Case Study
At the start of the project, we conducted some generative research such as desirability study and secondary research to learn more about user problems and their expectations on the app. Later in the project, we had co-design and user testing with some real users to validate our design decisions and iterate on the app.
Below are some of the key findings that we got.
The goal for EpiConnect's visual identity was to have an interface and brand that felt medically credible, yet emotionally safe and approachable.
Purple was chosen as our primary color for its established association with epilepsy awareness. Through a desirability study, we found that users wanted a calming interface, which led us to a cooler palette with teal as an accent color. The study also revealed that many people living with epilepsy prefer dark mode due to photosensitivity and visual strain, so dark mode became our primary experience. Our color palette is tested against accessibility / WCAG contrast standards and UI components have been designed to minimize visual strain.
Our mascot, Finn the Seahorse, is the app's friendly epilepsy companion. The seahorse's scientific name is Hippocampus, a region of the brain commonly involved in epilepsy, giving Finn a meaningful connection to the condition without leaning into clinical or negative imagery. Unlike a brain, which carries heavier associations, a seahorse feels approachable and warm. Finn appears throughout the app in confirmations, pop-ups, daily streaks, and more, serving as a gentle source of support for the user.
The app features and information architecture focused on making the design as intuitive as possible. The logging features (seizure log, aura log, and daily check-in) followed a similar form style interface that made quick logging possible. Additionally we also focused on making the app specific to epilepsy management through the as-need medication tracking component in medication, the insights feature with the calendar view, and the expert tab in the community, nudges from loved ones, as well as seizure and aura logging. These features set EpiConnect aside from other medication tracking apps that do not provide a holistic approach to epilepsy management.
EpiConnect is an iOS app built with React Native, Node.js/Express, MongoDB, and AWS.
Location and weather are automatically logged in daily check-ins via the Open-Meteo API, passively capturing potential environmental triggers. Medication logging integrates the OpenFDA API to pull verified drug data directly in-app.
At the end of the project, we conducted usability testing with 5 people with epilepsy. Observing users interact with the app, we were pleased to hear their positive feedback, specifically how helpful they found the app and how excited they were to use it in real life.
