My Role
Product designer
Timeline
Sep 34 - Apr 23
Type
Healthcare, Mobile App, Visual Commutation,Master's Thesis
Tools & Methods
Figma, Adobe Illustrator, User Interviews, Prototyping, Moderated User Testing
CHALLENGE STATEMENT
How can we empower young individuals to properly care for their hands to prevent chronic injuries from prolonged device use?
CONTEX
I chose to focus on the growing issue of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) in the hands, which increasingly affects users of devices like computers, tablets, phones, etc. As we advance into the digital age, more people are experiencing this problem.
USER RESEARCH
To fully understand the spectrum of the problem, I interviewed individuals both with and without hand and wrist pain. Additionally, I spoke with occupational therapists and ergonomists to gain expert insights.
USER NEEDS
Challenges faced by individuals with Hand and Wrist pain
What the experts want
Need for awareness
Patients need to be more educated about the risk of RSI in their hands.
Early Intervention
Patients need preventive care for better long-term dexterity and functionality of their hand
GOAL 1
The goal is to foster confidence in managing their hand health journey and communicating effectively with healthcare providers.
SOLUTION: HANDY APP
GOAL 2
The goal is to raise awareness about RSI in the hands and introduce individuals to preventive care.
SOLUTION: RSI in hand awareness Posters and quick hand exercise guide
Handcare awareness and prevention are one click away! Get all of these resources on this link
A poster on RSI prevention will be placed in the coffee break room or a busy work cafe. The regimen stresses regular breaks during work hours to ease muscle tension, improve circulation.
DESIGN
Creating a design system that is visually appealing, intuitive and approachable rather than overly clinical, distinguishing it from the existing pain diaries available on the market.
REFLECTIONS
Understanding Subjective Pain Through Trauma-Informed Design
Throughout this project, I saw that people describe and experience pain differently, with varying levels of intensity. My focus was on understanding the key pain points of each individual, which required creating a comfortable environment where users felt safe and confident in sharing their experiences.
Expanding Beyond Hand Health: A Vision for Pain Management
This isn't just a hand issue—it can be applied to many other conditions. I can see this evolving far beyond an app focused solely on hand health. User testing revealed that people, especially those with chronic injuries, want a visual diary to document their pain more precisely.
