Simplifying Clinical Trials for a Better Patient Experience
Timeline
12 Weeks
Team
Product Designer (me)
Principle Product Designer
Product Manager
Responsibilities
UX Research
Prototyping
Tools
Figma
Context
Clinical trials are essential for medical progress but are often hard to access, especially for marginalized groups. Many patients face trust issues, information gaps, and overly complex enrollment processes. TrialsConnect empowers users with personalized recommendations, transparent data sharing, and a supportive digital ecosystem—all while adhering to HIPAA guidelines.
Problem Statement
Patients face significant barriers in accessing and participating in clinical trials:
Lack of Awareness: Patients have difficulty finding trials relevant to their conditions due to scattered and non-personalized resources.
Trust Issues: Concerns about data misuse discourage participation.
Complex Enrolment: Existing processes are tedious and often exclude underrepresented communities.
Recruitment Challenges for CROs: Clinical research organisations face delays due to inefficient participant pre-qualification.
Crafted Solution
Project Goal
Simplify the trial discovery and enrollment process
Build trust with secure, transparent data-sharing mechanisms
Create an inclusive and engaging platform
Improve recruitment efficiency for clinical research organizations
User Research
Research Methodology
Our research approach was structured to build a deep understanding of the clinical trial landscape, regulatory requirements, existing solutions, and the perspectives of clinical research organizations. We followed a phased approach:
Domain Research (Clinical Trials and HIPAA Compliance)
Competitive Analysis
Stakeholder Interviews
1. Domain Research (Clinical Trials and HIPAA Compliance)
Before diving into stakeholder-specific research, we conducted thorough desk research on clinical trials and HIPAA regulations. This foundational step was crucial for:
Understanding the Clinical Trial Process: We researched the various phases of clinical trials, the roles of different stakeholders (patients, researchers, CROs, sponsors), and the typical challenges in trial recruitment and participation.
Ensuring HIPAA Compliance: We reviewed HIPAA guidelines and digital application standards to ensure that our design would prioritize data security and patient privacy. This included understanding requirements for data encryption, access control, user consent, audit trails, data minimization, and secure communication.
Informing Subsequent Research: This background knowledge allowed us to ask more informed questions during stakeholder interviews and critically evaluate existing solutions during the competitive analysis.
2. Competitive Analysis
I conducted a competitive analysis of existing platforms and solutions in the clinical trial recruitment space. This analysis helped us identify strengths and weaknesses among key competitors and define our unique value proposition for TrialsConnect.
Evaluation criteria
AutoCruitment
Antidote
BBK Worldwide
Science37
Medpace (TrialPACE)
Strengths
Utilizes over 1,500 digital channels for broad outreach, enhancing recruitment speed.
Fast registration process simplifies user onboarding, improving initial engagement.
Provides notifications for interviews and next steps, enhancing communication.
Intuitive onboarding can enhance user experience and reduce drop-off rates.
Strong partnerships with health non-profits enhance trust and credibility.
Tailored matching improves relevance of trial recommendations, enhancing user satisfaction.
Clear communication of trial details fosters user engagement and trust.
Extensive experience in patient recruitment ensures effective strategies and insights.
Innovative outreach strategies improve engagement through interactive content.
Strong branding enhances trust and recognition among patients and providers alike.
Pioneering decentralized trials enhance accessibility for patients unable to travel.
Strong focus on telemedicine aligns with current healthcare trends, improving user convenience.
Emphasis on remote monitoring enhances patient engagement throughout the trial process.
Offers a flexible, customizable patient interface that enhances user engagement and satisfaction.
Sophisticated scheduling and reminder systems keep patients informed about their commitments.
Weaknesses
User interface may feel overwhelming due to the volume of options presented.
Limited personalization features could hinder user satisfaction.
May lack a cohesive design that integrates all features seamlessly.
Complexity in navigation may frustrate users unfamiliar with technology.
The complexity of the platform can make navigation challenging for users.
Steep learning curve may deter new users from fully utilizing features.
UI design may lack modern aesthetics, impacting first impressions.
UI may appear dated compared to newer competitors, potentially affecting user retention.
May struggle with mobile optimization, limiting accessibility for users on smartphones.
Complexity in feature integration could overwhelm users if not presented clearly.
Complex onboarding process may deter participation from less tech-savvy individuals.
User feedback mechanisms may not be robust enough to address ongoing usability issues quickly.
Navigation may be cumbersome, leading to potential drop-offs during registration or participation phases.
The app's extensive features might overwhelm users if not presented clearly and intuitively.
Integration with external systems could lead to data synchronization issues if not managed well.
These five companies represent a mix of established and innovative approaches to clinical trial recruitment in the US:
AutoCruitment: Known for its rapid recruitment capabilities and direct-to-patient approach, AutoCruitment excels in utilizing data analytics and targeted digital advertising to enhance enrollment. However, it may need to improve personal engagement with participants to foster deeper connections.
Antidote: Leverages strong partnerships with healthcare providers to build trust among users. While effective in connecting patients to trials, Antidote could benefit from simplifying its platform for better usability and user experience.
BBK Worldwide: Offers extensive experience in patient recruitment with innovative strategies that focus on personalized communication. However, it may need to modernize its approach to appeal more effectively to younger demographics who prefer digital engagement.
Science37: Excels in making clinical trials more accessible through its focus on decentralization and telehealth technology. The challenge lies in ensuring that it maintains quality engagement across diverse populations participating remotely.
Medpace: A full-service CRO providing comprehensive solutions from study design to regulatory submission. While Medpace has a strong reputation, it may face challenges in differentiating itself in a competitive market dominated by specialized recruitment firms.
3. Stakeholder Interview
Following the domain research and competitive analysis, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 2 stakeholders. Our participants included:
2 CRO Representatives: Professionals responsible for clinical trial recruitment and management. We aimed to get a wide range of perspectives from CROs of different sizes and specializations.
Interview Objectives
Understand the challenges patients face during trial enrollment.
Identify the needs of CROs in recruiting and managing clinical trials.
Explore current pain points in data security and trust.
Determine the level of customization expected for different patient groups.
Uncover the key features that the app must prioritize.
Interview Approach
We used a semi-structured interview format, starting with broad, open-ended questions and then probing deeper based on the participant's responses.
We focused on understanding the participant's experiences, motivations, and frustrations related to clinical trials.
We created a safe and welcoming environment to encourage participants to share their honest opinions and perspectives.
Key Insights from Stakeholders
Enrollment Challenges: Patients struggle with understanding enrollment processes and eligibility criteria, which deters participation.
Barriers to Participation: Common barriers include lack of awareness, safety concerns, and logistical issues such as travel.
Need for a Dedicated App: There is a clear need for a dedicated clinical trial app to enhance access to information and improve the user experience.
Diverse User Motivations: Users are motivated by factors such as seeking new treatments, financial incentives, and the desire to contribute to medical research.
Engagement Strategies: Current communication methods are often insufficient; more interactive and personalized strategies are needed to keep participants engaged.
Data Security Concerns: Addressing concerns about data security is crucial for building trust in the app among users.
User Persona
Wireframes
Initial wireframes were sketched to:
Map onboarding journeys
Design intuitive navigation for trial discovery
Iterations
Feedback-Based Changes:
Improved visual hierarchy on the home page for clarity. "Based on feedback that the original home page was cluttered, we implemented a card-based layout to improve visual hierarchy, making it easier for users to find the most relevant information."
Simplified the onboarding flow to reduce cognitive load and streamline user actions. "The original onboarding flow required users to complete a lengthy questionnaire. We streamlined the process by reducing the number of questions and providing clear explanations of why the information was needed."
Few iterations and design version before finalising the one.
Final Designs (Mockups)
Login & Onboarding
The app launches with a branded splash screen, followed by engaging video stories that highlight key features. Both new users and returning users are directed to a streamlined account creation/login process that quickly delivers a personalized experience.
Intake Form Onboarding
A concise 3-step process gathers key details (who’s helped, condition specifics, and personal demographics) to tailor trial recommendations—boosting personalization and user engagement.
Homepage
Drives user engagement by encouraging profile completion and enabling quick access to clinical trials, articles, and communities, improving search efficiency.
Reduces cognitive load with a clear snapshot of trial statuses, leading to higher trial participation rates through easy progress tracking.
Builds user trust by reinforcing data control, leading to increased user retention and trial participation.
Enhances user conversion by offering personalized trial suggestions, making recommendations more relevant and actionable.
Boosts user retention by providing timely, relevant content, keeping users informed and engaged within the app.
Improves navigation efficiency and user satisfaction by providing quick access to core features.
Trials
Open Trials with Recommendations: Increases trial discovery through personalized suggestions, making it easier for users to find relevant trials, leading to higher participation rates.
Advanced Filters: Enhances search efficiency by allowing users to quickly narrow down trials based on key criteria like condition, location, and trial phase, resulting in faster decision-making.
My Trials: Simplifies trial tracking by consolidating requested, in-progress, and completed trials, improving user clarity and engagement with active trials.
History: Promotes transparency by providing a comprehensive view of past trial interactions, including completed and rejected trials, supporting data-driven decisions for future participation.
Seamless Navigation: Boosts user satisfaction through intuitive tab structure, reducing cognitive load and improving overall app usability.
Trial Details
Trial Detail Page: Improves decision-making by presenting critical information upfront—trial overview, phases, eligibility, compensation, and organization details—leading to informed participation and increased user trust.
Phased Trial Timeline: Enhances clarity by visually mapping trial phases, helping users understand the process and expectations, which boosts confidence in trial participation.
Data Security Highlight: Builds user trust with clear information on data protection and HIPAA compliance, encouraging higher engagement with sensitive clinical data.
Request to Participate Confirmation Modal: Reduces drop-off rates by summarizing key trial details and data-sharing terms before submission, ensuring user consent while maintaining a frictionless experience.
Profile
Encourages user engagement with a profile completion indicator, motivating users to provide comprehensive information for better trial recommendations.
Improves trial matching accuracy by capturing key data points, leading to more relevant recommendations and higher participation rates.
Manage My Data
Builds user trust by providing transparency on how their data is used, aligning with HIPAA compliance and data privacy standards.
Empowers users to view and control which organizations have access to their data, enhancing data security and user autonomy.
Improves user confidence by allowing them to redact or share specific information, fostering a sense of ownership over their sensitive data.
Reduces friction with an intuitive process to manage data-sharing preferences, which can lead to higher user satisfaction and app retention.
Style-guides
Brand & Platform Guidelines: Followed the established brand style guidelines along with iOS Human Interface Guidelines to ensure consistency, accessibility, and usability.
Typography: Sans-serif fonts for readability across devices.
Color Palette: Blue and white to evoke trust, with inclusive tones chosen for accessibility.
Icons (SF Symbols): Minimal and informative, aligning with both brand and platform standards.
Prototype
Conclusion (Challenges, Outcomes, Learnings and insights )
01
Challenges
Balancing detailed information with simplicity; unifying systems for diverse user groups; and ensuring trust through secure data practices.
02
Outcomes
Enhanced Efficiency: Streamlined trial discovery and enrollment processes simplify operations for both patients and CROs.
Increased Trust: Data encryption addresses security concerns and builds user trust.
Improved User Engagement: Personalized recommendations and a simplified onboarding process lead to better user participation.
Operational Impact: The platform is set to reduce recruitment delays by providing faster pre-qualification and clearer trial information.
Note: While quantitative metrics are not available for this MVP, we anticipate a 20% reduction in recruitment time and a 15% increase in patient enrollment based on industry benchmarks and qualitative feedback.
03
Learning & Insights
Clear communication and stakeholder collaboration are essential. I learned that simpler designs often yield better efficiency in high-pressure environments.
Scope of Improvements
What Could Have Been Better?
Conducting user testing in high-pressure environments could have provided deeper insights into workflow challenges.
Exploring a self-service model for trial enrollment might have further reduced processing times, though business decisions favored a manual and guided approach for cost-effectiveness.
Your thoughts and feedback are welcome to make this system even better for future iterations.
Simplifying Clinical Trials for a Better Patient Experience
Timeline
12 Weeks
Team
Product Designer (me)
Principle Product Designer
Product Manager
Responsibilities
UX Research
Prototyping
Tools
Figma
Context
Clinical trials are essential for medical progress but are often hard to access, especially for marginalized groups. Many patients face trust issues, information gaps, and overly complex enrollment processes. TrialsConnect empowers users with personalized recommendations, transparent data sharing, and a supportive digital ecosystem—all while adhering to HIPAA guidelines.
Problem Statement
Patients face significant barriers in accessing and participating in clinical trials:
Lack of Awareness: Patients have difficulty finding trials relevant to their conditions due to scattered and non-personalized resources.
Trust Issues: Concerns about data misuse discourage participation.
Complex Enrolment: Existing processes are tedious and often exclude underrepresented communities.
Recruitment Challenges for CROs: Clinical research organisations face delays due to inefficient participant pre-qualification.
Crafted Solution
Project Goal
Simplify the trial discovery and enrollment process
Build trust with secure, transparent data-sharing mechanisms
Create an inclusive and engaging platform
Improve recruitment efficiency for clinical research organizations
User Research
Research Methodology
Our research approach was structured to build a deep understanding of the clinical trial landscape, regulatory requirements, existing solutions, and the perspectives of clinical research organizations. We followed a phased approach:
Domain Research (Clinical Trials and HIPAA Compliance)
Competitive Analysis
Stakeholder Interviews
1. Domain Research (Clinical Trials and HIPAA Compliance)
Before diving into stakeholder-specific research, we conducted thorough desk research on clinical trials and HIPAA regulations. This foundational step was crucial for:
Understanding the Clinical Trial Process: We researched the various phases of clinical trials, the roles of different stakeholders (patients, researchers, CROs, sponsors), and the typical challenges in trial recruitment and participation.
Ensuring HIPAA Compliance: We reviewed HIPAA guidelines and digital application standards to ensure that our design would prioritize data security and patient privacy. This included understanding requirements for data encryption, access control, user consent, audit trails, data minimization, and secure communication.
Informing Subsequent Research: This background knowledge allowed us to ask more informed questions during stakeholder interviews and critically evaluate existing solutions during the competitive analysis.
2. Competitive Analysis
I conducted a competitive analysis of existing platforms and solutions in the clinical trial recruitment space. This analysis helped us identify strengths and weaknesses among key competitors and define our unique value proposition for TrialsConnect.
Evaluation criteria
AutoCruitment
Antidote
BBK Worldwide
Science37
Medpace (TrialPACE)
Strengths
Utilizes over 1,500 digital channels for broad outreach, enhancing recruitment speed.
Fast registration process simplifies user onboarding, improving initial engagement.
Provides notifications for interviews and next steps, enhancing communication.
Intuitive onboarding can enhance user experience and reduce drop-off rates.
Strong partnerships with health non-profits enhance trust and credibility.
Tailored matching improves relevance of trial recommendations, enhancing user satisfaction.
Clear communication of trial details fosters user engagement and trust.
Extensive experience in patient recruitment ensures effective strategies and insights.
Innovative outreach strategies improve engagement through interactive content.
Strong branding enhances trust and recognition among patients and providers alike.
Pioneering decentralized trials enhance accessibility for patients unable to travel.
Strong focus on telemedicine aligns with current healthcare trends, improving user convenience.
Emphasis on remote monitoring enhances patient engagement throughout the trial process.
Offers a flexible, customizable patient interface that enhances user engagement and satisfaction.
Sophisticated scheduling and reminder systems keep patients informed about their commitments.
Weaknesses
User interface may feel overwhelming due to the volume of options presented.
Limited personalization features could hinder user satisfaction.
May lack a cohesive design that integrates all features seamlessly.
Complexity in navigation may frustrate users unfamiliar with technology.
The complexity of the platform can make navigation challenging for users.
Steep learning curve may deter new users from fully utilizing features.
UI design may lack modern aesthetics, impacting first impressions.
UI may appear dated compared to newer competitors, potentially affecting user retention.
May struggle with mobile optimization, limiting accessibility for users on smartphones.
Complexity in feature integration could overwhelm users if not presented clearly.
Complex onboarding process may deter participation from less tech-savvy individuals.
User feedback mechanisms may not be robust enough to address ongoing usability issues quickly.
Navigation may be cumbersome, leading to potential drop-offs during registration or participation phases.
The app's extensive features might overwhelm users if not presented clearly and intuitively.
Integration with external systems could lead to data synchronization issues if not managed well.
These five companies represent a mix of established and innovative approaches to clinical trial recruitment in the US:
AutoCruitment: Known for its rapid recruitment capabilities and direct-to-patient approach, AutoCruitment excels in utilizing data analytics and targeted digital advertising to enhance enrollment. However, it may need to improve personal engagement with participants to foster deeper connections.
Antidote: Leverages strong partnerships with healthcare providers to build trust among users. While effective in connecting patients to trials, Antidote could benefit from simplifying its platform for better usability and user experience.
BBK Worldwide: Offers extensive experience in patient recruitment with innovative strategies that focus on personalized communication. However, it may need to modernize its approach to appeal more effectively to younger demographics who prefer digital engagement.
Science37: Excels in making clinical trials more accessible through its focus on decentralization and telehealth technology. The challenge lies in ensuring that it maintains quality engagement across diverse populations participating remotely.
Medpace: A full-service CRO providing comprehensive solutions from study design to regulatory submission. While Medpace has a strong reputation, it may face challenges in differentiating itself in a competitive market dominated by specialized recruitment firms.
3. Stakeholder Interview
Following the domain research and competitive analysis, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 2 stakeholders. Our participants included:
2 CRO Representatives: Professionals responsible for clinical trial recruitment and management. We aimed to get a wide range of perspectives from CROs of different sizes and specializations.
Interview Objectives
Understand the challenges patients face during trial enrollment.
Identify the needs of CROs in recruiting and managing clinical trials.
Explore current pain points in data security and trust.
Determine the level of customization expected for different patient groups.
Uncover the key features that the app must prioritize.
Interview Approach
We used a semi-structured interview format, starting with broad, open-ended questions and then probing deeper based on the participant's responses.
We focused on understanding the participant's experiences, motivations, and frustrations related to clinical trials.
We created a safe and welcoming environment to encourage participants to share their honest opinions and perspectives.
Key Insights from Stakeholders
Enrollment Challenges: Patients struggle with understanding enrollment processes and eligibility criteria, which deters participation.
Barriers to Participation: Common barriers include lack of awareness, safety concerns, and logistical issues such as travel.
Need for a Dedicated App: There is a clear need for a dedicated clinical trial app to enhance access to information and improve the user experience.
Diverse User Motivations: Users are motivated by factors such as seeking new treatments, financial incentives, and the desire to contribute to medical research.
Engagement Strategies: Current communication methods are often insufficient; more interactive and personalized strategies are needed to keep participants engaged.
Data Security Concerns: Addressing concerns about data security is crucial for building trust in the app among users.
User Persona
Wireframes
Initial wireframes were sketched to:
Map onboarding journeys
Design intuitive navigation for trial discovery
Iterations
Feedback-Based Changes:
Improved visual hierarchy on the home page for clarity. "Based on feedback that the original home page was cluttered, we implemented a card-based layout to improve visual hierarchy, making it easier for users to find the most relevant information."
Simplified the onboarding flow to reduce cognitive load and streamline user actions. "The original onboarding flow required users to complete a lengthy questionnaire. We streamlined the process by reducing the number of questions and providing clear explanations of why the information was needed."
Few iterations and design version before finalising the one.
Final Designs (Mockups)
Login & Onboarding
The app launches with a branded splash screen, followed by engaging video stories that highlight key features. Both new users and returning users are directed to a streamlined account creation/login process that quickly delivers a personalized experience.
Intake Form Onboarding
A concise 3-step process gathers key details (who’s helped, condition specifics, and personal demographics) to tailor trial recommendations—boosting personalization and user engagement.
Homepage
Drives user engagement by encouraging profile completion and enabling quick access to clinical trials, articles, and communities, improving search efficiency.
Reduces cognitive load with a clear snapshot of trial statuses, leading to higher trial participation rates through easy progress tracking.
Builds user trust by reinforcing data control, leading to increased user retention and trial participation.
Enhances user conversion by offering personalized trial suggestions, making recommendations more relevant and actionable.
Boosts user retention by providing timely, relevant content, keeping users informed and engaged within the app.
Improves navigation efficiency and user satisfaction by providing quick access to core features.
Trials
Open Trials with Recommendations: Increases trial discovery through personalized suggestions, making it easier for users to find relevant trials, leading to higher participation rates.
Advanced Filters: Enhances search efficiency by allowing users to quickly narrow down trials based on key criteria like condition, location, and trial phase, resulting in faster decision-making.
My Trials: Simplifies trial tracking by consolidating requested, in-progress, and completed trials, improving user clarity and engagement with active trials.
History: Promotes transparency by providing a comprehensive view of past trial interactions, including completed and rejected trials, supporting data-driven decisions for future participation.
Seamless Navigation: Boosts user satisfaction through intuitive tab structure, reducing cognitive load and improving overall app usability.
Trial Details
Trial Detail Page: Improves decision-making by presenting critical information upfront—trial overview, phases, eligibility, compensation, and organization details—leading to informed participation and increased user trust.
Phased Trial Timeline: Enhances clarity by visually mapping trial phases, helping users understand the process and expectations, which boosts confidence in trial participation.
Data Security Highlight: Builds user trust with clear information on data protection and HIPAA compliance, encouraging higher engagement with sensitive clinical data.
Request to Participate Confirmation Modal: Reduces drop-off rates by summarizing key trial details and data-sharing terms before submission, ensuring user consent while maintaining a frictionless experience.
Profile
Encourages user engagement with a profile completion indicator, motivating users to provide comprehensive information for better trial recommendations.
Improves trial matching accuracy by capturing key data points, leading to more relevant recommendations and higher participation rates.
Manage My Data
Builds user trust by providing transparency on how their data is used, aligning with HIPAA compliance and data privacy standards.
Empowers users to view and control which organizations have access to their data, enhancing data security and user autonomy.
Improves user confidence by allowing them to redact or share specific information, fostering a sense of ownership over their sensitive data.
Reduces friction with an intuitive process to manage data-sharing preferences, which can lead to higher user satisfaction and app retention.
Style-guides
Brand & Platform Guidelines: Followed the established brand style guidelines along with iOS Human Interface Guidelines to ensure consistency, accessibility, and usability.
Typography: Sans-serif fonts for readability across devices.
Color Palette: Blue and white to evoke trust, with inclusive tones chosen for accessibility.
Icons (SF Symbols): Minimal and informative, aligning with both brand and platform standards.
Prototype
Conclusion (Challenges, Outcomes, Learnings and insights )
01
Challenges
Balancing detailed information with simplicity; unifying systems for diverse user groups; and ensuring trust through secure data practices.
02
Outcomes
Enhanced Efficiency: Streamlined trial discovery and enrollment processes simplify operations for both patients and CROs.
Increased Trust: Data encryption addresses security concerns and builds user trust.
Improved User Engagement: Personalized recommendations and a simplified onboarding process lead to better user participation.
Operational Impact: The platform is set to reduce recruitment delays by providing faster pre-qualification and clearer trial information.
Note: While quantitative metrics are not available for this MVP, we anticipate a 20% reduction in recruitment time and a 15% increase in patient enrollment based on industry benchmarks and qualitative feedback.
03
Learning & Insights
Clear communication and stakeholder collaboration are essential. I learned that simpler designs often yield better efficiency in high-pressure environments.
Scope of Improvements
What Could Have Been Better?
Conducting user testing in high-pressure environments could have provided deeper insights into workflow challenges.
Exploring a self-service model for trial enrollment might have further reduced processing times, though business decisions favored a manual and guided approach for cost-effectiveness.
Your thoughts and feedback are welcome to make this system even better for future iterations.