NATURAL REMEDIES

Project: Designing a digital platform that educates users about natural remedies as substitutes for over-the-counter medication.

ROLE: UX Designer & Researcher

4 MONTHS

Problem Statement

The rising costs of medication and ongoing debates about healthcare have prompted the need for an easily accessible platform that informs users about natural resources as alternatives for managing health issues like blood pressure, diabetes, and pain relief.

Our focus is on individuals seeking natural remedies as alternatives to modern over-the-counter medication. These health-conscious individuals, aged 20 to 70, are interested in traditional methods like herbal medicine to manage minor health issues and enhance overall well-being.

What research methods were employed?

We employed research methods such as surveys, interviews, and competitive analysis to gather insights into user needs, preferences, and pain points related to managing health issues.

What were the key findings from user research?

Key findings from user research revealed that users are interested in natural remedies, seek cost-effective solutions, and are looking for easily accessible information to manage health issues.

Persona Development

Helen is a 38-year-old yoga instructor who seeks natural remedies to manage stress, anxiety, and pain, and desires a platform that offers clear guidance and information on holistic health.

Peter, a 45-year-old IT Manager dealing with high blood pressure and diabetes, aims to find cost-effective alternatives to prescription medications and wants a platform that simplifies decision-making between modern medicine and natural remedies.

Irene, a 26-year-old student, is interested in learning about natural remedies for common health issues, experimenting with holistic approaches, and seeks a user-friendly platform that educates and guides her effectively in wellness and self-care.

These personas represent a range of users who might be interested in our platform for accessing natural health remedies. Tailoring our platform to address the needs and preferences of these personas can help ensure it meets the requirements of a diverse user base.

Competitive Analysis

WebMD's Natural Remedies Section

Pros: Credible source, broad coverage.

Cons: Complex language, limited interaction.

Opportunity: Simplified language, personalization tools.

Healthline's Herbal Database

Pros: Detailed herb info, references.

Cons: Lacks holistic context, doesn't suggest combinations.

Opportunity: Link remedies to health needs, curated combinations.

NaturalHealthOnline User-Generated Remedies

Pros: User-generated content, personal touch.

Cons: Lack of credibility, inconsistent information.

Opportunity: Curate & verify user content, provide expert insights.

Prototype Considerations

Our prototype addresses individual needs through categorized remedies for colds, pains, and well-being. We integrate a self-assessment tool considering age, gender, and symptoms. Holistic education guides users on when to choose modern medicine or traditional remedies. To enhance accessibility, we use clear language and cost-effective solutions.

Ideation and Design:

How was the design process initiated?

The design process began with brainstorming sessions and sketching ideas to designing the platform's features and functionality.

What design elements were considered?

Design elements included wireframes, prototypes, user flows, information architecture, and the visual user interface design, such as color schemes, typography, and icons.

Lowfedlity wireframe sketch

High-fidelity Wireframe

Conclusion and Next Steps:

The key takeaways from the project include the importance of providing accessible natural health remedies and the potential to address rising medication costs through cost-effective and holistic solutions.

What are the next steps for the project?

The next steps include exploring opportunities to further develop and implement the platform. Whether through partnerships, entrepreneurial endeavors, or collaboration with healthcare experts, the goal is to make this accessible natural health remedy platform available to those in need. This project has not only been an academic exercise but also a source of inspiration for real-world impact.