How might we provide a resource to patients needing to continue physical therapy at home, track results, and understand what they’re doing?
There is a basic need for a better solution for patients and therapists alike to stay connected outside of the weekly or bi-weekly check-in appointments. A need for a way to better stay connected with each other, and have a database of proper resources to ensure correct and efficient recovery from injuries and/or underlying medical conditions. Often patients that have questions are unable to reach their physical therapist directly, Physio aims to fix that.
Role: UX/UI Designer & Researcher
Tools: Figma, Miro, FigJam
Timeline: 8 weeks
There is a gap in the information and accessibility of resources during the recovery process. Too often patients are given a black-and-white printout with pictures showcasing exercises to do and that is the only resource they are given to help them along their way. Patients widely vary from young athletes looking to get rapid recovery to get back to their activities as soon as possible, to older elderly patients who need help with their day-to-day activities. Regardless of the patient demographic, there is a lack of resources and reminders to help all patients learn and recover.
• Internet Research & Surveys
• Competitive Analysis
• User Research Plan
• User Interviews
Physio is an easy-to-use mobile application, for both patients and physical therapists alike to stay connected, engaged outside of appointments, and on track for a speedy recovery. Helping all parties learn proper recovery techniques and correct form while reducing recovery time by making it an engaged on-going process from beginning to end. A resource that is available for patients whenever they are struggling in their at-home recovery.
Patients who are required to perform physical therapy to help aid them in recovering from an injury or underlining problem causing them pain or restriction in their normal day-to-day activities.
• Ideate
• Research
• Concept
• Design
"If I don't do my exercises in the morning, I don’t get to them at all." - a participant from Boston
"With work and kids distracting me throughout the day, I struggle to do my daily at-home exercise routine." - a participant from Syracuse
"I love the concept behind this, although I'm concerned it would add more workload to my day having to check in remotely with patients" - a participant from NYC
MedBridge Go is a PT-involved app where patients must involve their PT in order to utilize the app. The app lacks personalization and enhanced communication features. It essentially functions as a low-level tracker application.
Omada (formerly Physera) is a PT optional app that has many of the same features as my app but it lacks personalization. The app has a robust knowledge base that is populated with generic workout videos. Also, there is no option to locate a PT in case the user does not already have one.
Kaia leverages multi-modal pain therapy by combining physical, psychological, and educational elements. Kaia's mission is to bring best-in-class therapy to everybody
Anne is a retired teacher enjoying her free time with activities such as golf, gardening, book clubs, and more. She recently injured her shoulder and is unable to join her friends in their weekly golf outings. Until her rehab is complete she’s been instructed by her doctor to hold off on golfing.
Needs:
• A step-by-step guide to exercises
• Regular check-ins to remind her to stay on track
• Positive outlook and affirmations
Pain Points:
• Often forgets instructions from PT
• Often forgets to remember to complete her exercises
Goals:
Anne wants to get healed so she can get back out on the golf course with her friends. She wants to make sure she’s healed but doesn’t want to rush into another injury.
John is an IT Specialist who recently injured himself in a rec soccer league. John meets with his PT once a week and is given instructions on what else he should be doing at home as well. As an active recreational sports enthusiast, his job occasionally requires him to do on-site evaluations of clients' setups, and is currently unable to perform that part of his job.
Needs:
• Clear and Easy instructions to follow
• A way to communicate with PT
• Mental support along the way
Pain Points:
• No feedback on whether or not using the proper form
• Unsure number of sets/reps should ideally be doing
Goals:
John wants to be able to successfully execute at-home exercises with correct count, form, and confidence. He wants to complete his rehab and get back to work and an active lifestyle outside of his job as soon as possible.
