Making U.S. Healthcare Less Intimidating
This project explores a digital healthcare solution designed to support international students as they navigate the U.S. medical system. It focuses on simplifying medical processes, bridging communication gaps, and helping students build trust with healthcare providers.
[My Role]
UI UX Design
Visual Design
Branding
[Timelines]
6 weeks, 2024
[Type]
Healthcare
[Background]
As an international student studying in New York in the past, I often struggle with the U.S. healthcare system. Many college campuses lack on-site medical facilities, and the system itself can be hard to navigate, with unclear procedures, language barriers, and cultural differences. These challenges make it difficult to communicate with doctors and feel at ease during visits, ultimately affecting our confidence in seeking care when we need it most.
[Problem Statement]
π‘ How Might We
help international students improve the experience of getting familiar with US medical system and be able to communicate & build connections with doctors easily so they feel more comfortable and confident during getting medical service?
[Understand Users Backgrounds] β γUser Researchγ
[Understand User Pain Points] βγUser InterviewγγAffinity Mappingγ
π₯ System Differences
The U.S. medical system differs greatly from what international students are used to, and some colleges lack on-campus medical facilities.
π§Ύ Insurance Confusion
Many international students are unclear about which doctors and services are covered by their health insurance.
π£οΈ Language & Communication Barriers
Describing symptoms and understanding medical terms in English is often a struggle.
π Medication Challenges
Getting prescribed or over-the-counter medicine can be confusing and intimidating.
π Doctor Transition Issues
Transferring between doctors and keeping in touch with them is inconvenient.
β Unclear Medical History
Students are often unsure about their own or their familyβs medical history and allergies.
[Findings & Highlights]
Medical system
US medical system, including public hospital, pharmacy and school medical services is very different and it can be inconvenient to foreigners.
Medical related vocabulary
Describing pains and understanding medical terms are difficult due to lack vocabulary.
Build Connection
Finding the right one is not easy due to insurance network, location, trust and contacting with doctors.
[Design Opportunities] βγUser Journey Mapγ
Emma is an international student from China studying in New York. She isnβt familiar with the U.S. medical system. After struggling with a headache for a week, she decides to see a doctor. However, it's difficult for her to find a nearby doctor covered by her health insurance. She also faces challenges communicating her symptoms. As a result, she often feels unconfident and frustrated throughout the medical visit process.
[Ideation] β [Design Principles]
π Streamline the process of accessing medical services.
π Foster connections with the community.
π Facilitate communication with doctors.
π Keep a record of medical experiences.
[User Flow] βγStory Boardγ
[Testing & Iteration]
[Wireframe]
[Information Architecture]
[Logo, Color & Typography]
The branding of Intercare is calm and neutral but with pops of color that the user can customize and therefore feel in control of their experience. I chose Lemonde Livre and Rooto, as itβs simple, easygoing, and readable. Also, I made sure all font sizes were reasonably accessible.
[Final Design]
Find Doctor
Users can find doctors, upload insurance, check upcoming appointments, check all specialties, nearby doctors and book again with doctors on the Home Page.
Describe Pain
When users find it difficult to describe pain, they can use Pain Level and Pain Type to assist in communicating with doctors.
Medical Terminology Assistant
When users encounter unfamiliar medical terms, they can use translation tools to help understand and communicate.
Community Support
A platform for patients with similar needs/backgrounds to share their stories. It will support users to help and learn from others' experience.
Dashboard
It keeps patients' past medical experience on record, which lets users have backups for tracking terms and past medicine use.
