OVERVIEW

Noggn is a wearable symptom tracker and companion app that helps patients manage concussion recoveries both physically and emotionally.

MY ROLE

Product Designer

RESPONSIBILITIES

Interviews, insights, prototyping, and UX/UI design.

TIMELINE

This project took place over 4 weeks between January 12 and February 14, 2017

THE PROBLEM

Concussion symptoms are confusing and unpredictable

Concussion symptoms vary depending on the individual. Recovery times may last from weeks to months. During this time, patients are often unsure of how to manage their recovery, and as a result, risk over exerting themselves.

THE GOAL

Manage symptoms physically and emotionally

This project explores the quantified self in relation to medicine and healing. The goal is to create a product solution that puts the patient in control of their recovery.

To glean insights on the condition, I began with primary and secondary research. I conducted in-person interviews, talking to doctors, neurologists, current patients and those who have suffered past injuries.

RESEARCH

Key Findings

After clustering findings into target areas, pain points and mood boosting tactics, I determined 4 key insights to establish a direction.

Long Times

Long recovery times and uncertainty create anxiety.

No Visibility

No visible symptoms make it hard to accommodate.

Bad Mood

A reduced activity load can result in depression.

None Alike

Recovery times differ depending on the individual.

HOW IT WORKS

Self tracking wearable

Noggn is a wearable device that pairs with a mobile app. It tracks when the patient is feeling symptoms so they can manage them effectively. Every hour, the user receives a vibrating prompt via the wristband. If she or he is feeling symptomatic (dizzy, headaches, irritation, fatigue), they flip the band over to the red side.

Building long-term reassurance and support

Once the device is flipped, a capacitive touch sensor registers the action and records the data on a mobile app. After several days, clear progress is visualized, providing a sense of hope and reassurance.

Communicating a volatile condition to others

The two sides serve as indicators to signal when they are feeling symptoms, even when they don’t show it. The wristband lets patients communicate visually how they are feeling, saving them from feeling awkward or embarrassed.

Designing a system for small wins

“Challenges” draw inspiration from Jane McGonical's tactic of using games to overcome adversity. Here, they serve as opportunities to feel empowered. At each level, the app prompts the patient with several challenges at the edge of their capability. The intent is to make the patient feel in control of their recovery.

DATA COLLECTION

An individualized recovery plan

Since all concussions are different, Noggn is designed to adapt to the needs of the individual. Inputs and challenges act as probes to measure their personal recovery rate. This information is sent to a database where research can be conducted, acting as a vehicle for citizen science and further improving the product.

PROCESS

Behind the Scenes

Initial storyboarding to understand constraints, physical prototypes of possible solutions, mould making and casting first and second prototypes, initial user flows to map mobile app interactions.