UX design case study - Breast cancer prevention app and responsive web site 

My tasks 

Responsible for concept and design – paper and digital wireframing, low and high-fidelity prototyping, conducting user interviews and usability studies, securing accessibility, iterating on designs, UX writing, developed information architecture, created information flow. 

Why breast cancer prevention app & web site?

Approximately 1,200 women diagnosed with breast cancer in Latvia every year, and it is one of the most frequent causes of premature death in women over 35 years of age. Early detection of first signs is crucial! In the early stages of the disease, breast cancer can be successfully cured, so, regular breast cancer screening is especially important.

Is it possible to prevent breast cancer with an app? Or web site?

During competitive research I noticed that there are several sources with different owners and purpose regarding breast cancer problem and women are struggling to get easy access to information, convenient access to screening services, especially in rural areas.

There are several state sponsored examination programs, but the invitations arrive as a paper letter and follow-up of actual examination fails. Many women forget about the invitation letter or have heard of negative mammography experiences which make them avoid regular, early breast examinations.

Target audience

I interviewed women from different age groups. One common problem was for all – lack of one trustworthy source which emphasizes early detection, regular examination and source of helpful information to prevent breast cancer instead of support for breast cancer patients. 

“It took me quite a while to find how and when I can get my mammography in our little town. I am still not sure if they have time for me on particular date” 

Ideation with "How Might We"

• How can we give easy access to valuable information saving user or their relative lives?

• How can we ensure that women have fast and easy access to mobile mammography diagnostics?

• How can we ensure, that women in LV are regularly following up their breast health?

• How can we ensure, that women over 50y do not miss state sponsored mammography?

• How can we motivate women not to avoid the mammography?

Ideation process

User touchpoints

Visual design

Color scheme derived from world know breast cancer awareness campaign symbol «Pink ribbon» - pink, calm, harmonious.

Mockups and high-fidelity prototypes of final designs 

Mobile app is a «friend» in a pocket, reminding to follow-up women’s breast condition.

Visit prototype here

Responsive web site offers wider information range than app: breast cancer prevention, medication, recovery.  

Visit web site prototype

User testing result

Study type: moderated usability study

Location: Latvia

Participants: 5 women age 18 – 57y, low and moderate digital literacy

Length: 15 - 35min

Findings

• For older users swiping option of resource cards was not so obvious as expected. For high fidelity prototype I changed small dots to direction buttons. Result - improved resource card usage.

• Most users wanted to receive official mammography letter on app, complaining that paper letters often get lost. That should be taken further as development issue with state health institutions. Not included in current product development stage.

• Observation – older users are struggling with phone touchscreens. This led me to designing large buttons for mobile app.

Learning through the design process and possible next steps

During usability study all users found app and responsive web site useful. Most asked when it will be available.

Next steps

• Develop this product in collaboration with state health institutions, medical partners, doctors and users.

• Consider widening the product and include other vital cancer prevention programs in app and web site.

• I would involve women family members to find the way how to improve the product functionality also for them.

Let's work together?

Contact: kagelv@outlook.com