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Design for a mobile app that pairs with a migraine relief device.
UX improvement based on heuristic evaluation and internal user testing.
2019 - 2020
I enhanced the UX scenario for a migraine relief device and designed its companion mobile app. As the sole designer, I led user research, conducting interviews and usability testing. After beta-testing with 100 users, we successfully launched the product and the device received 4.7/5.0 review ratings, and FDA approval in both Korea and the U.S.
Product Design
User Research
Prototyping
Sketch
Protopie
Zeplin
How might we make the experience of using an unfamiliar migraine relief device more intuitive, comfortable, and user-friendly?
The migraine-relief device consists of a patch and circular main unit that you attach on your forehead. There is a single on/off button, and the surrounding LED light shows the device status.
The device uses TENS technology to treat migraines. Although TENS is known to be effective, it is relatively new and unfamiliar to patients. A big challenge for us was that patients needed to be educated and convinced to use the product.
TENSÂ stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. The device delivers fine electrical impulses to the trigeminal nerve through the forehead. This helps to alleviate the pain from migraines and to prevent future migraines.
Statistically, the largest group of migraine patients consists of women in their 40s and 50s. However, considering the novelty of the device, we identified our target users as early adopter women in their 30s and 40s. For most, this would be their first experience using a migraine-relief device.
I first conducted user research in order to find out the major pain points for migraine patients. Based on in-depth user interviews, we could gain the following insights.
A migraine is so painful that it compares to giving birth. It becomes difficult to even turn your head, and your everyday life becomes paralyzed.
Patients often don’t know the exact trigger for their migraine, and in cases where it’s an external factor like a certain smell or noise, it’s difficult to avoid.
Taking medication too much or too often can make the migraine worse, making patients very cautious about taking medication.
Our goal was to make the product experience simple, friendly, and clear.
Recognizing that the migraine relief device introduced a new product category, "electronic medicine," we aimed to present it as naturally and seamlessly as possible.
Differentiate with competitors through usability, aesthetics, mobile app, and price.
Emphasize the safety and non-invasive nature of the neuromodulation treatment.
Expert interview with a neurology professor from the Korean Headache Society.
I conducted internal usability testing with 7 colleagues. Each tester would try both the prevention and acute modes, and record their feedback through a short survey. We identified several limitations when using the device on its own.
Testers reported that it was difficult to know the system status, even as to whether the device was turned on or not, as the "idle state" caused confusion.
Testers struggled to differentiate between the Prevention and Acute modes. It was frustrating to constantly look for the manual when the device didn't work as expected.
Treatment times ranged from 20 to 60 minutes but there was no way of tracking how much time was left. Also, it wasn't clear when to charge the device as the battery level wasn't shown anywhere.
I found points to improve for the migraine relief device based on heuristic evaluation. I then redefined the button actions and LED interface so that the device was easier to use.
It was difficult to know the system status only through a single button and LED color.
The patient wasn't able to modify the intensity of the treatment.
Idle state was confusing for the patient because it appears as if the device is turned off.
Even though the treatment times were long it was not intuitive how to stop the treatment.
The LED used non-standard colors, for example error state was shown as blue.
Due to the nature of a medical device, it was important for the patient to have instructions.
The device provides 2 modes: Acute and Prevention. Each mode now has designated colors, Blue and Green respectively. The patient can also fix the intensity of the treatment to their liking by pressing on the circular button.
We compensated any limitations of the migraine relief device by adding a paired mobile app. For example, the app provided monitoring features so that the patient can keep track of the time left and check the intensity of the treatment.
One thing to note is that since the device is attached to the forehead while in use, it's impossible for the patient to see the LED status on the device unless with a mirror.
Therefore it was crucial that the system status was visible in the mobile app. We achieved this by showing an illustrated version of the device on the home screen, with each color mode matching the device.
Considering that migraine patients are sensitive to light and sound, and our target age group was 30-40s, the overall color scheme was dark and subdued with big typography and large buttons. We also included an audio guide so that patients could use the app with their eyes closed during the treatment. To ensure accessibility for diverse users, we designed the interface to be intuitive for those with severe symptoms or limited tech skills, emphasizing simplicity and clarity in every interaction.
The app has 3 main tabs - Manual, Treatment, and Usage History. The menu structure follows the sequence of actions in the patient's user journey. Â
The most important part about the user flow was to make sure that connecting between the device and mobile app was easy and fast so that patients could get to their treatment as fast as possible.
After improving the device and implementing the companion mobile app, we conducted a four-week beta test with 100 participants who regularly experience migraines.
100 Beta-testers
4 weeks
The testing provided valuable insights into user needs and helped validate the effectiveness and usability of the device. With positive feedback and refinements based on the findings, the beta-testing was a success, allowing us to confidently move forward with the product launch.
Testers reported that the device was easy to use, and that the mobile app was helpful in monitoring their treatment. Several wanted even more functionalities to control the device through the mobile app.
Testers still had difficulty knowing when to fix the intensity of the treatment. They wanted to be able to change the intensity not just once but make it stronger or weaker during the treatment as well.
After the beta-testing, we planned to add more functionalities in the app. For example, additional buttons in the home screen would enable users to change modes or start the treatment directly through the app instead of the device.
Another area for improvement would be to change the treatment indicator to individual chips so that they look more clickable, and actually enable patients to change the intensity during treatment.
The migraine-relief device with the new UX scenario and mobile app was certified by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and later obtain approval from the FDA. We successfully launched the product after beta-testing with 100 users. Our new online shop boosted sales and we received 4.7/5.0 reviews from customers. Affiliated hospitals and pharmacies also helped to promote the product.
I can’t live without it now. I used to have migraines every 1-2 weeks and I couldn’t even get through everyday life. Now it’s much more manageable.
I used to take migraine medication every day. 2 painkillers, 2 tranquilizers, each 3 times a day meant I took 12 pills a day. I used to feel anxious when I ran out of medication and would just lie in my bed. I’ve used the device about 10 times now, and I barely take any medication any more. It's had such a dramatic effect on me. I highly highly recommend this product.
It’s been 3 years since I’ve taken migraine pills every single day. Now I only need it every 3-4 days since using the device. I wonder why I only just got this product, it's the best. Thank you so much for making such a great product!
My mom’s been using the device for over a month now. She says that her migraines have become way less frequent. I’m glad I got this for her, thank you!
