Steady Gait
Steady Gait
Fine tuned for stability, engineered for
Parkinson's Patients prone to falls.
Fine tuned for stability, engineered for
Parkinson's Patients prone to falls.
*Device Picture for illustration purpose only
*Device Picture for illustration purpose only
MAIN GOAL
Optimize an existing Medical Assistive Device prototype
Optimize an existing Medical Assistive Device prototype
MY ROLE
UX Designer - UX Research, Feature Scoping, Concept Development, Prototyping
TIMELINE AND STATUS
2 months, under development
TEAM
Adewale Yussuf , UXR
Laura Levine , UXD
CLIENT
CHALLENGES
With the current Prototype
Audio Alerts
Audio Alerts
Audio alert in SteadyGait is proven to be less effective because of the sensory overload and cognitive challenges faced by Parkinson's patients
Audio alert in SteadyGait is proven to be less effective because of the sensory overload and cognitive challenges faced by Parkinson's patients
Need for Frequent Clinical Visits
Need for Frequent Clinical Visits
Patients currently need to regularly visit healthcare providers for assessments and adjustments in their treatment plan
Patients currently need to regularly visit healthcare providers for assessments and adjustments in their treatment plan
Freezing of Gait (FoG)
Freezing of Gait (FoG)
53% with Parkinson's experience Freezing of Gait .The Current version doesn't address gait freezing, a condition that leads to falls
53% with Parkinson's experience Freezing of Gait .The Current version doesn't address gait freezing, a condition that leads to falls
Solution
Freeze Release By SteadyGait
Freeze Release By SteadyGait
Machine Learning Algorithm
Machine Learning Algorithm
Utilizing a ML algorithm to collect and analyze gait data, predicting potential freezing incidents before they occur.
Utilizing a ML algorithm to collect and analyze gait data, predicting potential freezing incidents before they occur.
Native Application Integration
Native Application Integration
A dedicated app that interfaces with the wearable, allowing users to view their gait data on easy to navigate dashboards.
A dedicated app that interfaces with the wearable, allowing users to view their gait data on easy to navigate dashboards.
Vibrotactile Feedback
Vibrotactile Feedback
Vibrotactile alerts offer a direct and intuitive sensory feedback, with studies showing that up to 85% of Parkinson's patients respond positively to tactile cues, making them an ideal replacement for audio alerts.
Vibrotactile alerts offer a direct and intuitive sensory feedback, with studies showing that up to 85% of Parkinson's patients respond positively to tactile cues, making them an ideal replacement for audio alerts.
24/7 Data monitoring
24/7 Data monitoring
Data collection for medical analysis, providing transparent data to clinicians and resulting in more effective treatments
Data collection for medical analysis, providing transparent data to clinicians and resulting in more effective treatments
Gait Pattern Monitoring
Gait Pattern Monitoring
Continuous monitoring and analysis of the user’s gait patterns to identify irregularities or deviations from normal gait.
Continuous monitoring and analysis of the user’s gait patterns to identify irregularities or deviations from normal gait.
Gait Correction Recommendations
Gait Correction Recommendations
Provides real-time feedback and suggestions on how to adjust gait to prevent future FoG episodes based on the collected data
Provides real-time feedback and suggestions on how to adjust gait to prevent future FoG episodes based on the collected data
Outcome
Smart Gait Monitoring + Vibrotactile alerts = Prevention of Falls
Smart Gait Monitoring + Vibrotactile alerts = Prevention of Falls
More
Confidence with walking
sense of self efficacy
Effectiveness of treatment plans
Stability
Confidence with walking
sense of self efficacy
Effectiveness of treatment plans
Stability
Less
Number of doctor visits by 25%
Ambiguity regarding the effectiveness of treatment
Number of falls by 72%
Number of doctor visits by 25%
Ambiguity regarding the effectiveness of treatment
Number of falls by 72%
Double Diamond design process
Double Diamond design process
How did we get there?
How did we get there?
Owing to the project's scale, the substantial resources needed, and the established schedule, we chose the Double Diamond Design approach, guaranteeing user participation at each stage.
Owing to the project's scale, the substantial resources needed, and the established schedule, we chose the Double Diamond Design approach, guaranteeing user participation at each stage.
Enhanced transparency
User satisfaction
User Centered
Optimal use of time and resources
Higher quality outcomes
Parkinsons
Living with Tremors, Stiffness, and Balance Issues
1,000,000 people
In the USA suffer with parkinsons
63%
experience freezing of gait
Steady Gait by Create ability inc
SteadyGait, ankle wearable for Parkinson's Patients
The "Steady Gait" prototype by Creatability is a wearable device for Parkinson's patients that enhances walking stability using rhythmic metronome beats, directly addressing mobility challenges and improving independence. This innovative assistive technology marks a significant advancement in managing the disease's impact on movement, enhancing the quality of life.
Sensors
Sensors embedded to measure feet separation, stride length and other mobility parameters
Data Exchange
Data is uploaded to cloud
Audio Alerts
To alert the users and aid them in maintaining consistent walking patterns.
Understanding Parkinson's patients
Understanding the market
Environmental Analysis
We initiated our environmental analysis using the 'four teardrop' framework to understand market dynamics, key trends, industry forces, and macroeconomic factors, ensuring our product's relevance and adaptability in the evolving market by aligning with user needs and broader landscape factors, as detailed in our comprehensive analysis.
Rising cost of Parkinson’s care
7+ doctor visits
Lack of Gait altering products
Validating the opportunity
User research
After conducting desk research and environmental analysis, it was crucial to apply these theoretical insights to real-world contexts through user research. This step served as a crucial validation, moving beyond academic theory to grasp the practical implications and realities. It deepened our understanding of our target demographic, blending quantitative data with qualitative insights. By integrating user research, which included interviews, surveys , with our initial findings, we refined our product design approach to be both data-driven and user-centric.
10 +
Semi Structured Interviews.
Doctors,
Physical therapists,
Patients,
Caregivers
The interview questions ranged around understanding living with the disease, how to manage it, treatment options, and patients' perceptions of medical technologies and physical therapy
Analyzing the Research
Using research techniques, We gathered comprehensive data, including numerical metrics and user feedback, to identify specific challenges for the SteadyGait device. Employing triangulation, I analyzed this data from various sources for a complete understanding. I then reviewed the data thoroughly, summarizing key points on Post-it notes. These were organized using an Affinity Diagram, grouped by connections and labeled for clarity, aiding in the analytical process of the research..
Pinpointing the challenges
Upon delving into the complexities of Parkinson's disease in the "Discover" phase, our next step is to crystallize those findings in the "Define" phase. Here, we meticulously break down and outline the specific challenges identified.
To really grasp what our users are feeling and thinking, I turned to the Empathy Map tool. By doing this, we get a closer look at their needs, challenges, and emotions. This map became our guide, ensuring every design decision reflected our users' real-world experiences and feelings.
Building on the insights from the Empathy Map, we developed a detailed persona that encapsulated the typical user's characteristics and needs. Further, to trace the user's experiences more holistically, we crafted a Customer Journey Map. This map offers a structured overview of the emotions and challenges users face throughout their daily interactions, ensuring we capture every nuance of their experience
"Avg 16 times per day the user feels stuck"
Understanding why Freezing of Gait (FoG) causes
Incorrect Gait Pattern
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Mental Hypnosis
Users enter a state of hypnosis which makes them unable to move
Develop
Incorporating Design Research: Bridging Insights and Innovation
12+
Research Papers
15+
Hours interviews
2+
User feedback sessions
As we move forward in the development stage, we directly address the root problem our users face: Freezing of Gait (FoG). Our central challenge is devising a method to "How can we intercept FoG before it starts and thus prevent falls?"
Rapid ideation
Crazy 8's
In the ideation phase , we employed the Crazy 8's method, a dynamic and efficient approach to brainstorming and flow development
From concepts to screens
Sketching the Screens
In this phase of the case study, the focus was on creating a low-fidelity prototype to enhance the user experience. Sketches of each app screen were crafted for user testing, enabling participants to navigate as if using an actual device. This approach revealed usability issues, leading to iterative refinements based on user feedback, thus improving the interface's usability at an early stage.
We developed three potential solutions to address the issue at hand. For each solution, we performed a swift SWOT analysis to assess its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
These were then showcased to Create Ability. After careful consideration, Create Ability chose the third proposal, which involves transforming an existing product into an intelligent device. The features envisioned for this concept included:
Machine learning feedback
Predicts falls
Vibrotactile Feedback
Sharing Gait Data
Working of steadyGait
Real-Time Gait Freeze Detection and Intervention System
An improvised ankle wearables that detect gait freezes, as well as gait patterns, and emits a vibration to break FoG. A machine learning algorithm will collect gait data to predict incidents before they occur and tell users how to fix their gait to avoid them. A native application reduces the number of visits to the doctor and therapist by sharing gait data via dashboards.
Streamlining the Interface
User Experience Flows
To enhance our prototyping process, we focused on rapid and efficient wireframe iterations. We narrowed down the 'Steady Gait' concept into four core interface typologies: 'Onboarding', 'Gait Test', 'Freeze Release ', and 'Stakeholder Screens'. This streamlined approach, informed by stakeholder collaboration, laid the groundwork for our wire framing phase.
onboarding Flow
From the landing page, new users and returning users without saved credentials can easily sign up or log in. The sign-up flow includes entering basic account details such as name, email, username, and password. Additionally, it facilitates the seamless connection of the Steady Gait device to their smartphone.
Gait Test Flow
In the Gait Test Flow, once the assistive device is connected, the user is prompted to perform a series of movements to enable data collection. The machine learning system in the device utilizes sensors like accelerometers and magnetometers to gather gait data. Users will be guided through necessary actions, such as moving their leg and walking slowly, to ensure accurate gait analysis
Freeze Release Flow
Upon detection of a freeze gait pattern characterized by symptoms like reduced step size, trembling, or akinesia, the system activates vibrotactile feedback around the user's ankle to interrupt the freeze of gait (FoG).The consolidated gait data, informed by user interactions, is subsequently sent to stakeholders.
Stakeholder Flow
In the Stakeholder Flow, stakeholders begin by accessing customized dashboards that present the analyzed data. These dashboards offer a clear view of the insights extracted from the data collected by the assistive device's sensors. This information is critical for stakeholders to assess the effectiveness of ongoing treatments and to make informed decisions regarding potential therapeutic adjustments.
Deliver
Enhancing Gait stability
An Integrated IoT Ecosystem
An integrated IoT ecosystem was crucial, providing real-time user data and feedback that shaped the user interface and interaction design. The establishment of an ecosystem was necessary to foster a comprehensive, user-centered design process that could adapt dynamically to the evolving needs of stakeholders.
Fall Prevention
Using sensors, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, attached to the ankles, it can track movement and analyze gait patterns. Machine learning algorithms can then process this data and detect changes in gait that indicate an increased risk of gait freezing.
Once the gait is detected, the system can alert the user to modify their gait, either through through haptic feedback, such as a vibration. By correcting their gait, the user can reduce the risk of gait freezing and prevent falls and other accidents.
Reducing no of doctor visits
24/7 Data Collection and Sharing
This data can provide insights to doctors on whether the medication dosages prescribed to a patient are effective or not. By analyzing the data, doctors can identify patterns or trends that may indicate whether the patient is responding positively or negatively to the treatment.
Physical therapists can use this data to better understand the effects of ongoing therapy on the patient's body. They can analyze the data to see how the patient is responding to the therapy and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the therapy is effective
Improving overall Gait
Smart Gait Monitoring
Utilizing advanced machine learning techniques, Freeze Release detects the onset of gait freezing in Parkinson's patients. This technology senses and identifies walking disruptions characterized by temporary pauses and hesitations, improving mobility and safety for the patients.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
Uncertainty can be a gift
Uncertainty can be a gift
The lack of a fixed path forced me to think outside the box and investigate concepts that led to simple and efficient results
The lack of a fixed path forced me to think outside the box and investigate concepts that led to simple and efficient results
Research led design is a cheat code
It helped uncover opportunities to explore and led to quick and informed design decisions.
It helped uncover opportunities to explore and led to quick and informed design decisions.
Collabration is Key
Collaborated effectively with multiple stakeholders, balancing diverse perspectives and needs in the design process.
Agile Design
Given the project timeline we had to Navigated the fast-paced world of Agile design, adapting quickly and efficiently to evolving project requirements.
