ProPhlebs by Chekker

OVERVIEW

Prophlebs by Chekkers is an innovative mobile application designed for Chekker Health. We had a goal to revolutionize the way of collecting blood samples to ease the traditional processes around sample collection. This mobile app was designed for phlebotomists. As against the traditional means, phlebotomists in various locations can now receive order requests to collect samples from their nearest location and deliver them to the nearest laboratory, hence creating an additional revenue stream for them, streamlining their workflow, and ensuring an efficient and timely sample collection.

ROLE

UI/UX Designer

User Research, Information Architecture, Wireframing and Prototyping, Visual Design, Interaction Design, Usability Testing

 

 

Background

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the efficiency of diagnostic processes and the speed at which patients receive their diagnostic results are of paramount importance. The field of phlebotomy, responsible for the collection of blood and other biological samples, plays a pivotal role in this context. However, it often faces challenges in optimizing workflows and minimizing delays in sample collection, and most importantly, crowd control at laboratories and diagnostic centers. Recognizing these challenges, Chekker Health engaged me to design a digital solution to allow phlebotomist to receive sample collection requests from their nearest location and deliver them to the nearest laboratory to transform the way sample orders are being collected.

I was the Only Designer on this Product

The ability to transform an idea into something much more tangible is a thrilling and rewarding process being the only designer on this product. I collaborated closely with the founder and team of Engineers to develop the product vision and strategy. As of the time of documenting this case study, the first version is currentlyundergoing iteration for a version two.

My Process; Understanding the Problem

As the only UI/UX designer on this product, my role was multifaceted and encompassed a range of critical processes. I began by conducting extensive user research, delving into the experiences and pain points of phlebotomists and healthcare facilities through interviews, surveys, and workflow observations. This research led to the creation of user personas representing diverse app users. I also engaged in contextual inquiry, visiting diagnostic and laboratory facilities to gain firsthand experience and empathy for the challenges faced. Task analysis helped identify pain points in the phlebotomy process, from order assignment to sample collection. Additionally, a thorough competitor analysis was conducted to understand best practices and opportunities for differentiation in the healthcare and on-demand service industries. These processes formed the foundation for designing a user-centered and effective mobile app.

The Problem

The process of phlebotomy, involving the collection of blood and other biological samples, is faced with challenges that impact efficiency, patient care, and the overall quality of service provided by phlebotomists and healthcare facilities. 

    1. Inefficient Workflow: Phlebotomist often faces challenges in optimizing their workflow and unstreamlined processes of sample collection which causes delays.

    2. Crowd Control: Laboratories and diagnostic centers frequently struggle with managing large crowds.

    3. Patient Wait Times: Long patient wait times for diagnostic results can be frustrating.

    4. Workflow Optimization: Some Healthcare professionals involved in phlebotomy often deal with administrative tasks that can be time-consuming.

    5. Data Security: Handling physical paperwork for order management can pose risks to data security and compliance with healthcare regulations. 

User Persona

Based on my research, I recognised 3 key user types that this product tried to solve the problem for.

Defining the Problem

After gathering the findings from the research, I was able to define the problem statement as stated below;

“Prolonged queues and extensive wait times at the laboratory, compounded by an unorganized sample collection process and an insufficient number of phlebotomists to cater to a large number of patients, have created significant operational challenges, negatively impacting the patient experience”

Designing the Solution

We had to revolutionalize the culture around sample collection. As against the traditional means, phlebotomists in various locations can now receive order requests to collect samples from their nearest location and deliver them to the nearest laboratory, hence creating an additional revenue stream for them, streamlining their workflow, and ensuring an efficient and timely sample collection.

the Product Vision

As the product designer, I needed to position this product as a leading digital lab ordering collection solution in the following areas;

  • Purpose: To revolutionize the healthcare experience by streamlining the sample collection, processing, and reporting workflow.

  • Value Proposition: To empower healthcare professionals to deliver timely and accurate services, enhancing patient care and satisfaction.

  • Target Audience: Phlebotomists, healthcare administrators, and lab technicians collaborating seamlessly.

  • Desired Outcome: Eliminating patient wait times in the laboratory and setting a new industry standard for efficiency, security, and collaboration in healthcare diagnostics.

  • Long-Term Goals: Becoming the industry standard and transforming the way sample orders are collected, processed, and reported.

  • Inspiration: To create a world where patients receive their test results swiftly, ensuring a healthier and more efficient healthcare journey for all.

Design

User testing was an iterative process that was carried out at each project milestone to identify the most significant pain points in the current version. After gathering feedback, I would revisit the prototypes and test them again. 

I wanted to create a minimalist, and clean UI for the brand that communicated trustworthiness.

 

ONBOARDING

The onboarding screens were thoughtfully designed to introduce phlebotomists and certified healthcare workers to the order collection application, providing a clear overview of its benefits and functionality.

REGISTRATION VERIFICATION

The registration verification screen serves as a crucial security checkpoint, ensuring that only authorized personnel gain access to sensitive healthcare data and sample collection orders. By requiring a One one-time password to complete the registration process once necessary credentials have been collected

DASHBOARD

At a glance, phlebotomists can have an overview glance at major information needed like their next orders, number of orders they’ve had in a day, fulfilled and non-fulfilled orders among others

ORDERS AND TO-DOS

Through an intuitive and user-friendly interface, phlebotomists can view, accept, and collect an order request within their location, using real-time coordination that minimizes wait times and optimizes workflow.

OTHER SCREENS

Results and Major Takeaways

This product successfully addressed the challenges faced by phlebotomists collecting samples at laboratories. It has revolutionized the way phlebotomists and healthcare administrators coordinate and manage sample collection orders by bringing phlebotomists closer to the patients while declustering and reducing walk-in crowds at the laboratory hence generating more revenue for health workers who intend to freelance.

Some Key Takeaway from this project;

  1. User-Centricity is Paramount: Prioritizing the needs, pain points, and preferences of end-users is essential for creating a successful and impactful product
  2. Iterative Design is the Path to Improvement: Embracing an iterative design process allows for continuous improvement and refinement based on user feedback and changing requirements.
  3. Simplicity Enhances Usability: Striving for simplicity in design and functionality can greatly enhance the usability and accessibility of the product.
  4. Resilience is Important: Overcoming challenges and setbacks is part of the design process, and resilience is crucial in navigating these hurdles.