Developing for Mobile UX
In 2017, I was offered an opportunity to design a user interface for the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center mobile app. The task seemed simple on the surface like just knocking out a quick simple patient information gathering tool, but the project did present some interesting opportunities. Over the course of a month, I met with a representative, gathered as much background information as possible, developed and presented wireframes, and concluded by presenting mock-ups and a story board.
Background
The Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center wanted to collect health information from the community but unfortunately, they couldn’t gather and enter the data alone. They made the determination to crowd source the data using a mobile application; i.e., members of the community could enter health information using a smartphone app. All they needed was the app.
In determining the software requirements, Lineberger settled on four main criteria:
- The technology to collect the data must be ubiquitous to the participants.
- The method of collection must be equally accessible to all participants.
- Participants must be able to use the technology and entry methods correctly.
- Participants must routinely engage with the app and enter data frequently.
Relying on research and client feedback, the following solutions were developed:
- The technology to collect the data must be ubiquitous to the participants.
A mobile-first app would be developed consisting of a simple application designed for Android mobile phones (At the time, Android held ~65% of mobile operating system market share). - The method of collection must be equally accessible to all participants.
The app would use high contrast black text on a white background to overcome any accessibility challenges and accommodate as many users as possible. - Participants must be able to use the technology and entry methods correctly.
Simplified and colorful icons would help communicate the types of data without relying solely on legibility. Logical, top-down navigation and persistent elements further help participants use the app. - Participants must routinely engage with the app and enter data frequently.
To help engage the user and help promote routine data entry, the app would use high quality imagery of happy patients, customizable user images, and calming brand-approved colors.
Requirements and solutions in hand, the wireframe development process began.