Project Overview
This project aims to redesign the Apple Health Medication reminder to better support users who require hourly medication by incorporating an hourly time interval.
Define
Problem Statement
Users who require hourly medication reminders may face challenges with the Apple Health Medication Tracker due to its lack of time interval customization options. This limitation can prevent effective tracking, leading to missed doses and reduced consistency, especially for those managing chronic or
complex conditions.
Deliver
Solution
My final design includes high-fidelity wireframes, using Advil (200 mg) taken every 6 hours.
Note: This version was before the iOS 18 update.
Discover (Primary Research)
User Interview: Participant Managing Hourly Medications
Conducted a user interview and testing session with a participant who follows an hourly medication schedule to identify pain points. The participant has been taking iron pills twice daily (every 7–8 hours) to manage anemia and fatigue. They were asked to add reminders for their medication using the Apple Health app as part of the testing scenario.
User Quotes
1. "It only lets me set times in five-minute increments,
but what if I need a specific time".
2. "If my schedule changes—like if I go to bed early or get home late—I have to manually update all my reminders".
Discover (Secondary Research)
Analyzing Online Reviews
I analyzed Apple Health medication reminder app reviews to identify common user issues, particularly with setting up reminders and managing complex schedules. This helped pinpoint areas for improvement.
Define
Key Primary and Secondary Research Takeaways
Through the user interview, testing, and analyzing online reviews, I identified three key insights for improvement.
Define
Competitive Analysis on MediSafe
I analyzed Medisafe's medication reminder and looked at their time interval system. By evaluating its interface and functionality, I gained ideas of how I could add an hourly interval within Apple Health's medication reminder.
Define
Personas
From Microsoft’s Inclusive Design methodology, I used the persona spectrum to identify permanent, temporary, and situational constraints users may face, in order to design a more inclusive and scalable solution.
Develop
Wireframe Iterations
I created several mid-fidelity iterations and layouts for integrating the hourly time interval. Initially, I used up/down arrow inputs, but through user testing I learned that this method was too time-consuming for users to input the number of hours in the reminder.
Develop
Low-fidelity User Testing
Before finalizing the hourly time interval feature, I conducted user testing with two participants who take medication. In the test scenario, they simulated having a cold and using the health app to set reminders for their Advil (Ibuprofen). They scheduled a reminder to take one 200mg tablet every six hours through the app.
Key Takeaways
- Simplified Frequency Options: Limit to hour, day, and every other day.
- Clearer Start Time: Change "Start Time" to "When will you take your first dose?".
- Pop-Up Input: A pop-up should appear for users to enter a the number of hours,
- Improved Layout & Input: Use text box or scroll option for hourly time input (default to zero) and
replace interval buttons with a scrolling feature for faster input.
Reflection
Embracing a non-linear and iterative process
This project showed me the value of an organized yet flexible design process. I had to move back and forth between research methods, which helped me refine my understanding and create better solutions. While challenging, this experience reinforced the importance of iteration in design.
