Pulseband wearable device and companion app.
 
 

Pulseband

The product

A concept for a consumer wearable device designed to help people with cardiovascular disease live longer, healthier lives. The band is both a fitness tracker and a medical device (monitors EKG, blood pressure, heart rate, steps, and sleep patterns). If the device detects symptoms of a cardiac episode, it's engineered to notify the user and contact the nearest hospital.

The Process

Process
 
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Define

Create a mobile companion app that helps Pulseband users live longer, healthier lives.

 
Empathize

Empathize

 

Research Part I: build foundational knowledge about heart disease

What are the causes and outcomes? What is the size of the issue? Who is at risk? And most importantly, how can an app empower and enable users to take steps to lower their risk of a cardiac episode?

Research Part II: talk to subject-matter experts and potential users 

We interviewed 5 medical professionals, ranging from cardiac rehab specialists to physicians. We also sought out and interviewed 4 potential users who either identified as at-risk, or had suffered a cardiac episode. From these conversations we created 3 personas, which captured the wide spectrum of potential users, and also redefined our problem statement.

Research Part III: analyze the competitive landscape

In this case competitors include wearable fitness trackers and associated companion apps, as well as wearable medical devices. The goal was to identify products that handle data visualization well, and identify apps that are goal-oriented and connect with their users.

 
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Ideate

We brainstormed, made a loose app map, and sketched. The result was two user-centered design solutions, which eventually graduated to the prototyping phase.

 

Prototype

 

Concept A: accessible, educational, & Builds community to drive connection

Arty serves as a friendly and encouraging guide throughout the experience. The character educates users through "Heart Facts" and establishes a connection with users. Concept A has a social component called "Heart Boost," which allows users to search for, RSVP, and attend events based on their location allowing users to connect through common interests and physical activity.

Concept B: goal-oriented and actionable

"Dials" gives users small and manageable "challenges" to engage with to form a habit of short- and long-term goal setting. All data is presented in a clear and concise way, allowing users to easily compare today's data with yesterday's and gradually move the needle to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Test

A/B test: our two concepts with 5 users to validate our designs.

Here's what we found:

  • 4 of 5 testers preferred Concept B because of how it displays vitals and makes it easy to monitor progress over time. Users also responded positively to the challenges, and liked the accountability and sense of accomplishment fostered by marking tasks complete on the dashboard.

  • Users preferred the data visualization and graphs in concept A.

  • Users would like to see the Heart Boost Events incorporated into concept B.