experience confidently. By giving careful attention to elements related to test preparation and task instructions, we aimed to enhance the efficiency and ease of the evaluation process.
WEB Application
The web medical application serves as a centralized platform for managing patient information and test results. It offers two key functionalities:
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Enables storage and retrieval of client data, organized in patient cards and reports;
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Facilitates the initiation and tracking of diagnostic tests.
Challenges
I partnered with the Development and Medical teams to address the challenges identified in the UX study. All the changes had to be approached carefully, as a system was operational in multiple clinics with active users.
Lack of UX Expertise: Initially developed by engineers and data scientists, the system lacked input from a UX specialist, resulting in compromised user experience despite functional core elements.
Misaligned Web App Structure: The web application's structure deviated from conventional behavior patterns, causing confusion among users and hindering intuitive navigation.
Excessive Micro Animations: The overuse of micro animations within the interface proved more confusing than helpful, failing to provide clear visual feedback as intended.
Outdated Look and Feel: The web app's outdated appearance did not align with branding or the innovative technology behind the scenes, diminishing the perceived value of the product.
Highlights: Patient's Card
The patient's card is a core functionality within the application, accessed frequently and crucial for user workflows.
However, the previous design suffered from a lack of clarity and visual hierarchy, making it difficult for users to find the information they needed.
Through a redesign of the layout and user interface (UI), we streamlined the user experience. Now, users can access reports or add comments about the last visit in half the number of clicks.
Highlights: Search
Finding a patient's card is the initial and most frequent process within the system. Previously, search functionality was limited to a unique ID, leading to frequent hurdles. Patients often forgot their IDs, and system regulations prevented the use of names and surnames for privacy compliance reasons.
To overcome these challenges, we implemented advanced filtering. The technicians can now search using various parameters such as healthcare service provider, patient gender and age, test type, and visit date.
These enhancements enable them to locate users even without an exact ID, significantly improving accessibility and user experience.
Outcome
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Enhanced usability of the web application by redesigning the navigation structure and main page layout. These improvements resulted in fewer clicks needed to the target action, increasing the efficiency of finding and viewing requested data.
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Additionally, I had the opportunity to upscale the aesthetic aspects of the product, supporting all stages from wireframes and screen mock-ups to prototypes and the Design system in Figma.
Brain Network Analytic Reports
Brain Network Analytics (BNA) reports serve as the primary artifact of Elminda. These reports, generated by the system, translate complex data into visuals, aiding doctors - neurologists and psychiatrists - in analyzing the results and facilitating follow-up discussions with their patients.
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Problem
Originally, each of the four reports varied slightly, requiring more time to understand the results rather than simply scanning them. Standardizing the visual language was one of my initiatives.
The product decision had to balance opinions of neuroscientists advocating for presenting all available data. Consulting doctors argued for including only essential information due to time constraints during real-life visits.
Furthermore, all creative choices had to comply with FDA regulations, as required of any medical technology solution.
Solution
Standardized Visual Warnings: Collaborated with the head of The Medical Science Liaison to implement a clear and consistent visual indicator system for highlighting potential warnings, facilitating faster identification and clinical decision-making.
Improved Readability: Streamlined content and optimized information hierarchy significantly reduced report reading time, enhancing comprehension for patients who receive these reports after their meetings with the doctor.
Enhanced Patient Understanding: By providing clean and clear data visualization, patients gain a better understanding of their results and progress, ultimately contributing to overall satisfaction.
Laboratory experience
Conducting a thorough brain health evaluation is a complex and sensitive task. There is a list of conditions to be followed in order for a test to be valid. For example, patients should wash their hair to ensure proper EEG hat connection and avoid consuming coffee or other stimulants beforehand.
It's crucial for patients to prepare adequately, especially those who may be elderly or experiencing conditions like depression or dementia.
Challenges
Up to 15% of tests were unsuccessful due to the ignoring or misunderstanding of instructions, either for the tests themselves or for how to prepare for the evaluation.
No printed material was available for patients to take home or receive as a handout, other than promotional material.
Achievements and Impact
Simplified Instructions: Improving testing experience, I designed patient-friendly instruction slides, minimizing confusion and ensuring comprehension. This improved test success rates by 10%, saving time and resources.
Improving Patient Communication: Created a set of informational handouts for patients in clinics to explain test preparation and results, fostering understanding and trust.
Elevated Lab Aesthetics: I actively contributed to improving on-site experience. I took part in the redesign of Elminda Lab's non-medical equipment, aligning the look and feel with the company's branding and industry standards.
Marketing design
As the sole UI/UX designer within the company, I frequently extended my expertise beyond traditional responsibilities to support initiatives important to the company's success.
This included collaborating with Marketing and Business Development teams, where I contributed to the creation of graphic and print design materials.
I took charge of the visuals for international events and trade shows, ensuring that all assets maintained a high level of professionalism and alignment with our brand standards.
These materials displayed our company's offerings professionally and engagingly, attracting potential investors and partnering clinics.
Tools and skills
Figma
Design and prototyping
Adobe Illustrator
Icons and illustrations
Adobe Photoshop
Visual assets
Adobe InDesign
Print and marketing