Product
Interaction Design
My role
Research, Interview, Prototype Design
Timeline
4 Months
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019 highlighted the challenges of isolation during contagious diseases, causing anxiety and stress in patients. Isolation often leads to feelings of depression and despair, as people struggle with loneliness and being away from loved ones, which can be difficult for many to cope with.
Context
Patients with contagious diseases often experience stress and panic during isolation, leading to overthinking and emotional distress. While some use phones and social media to connect, it can spread panic and erode trust in healthcare systems. Additionally, the busy schedules of healthcare professionals make it difficult to regularly update families, leaving patients feeling emotionally neglected.
Need
These desperate situations require innovative solutions. It is imperative to create a sense of trust towards the healthcare administration, so that people trust these institutions for treatment.
A major task would be to connect the patient emotionally with their family, friends and healthcare professionals.
The patient needs to be provided with a sense of safety and belongingness by engaging him/her into various activities.
Objective
The goal can be achieved by designing a device which is familiar for many users and is convenient, portable and less prone to contamination. The design should be user friendly and easy to navigate, making the patient engaged most of the time eliminating the stress and anxiety. It needs to create a sense of connectivity and fulfill the gap between healthcare organisations, patients and their families. Also, it should create a seamless communication between the stakeholders.
Research
Primary Research
The primary research was conducted by talking to several people. I talked with 10 ex-patients and 5 practicing Doctors. The interviews were done online, using Zoom Meeting App and some of the respondents were interviewed over phone. Following are the some examples of what they thought.
Secondary Research
The Secondary research was conducted by studying the various communication devices which are currently used for the similar purpose. The idea was to know the existing system. Most of the secondary research was conducted online. Following are some of the examples ;
Research Insights
A communication system interconnecting the patient, his loved ones and the medical staff. Connecting all the stakeholders without use of smartfone in the isolation ward, as mobile phones are not a option. Creating options for user to choose whom to talk to. Providing the information regarding recovery and health progress to the patient digitally. Connecting the bridges between the institution and the patient for a trustworthy environment. Providing patient a sense of connection with the outer world. Creating a platform to share valuable data between family and Medical support team. Engaging the patient with the device to reduce stress and anxiety.
Early ideation
Final designs
Design Development
The Idea was to develop some form of interaction which can be easily connected with all the other stakeholders. It was also kept in mind that the product should be portable and small, so that it does not create unnecessary hinderance into the current status quo.
The Product
Interactions
Band Selection for Patients
Emotional Mapping through Sensors
Emotional Support through Light emission
Based on the duration of the isolation, the watch changes its colour. By this, the patient relates himself with the watch and at the same time he/she senses this affirmative support and inspiration to reach the final stage. As the colour indicates recovery of the patient. Patient’s emotional quotient is not visible to him directly because it might create anxiety and panic.
Moral Support by Family (Sharing Images and Media Files)
Other Features to engage patient in Recreational activities
Future works
Introduce gamification for increased motivation for participation
Feedback reporting features for designers or responsible parties
Support explanation of design data through AI Chatbot
Integration of VR/AR for immersive experience
