A medication reminder app.
PillPall
Project Overview
The Product:
This is a medication reminder app that will help users take their medications on time and without delay. Users will be able to add other profiles for kids, pets, ect., and be confident that their medication has been not been forgotten.
Project Duration:
September 2023 - October 2023
My Role:
Lead UX Designer, UX Researcher, UI Designer, Information Architect, Accessibility
Responsibilities:
User Research, Wireframing, Prototyping, Mockups, UI Design, Usability Testing, Problem Solving
The Problem:
Every day, individuals worldwide receive prescriptions for various medications, whether they are starting a new treatment or have been on medication for an extended period. Adhering to a consistent medication schedule can pose a significant challenge, especially when dealing with a new prescription. When multiple medications are involved, the complexity of tracking what has been taken and when becomes even more daunting.
The Goal:
My goal was to instill a sense of confidence in users, assuring them that they are taking the correct medication at the precise moment, free from any anxieties. Additionally, I aimed to alleviate any concerns about prescription refills by introducing a countdown feature and simplifying the process of reaching out to their pharmacy. Furthermore, for users who are responsible for the well-being of others, be it a child, a pet, or an elderly family member in need of medication assistance, I designed the capability to create distinct profiles. This allows users to effectively monitor and recall the medication schedules for each individual under their care.
Understand the User
User Research
Personas
Problem Statements
Competitive Audit
Ideation
User Research: Summary
I conducted user research to gain insights into the preferences and needs of users regarding a medication reminder app. Our research involved surveys, interviews, and usability testing with a diverse group of participants. Initially, we assumed that the primary concern was simply medication forgetfulness, but our research revealed a broader range of challenges, including concerns about medication interactions and side effects. We also assumed users preferred basic reminder features, but they showed a strong desire for medication databases, calendar integration, and gamification elements. Our assumptions evolved, highlighting the importance of offering a comprehensive solution that addresses a variety of user concerns and preferences to improve medication adherence effectively.
User Journey Map
I have chosen to utilize a User Journey map for my UX project centered around the medication reminder app Pillpall for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, a User Journey map allows me to gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire user experience, from the initial interaction with the app to the ongoing usage and potential challenges users may encounter. This perspective helps me identify pain points and opportunities for improvement throughout the user's interaction with Pillpall. Moreover, it enables me to empathize with the users and prioritize their needs and preferences, ensuring that the app's design and functionality align closely with their expectations. By creating a User Journey map, I can effectively visualize the user's path, identify touchpoints, and facilitate collaboration among the project team, enhancing our ability to deliver a user-centric, seamless, and effective medication reminder solution through Pillpall.
Pain Points:
Forgetting Medication: Users often forget to take their medication, which can lead to missed doses and compromised health.
Complex Medication Regimens: Some users have complex medication schedules with multiple drugs at different times, making it challenging to manage effectively.
Motivation and Engagement: Maintaining user motivation and engagement over the long term can be challenging, as users may lose interest in taking their medication regularly.
Lack of Medication Information: Users may lack comprehensive information about their prescribed drugs, such as side effects or how to take them, which can impact adherence.
Competitive Audit
An audit on three other medication reminder apps to help provide information on gaps and opportunities to expand PillPall.
Click here to see Competitive Audit
Ideation
I conducted a rapid ideation session aimed at generating solutions to address users' challenges in remembering to take their medications. The primary emphasis was placed on streamlining the processes of effortlessly adding and modifying medications, as well as providing straightforward access to medication-related information.
Starting the Design
Digital Wireframes
Low-fidelity Prototypes
Usability Studies
Digital Wireframes
Following the ideation phase and initial sketches on paper, I translated the concepts into digital wireframes for the primary homepage. My objective was to position the medication of the day in a prominent and central location, make it effortlessly apparent which profile was currently signed in, and ensure that refill notifications were conspicuously displayed.
Low-Fidelity Prototype
I crafted a low-fidelity prototype in anticipation of an upcoming usability study, with a specific focus on the procedure of adding a medication to the user's schedule.
Usability Study: Parameters
Study Type: Unmoderated Usability Study
Participants:7 Participants
Location: Remote
Length:15-30 Minutes
Two
Pill imagery for easy identification.
Usability Study: Findings
Three
Caregiver Support: enable family members or caregivers to monitor and assist users in the medication management.
One
Users want to see their medication history.
Refining the Design
Mockups
High-Fidelity Prototypes
Accessibility
Mockups
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![Welcome Page]()
Welcome
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![Sign In Page]()
Sign In
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![Home Page]()
Home
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![Reminders Page]()
Reminders
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![Switch Profile on Reminder]()
Switch Profile
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![User Pill Info Page]()
User Pill Info
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![Add Reminder Page]()
Add Reminder
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![Medication Info Page]()
Medication Info
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![Profile Page]()
Profile
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![Successful Reminder Page]()
Successful Reminder
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![Cabinet Page]()
Cabinet
High-Fidelity-Prototype
Following the development of my mockups, I proceeded to bring my prototype to life. This involved crafting a user flow specifically designed to facilitate the addition of a new medication to their daily schedule.
Accessibility Considerations
One
Clear medication imagery for easy identification and to reduce the chances of taking the wrong pills.
Two
In cases where one medication may potentially interact with another medication a user is currently prescribed, a cautionary alert will appear adjacent to the relevant medication to notify the user. Users will have the option to acknowledge this alert, confirming their awareness of the potential interaction.
Three
I designed a smartwatch interface aimed at enhancing the user experience with reminders. This interface empowers users to tailor their reminders, offering the flexibility to customize them both within the app and directly on their smartwatch. This functionality not only facilitates medication adherence but also serves as a valuable tool for caregivers, ensuring that they can easily oversee and prompt the individuals under their care to take their prescribed medications.
After Usability Study
Responsive Design
Information Architecture
Responsive Design
Sitemap
With the app design finished I started working on a responsive website. I used my sitemap to help guide the organization structure to make sure the website’s user experience was consistent across devices.
Responsive Design
The design considerations encompass various screen sizes, including smartphones, desktops, tablets, and smartwatches. My approach began with a mobile-first strategy, gradually extending the design to larger desktop displays. My preference for the mobile-first design approach remains steadfast, as it effectively guides me to prioritize and refine the most essential features, thereby enhancing the user experience and ensuring accessibility at every step.
Going Forward
Next Steps
Take Aways
Take Aways
Impact:
Users reported improved medication adherence and consistent dosing. One user's testimony highlighted this success: "From the very first day I used PillPall, I effortlessly remembered to administer my dog Rocket's medication on schedule."
What I learned:
My initial assumption about the straightforward nature of this project was quickly dispelled as I delved into extensive research on medication management. This research illuminated a vast spectrum of user needs and desires that I had not initially anticipated. The journey led me to a profound understanding of how users greatly value personalized, interactive, and customizable features in their medication reminders and schedule management.
Next Steps
Conduct research on how successful that app is globally and how different needs in different countries need to be met.
Add more resources for users who don’t have insurance.
Add a reward system for taking their medication consistently.
Contact Me
Thank you for taking the time to review my work on the PillPall app! If you’d like to see more of my work please contact me!
Phone Number: (360) 318-4637
E-mail: Baileyjoywheatman@gmail.com