AboutI am a UX researcher and designer dedicated to crafting thoughtful, human-centred experiences. Drawing from my background in photography, I bring a storyteller's lens to interpreting and designing human-centred solutions.
Part of a four-year initiative, SunnyOP leverages user-centred design methodologies to address gaps in healthcare systems, aiming to enhance patient safety and optimize the preoperative care process.
Healthcare systems, burdened by outdated processes and the rapid integration of new technologies, face significant challenges, including an alarming increase in medical errors. Our study set out to address these issues by exploring the preoperative process. In its initial phase, the team conducted interviews, analyzed literature, and utilized system mapping to uncover key pain points and understand user flows within the system.
I joined the project in its second phase, contributing by facilitating participatory workshops with healthcare providers and patients, creating interactive journey maps to visualize user experiences, ideating products and services to address identified pain points, and co-authoring a published paper that detailed our design methodologies and findings.
Qualitative Data Analysis
Interactive Journey Maps:To create the interactive journey maps, we combined participant maps into a unified timeline, with nodes representing tasks or events. Unlike traditional static maps, the interactive features enable users to click on nodes to reveal detailed insights, making the map a valuable tool for analyzing and comparing qualitative data.
Click here to explore the interactive map
Solution Ideation
Matrices:Through affinity mapping, we categorized the issues identified in the journey maps to pinpoint key concerns. This data was then synthesized into two matrices: a frustration matrix, highlighting the frequency and context of frustrations, and a solution matrix, mapping proposed solutions. These tools enable stakeholders to cross-reference insights and identify actionable solutions within the pre-surgical process.
Internal Design Jam:The matrices highlighted key issues such as appointment scheduling, surgery preparation, and information exchange. To tackle these challenges, we developed a decentralized system that centralized information and seamlessly integrated with our proposed solutions.
Example of Proposed Solution:Digital medical wristbands are designed to enhance patient care, reduce treatment errors, and improve communication between healthcare providers (HCPs) and patients. These versatile, silicon-based wristbands integrate advanced technology with patient-centered functionality, providing real-time updates, self-check-in options, and long-term insights to optimize hospital workflows.
RFID & Wi-Fi Integration: Enable patient tracking, self-check-in, and alerts for both patients and staff.
LED Lights and Vibration: Provide instant visual and tactile alerts for critical information, such as appointment reminders and staff readiness.
Durable and Safe Material: Silicon construction ensures comfort, safety, and compatibility with medical environments.
Dynamic Data Updates: RFID tags support real-time updates for seamless coordination.
Research Paper
Publication:As we transitioned into phase three, we set a new direction. Guided by our design research, we began assessing the impact of user-centred design methodologies within healthcare, resulting in a research paper published in the IADIS International Journal on Computer Science and Information Systems and presented at the e-Health 2024 conference in Budapest.
Workshop Facilitation:At the International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society, we conducted a 45-minute workshop on mapping user journeys. Participants received a journey map template, glossary, and steps for completing the mapping process. By showcasing the versatility of journey mapping beyond healthcare, we demonstrated how design methodologies can enhance user experiences in various contexts.
The complexity of healthcare systems presents significant challenges for both designers and users. SunnyOP underscored the importance of a human-centred design approach in navigating these challenges. Initially, our project began with system analysis to develop targeted solutions. However, we quickly realized that the complexities of the existing system were limiting our ability to create more effective alternatives. In response, we shifted our focus to the human experience, which allowed us to better address the real needs of users. Research Paper, Journey Mapping Guide