‘By 2027, over 50% of the global population will be active on multiple super apps daily’ – predicts research and advisory firm Gartner. What does this mean for the healthcare industry? A lot. Because the future of healthcare is as personalized and convenient as your favorite streaming service. Look beyond healthcare super apps and you’ll see AI, VR, and more on the horizon.
The way patients interact with healthcare providers and systems is undergoing a significant transformation. Experiences tailored to your unique needs, accessible from the comfort of your home, and backed by cutting-edge technology are practical expectations. As technology revolutionizes every aspect of our lives, the healthcare user experience will be at the forefront of continuous change.
The wait for personalized, accessible, and integrated experiences, driven by innovations in artificial intelligence, wearable technology, and virtual reality, is not long. As UI/UX designers, we can gear up for the change by understanding these expectations better.
Patient-Centric Design
“The greatest opportunity offered by AI is not reducing errors or workloads, or even curing cancer: it is the opportunity to restore the precious and time-honored connection and trust.” – Eric Topol, Author of Deep Medicine: How Artificial Intelligence Can Make Healthcare Human Again
The increasing emphasis on personalization is one of the prominent trends in healthcare user experience. The advantages of artificial intelligence come in handy here. AI-powered algorithms that analyze large amounts of patient data can help create customized recommendations and treatment plans. For example, personalized meal plans and exercise routines can be easily delivered to a diabetes patient via an app, based on their individual preferences, health history, and real-time glucose readings.
Empathy is an integral part of good UI/UX strategy and design. The stakes are higher in healthcare, where how your user feels while using your interface has a deeper impact. So, personalization encompasses the overall patient experience.
Understanding patients’ preferences and needs is key to designing intuitive, engaging, and supportive digital interfaces. For instance, a patient portal that allows users to schedule appointments, access medical records, and communicate with healthcare providers through secure messaging can significantly enhance the patient experience.
Inclusive Design
“Accessible design is good design — it benefits people who don’t have disabilities as well as people who do. Accessibility is all about removing barriers and providing the benefits of technology for everyone.” — Steve Ballmer, Former CEO of Microsoft
Accessibility is a critical aspect of inclusive design. In terms of healthcare UX, it’s non-negotiable. Because it isn’t just about designing for individuals with disabilities. But also for those who may have limited digital literacy or language barriers. Prioritizing accessibility makes sure that all patients have equal access to essential services.
Voice-activated interfaces and natural language processing are becoming increasingly common in healthcare settings. These allow patients to interact using spoken language. It is easier for those with visual impairments or limited mobility. A patient could use voice commands to schedule appointments, request medication refills, or access their medical records.
We must also consider the unique needs of different patient populations. This involves designing interfaces in multiple languages or providing options for different reading levels.
Integration with Emerging Technologies
“Virtual reality is the ‘ultimate empathy machine.’ These experiences are more than documentaries. They’re opportunities to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.”
— Chris Milk, CEO of Within (formerly Vrse)
Wearable devices – smartwatches and fitness trackers – are playing an increasingly important role in remote patient monitoring and disease management. These devices collect data on vital signs, activity levels, and other health metrics that provide valuable insights to healthcare providers and patients.
Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) can also bring changes in healthcare training and patient care. VR can simulate complex medical procedures to allow healthcare professionals to practice in a safe and controlled environment. AR can overlay digital information onto the real world to provide patients with visual aids and guidance during treatments.
Blockchain technology is another promising way to improve healthcare UI/UX design. It can help address concerns about data privacy and security by providing a secure and transparent way to store and share patient data. However, it presents challenges like scalability, interoperability, and complexity.
Though innovations in healthcare user experience design continue to advance, it is not without challenges. Ethical considerations, such as data privacy and bias in AI algorithms, must be carefully addressed. However, by focusing on personalization, accessibility, and integration with emerging technologies, healthcare UX designers can create more patient-centered, efficient, and effective systems.