VidaCare: Making Healthcare Accessible for Everyone
Role: UX Researcher & Designer
Teammate: J. Klinkert
THE CHALLENGE
Healthcare can be incredibly confusing, and marginalized communities often hit massive roadblocks when trying to get the care they need. Between difficult medical jargon to understand and a lack of personalized support, a lot of patients get left behind. Existing apps just aren't doing enough to offer culturally relevant help, clear data explanations, or multiple language options.
THE SOLUTION
We created VidaCare! We wanted to put everything in one place and keep the tools super simple for patients who might struggle with dense medical terms. The app uses AI to break down test results, offers multiple language options, and links right up with insurance and transportation services to make the whole care process smoother.
HOW WE RESEARCHED:
To figure out exactly what our users needed, we mixed a few different research methods. We first conducted a literature review. We started by digging into the research, which showed a huge need for mobile tech that explains diagnostic reports in plain, everyday language.
When it came to early designs, we kept things fast and loose. We wanted the focus to stay completely on the layout and user flow, so all the initial wireframes were created in Figma. We then built the app in Adalo.
Participants interacted with the Adalo prototype so we could test how well the app functioned, how engaging it was, and what they thought of the design. We finally used the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) and sent out Google Forms to people living in Hudson County, New Jersey.
PERSONA & PROBLEM STATEMENTS:
BUILDING THE VIDACARE APP
We used Figma to design the interface and map out the user flow. We then built the VidaCare app in Adalo.
USER FLOW
HOW THE VIDACARE APP WORKS
VidaCare is a mobile health app that takes the headache out of managing your medical info.
We built an AI assistant right into the app to translate confusing medical jargon and lab results into plain, everyday language.
It links straight to your insurance, so you can easily book telehealth calls, set up rides to the doctor, and keep track of your meds all from one screen.
We also added multiple language options, like Spanish, so a language barrier won't get in the way of getting the care you need.
USER FLOW
LIVE PROTOTYPE CREATED ON ADALO
USABILITY TESTING
Think-Aloud Cognitive Walkthrough
Task 1. You just opened the VidaCare app. Log into your account using your saved email and password credentials.
Task 2. You prefer to read health information in Spanish. Locate the translation feature on the home dashboard and change the app's language.
Task 3. You woke up feeling unwell. Use the app's chat assistant to report that you have a headache and a sore throat, and follow the prompts to select a recommended remedy.
Task 4. It is time for your scheduled virtual check-up. Navigate to your appointments, enter Dr. Rosemary Williams's waiting room, and join the video call.
Task 5. You need a follow-up consultation. Use the scheduling tool to book a new telehealth appointment with Dr. Rosemary Williams for tomorrow at 5:00 PM.
Task 6. You recently had bloodwork done and want to understand the numbers. Find your "Thyroid Function" test results from February 16th, and use the AI tool to analyze and explain the lab document in plain English.
Task 7. After reading the AI's explanation of your thyroid results, use the chat prompt to translate that specific medical breakdown into Spanish.
Task 8. You want to double-check what your prescribed pills look like. Navigate to your medication list and review the visual guide for your current prescriptions.
Task 9. You need to manage a refill. Navigate to the Pharmacy Connect feature and begin the process of linking your Walgreens account.
Task 10. You have a quick question for your specialist. Use the bottom navigation menu to find the provider directory and initiate a phone call with your ENT, Dr. Gabriela Rodriguez.
Task 11. You want to adjust your privacy and accessibility settings. Navigate to the "More" menu, open your Account Settings, and explore the toggles for notifications, display modes, and data sharing.
INSIGHTS FROM USER TESTING
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Adding an AI assistant right into the app was a great for helping people understand their health. In fact, 72.4% of users told us the AI was either helpful or extremely helpful for making sense of their complex test results.
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We found that Spanish translation (and other languages) was essential. Every single person in our study (100%!) rated the translation features as helpful for their experience.
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Showing real, high-quality photos of a user's prescribed pills makes it so much easier for people to quickly and accurately identify their medication without getting overwhelmed.
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People really value fast, actionable info. When asked what mattered most for managing their care, users ranked test result explanations at the top (21%), followed closely by medication reminders (19.5%).
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Putting telehealth scheduling, insurance info, and even ride requests all into one smooth flow paid off big time, giving us a massive 95.5% positive experience rating from users.
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Using a familiar text-message style for the symptom checker made the app feel way less intimidating and much more approachable for users trying to figure out what's going on with their health.
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The app builds trust by making it easy for users to jump straight from our platform over to outside sites, like their main insurance portals or their go-to pharmacy.
VALUE FLOW MAP
