Top 10 Healthcare UX Design Trends in 2024

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The healthcare industry is undergoing a massive transformation. Technology is playing a pivotal role in this. Over the years, we have seen a growing intervention of technologies like data analysis, artificial intelligence, and 3D printing to redefine healthcare operations and patient care.

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Whether it is telemedicine or online consultation, the new healthcare trend is drawing a lot of attention. Patients are now turning towards technology to book appointments, gauge their health status, access medical reports, and even manage their health.

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Wearable healthcare devices, the surge of healthcare, and diet apps are examples of how technology is changing human life. This shift also presents a unique opportunity for user experience design.

The investment in the healthcare sector is expected to digital healthcare is expected to increase past $34 Billion worldwide by 2025. Understanding the needs of the patients and healthcare providers is the central theme of creating an outstanding user experience.

As discussed in our other blogs, the user experience is crucial in improving customer service and loyalty. Hence, every industry harnesses this aspect. This also includes the healthcare segment. In this blog, we dive deeper to understand the key principles UX design in healthcare while also analyzing the top 10 healthcare UX design trends.

What is Healthcare UX Design?

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The healthcare UX design is a process of designing digital interfaces and systems in the healthcare industry. The objective is to create a user-friendly and intuitive interface for the patients, doctors, and stakeholders.

Its aim is to create a seamless navigation experience while ensuring complete data security and, at the same time, providing an interactive interface.

This encompasses digital interfaces, systems, and processes to ensure smooth interaction, efficient workflows, and better health outcomes.

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Why is Healthcare UX Design Important?

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An impactful UX design is important for every business, irrespective of the niche. The impact of UX design in healthcare extends far beyond aesthetics. It is essential because:

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Improved Patient Engagement and Satisfaction‍

As per a 2023 study, patients are likelier to choose a healthcare provider offering a seamless digital experience. Intuitive interfaces for booking appointments, medication reminders, vaccination reminders, and medical data access empower patients to be more active on the healthcare front.

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Reduced Errors and Improved Outcomes

Errors or flawed data in the healthcare segment can have a devastating impact on the patient as well as the reputation of the healthcare provider. Poorly designed healthcare systems can lead to errors.

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As per a 2021 report by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, diagnostic errors can lead to 40,000 to 80,000 deaths annually in the US alone. One of the key principles of healthcare UX design is to promote clear information and reduce error. This significantly improves patient safety.

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Enhanced Communication and Collaboration

Seamless communication is pivotal for the smoother functioning of any system. It also plays an important role in enhancing the relationship between the patient and the healthcare provider. UX design can bridge the gap by creating an intuitive interface for secure messaging, instant replies, seamless appointment bookings, and telehealth consultations.

Increased Efficiency and Cost Savings

Streamlined workflow and intuitive interfaces for healthcare professionals can also save time. As per the 2022 study by the American Medical Association, physicians spent nearly half of the day on administrative tasks. By optimizing workflow using the digital framework, they can save time and improve efficiency. This is applicable across all the strata of the healthcare segment.

Challenges in Healthcare UX Design

Although healthcare UX design holds a lot of potential and still much more is to be explored. It holds certain unique challenges. These include:

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Complex Healthcare Systems

We cannot undermine the fact that the healthcare industry is complex. With the large volume of data, many stakeholders, and fragmented systems, a healthcare UX design that flawlessly encompasses all aspects is daunting.

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Data Privacy and Security

Data Security is yet another concern. Designing secure platforms for managing Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and patient information requires careful consideration of data privacy regulations like HIPAA.

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Digital Literacy Gap

Patients have varying levels of digital literacy. UX design needs to cater to diverse users, ensuring accessibility and usability for all.

Top 10 Healthcare UX Trends That Are Transforming the User Experience

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1. Managing patient data and diagnostics with AI

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Artificial Intelligence and its growing applications have brought a paradigm change in healthcare. Using algorithms and data analysis to analyze the data has helped healthcare service providers address patients' concerns.

However, it also aids personalized approaches that enhance the efficiency of the healthcare solution. The AI-powered platforms in healthcare are revolutionizing the user experience.

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With the patient’s data, addressing the patient's concerns becomes easier. By 2025, AI will help manage the following areas in the healthcare industry: 

• Healthcare VDAs
• Drug Discovery
• Medial Image Diagnostics
• Automated Report Generation
• Converting Paperwork into Digital Data and more.

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IBM Watson helps use AI to analyze medical data to identify potential treatments for cancer patients. Moreover, a Journal of the National Institute of Health found that AI-powered systems can achieve a higher accuracy rate in identifying cancer.

2. The Rise of Mental Health Apps/Products

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In recent years, there has been a growing concern over mental health. Hence, there has been a surge in the demand for mental health applications and products. People are now more willing to open up to AI conversations. This helps them speak their mind and also pacifies them. Hence, this is a crucial area for user experience.

A well-designed UX impacts user engagement and increases mental healthcare services' effectiveness. Moreover, some of the mental health applications can help prevent burnout. It guides your thoughts towards mindfulness and teaches the stress reduction technique.

One of the examples is Wysa, which uses soothing colors and a friendly therapist penguin avatar to connect with users.

3. Healthcare Wearables Devices

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Another key trend observed recently is the rise in healthcare wearable devices. You have applications that track your fitness, from your mobile phones to smartwatches.

This is not limited to identifying the number of steps you have taken daily. With the help of these wearable medical gadgets, you can also find out the calories you have consumed, your sleep pattern, blood pressure, and uneven blood glucose levels.

The wearable medical devices market is on a spree of expansion. It is expected to rise from USD 73.77 billion in 2023 to USD 428.92 billion by 2030. The growing consumer awareness and inclination towards maintaining good health have catalyzed the rise of healthcare wearable devices.

These apps passively track and monitor your health and trigger the alarm when needed. The rise of this technology has democratized access to quality health.  

MotivRing helps you monitor activity, sleep, and heart rate. Users can use the MotivRings app to track and monitor their health goals by simply sleeping on this ring. We can adjust their goals and save the data to Google Fit or Apple Health.

4. Remote Patient Monitoring

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While we have been talking a lot about remote patient monitoring, it’s only after COVID-19 that it became a generic term. The pandemic was when there was minimal human interaction, but people needed medical aid. In such a scenario, remote patient monitoring picked up the pace. Certainly, the technology had a pivotal role to play in this.

Several platforms offer video conferencing, which connects the patient to the doctor. It replaces the need for in-person visits and longer waiting hours, thus simplifying access to expert healthcare advice.  

The function of these platforms is simple: urine, the wearable to send information regarding temperature, blood oxygen level, and blood pressure to the doctor. After receiving this information, they can analyze the data and make the necessary recommendations. Moreover, with the search for augmented reality, we will see further enhancement in the telemedicine and remote patient monitoring domain.

What lies at the back end of all these convoluted processes is a seamless user experience. With a well-defined framework, the user can simply enter the information and manage all the data on the dashboard without any hassle. The streamlines the healthcare process and benefits the patients and doctors alike.

5. Virtual Reality in Healthcare

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Virtual reality or augmented reality can amplify healthcare services. It can help gain experience and simulate situations that improve the healthcare facility. Some healthcare fields already use VR, and it tends to see a rise in therapeutic situations.

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Applied VR is an example of the usage of VR in healthcare. It allows the patients to ditch the scary medical treatments during a guided relaxation session, assisted by a VR tool. Virtual reality has proven to be highly effective in treating PTSD and anxiety. Physicians use it to distract the sensitive patient’s home and pleasant procedures.

6. Digital Health Tools for Pets

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With more people becoming pet-friendly and becoming pet parents, pet care has become important. The pet care market is set to increase by up to  350 billion USD by 2027. The healthcare challenges for pets are similar to those faced by humans. Hence, there is a demand for digital tools and tech solutions that can help overcome this.

This has led to the search for wearable and smart trackers. These devices harness the power of AI and other technologies to track the health and location of the pet in real-time. One of the examples is AI-powered collars like Invoxia’s Smart Dog Collar. It helps in tracking pet health and location. Another example in this domain is paid plus. The South Korean company has created an AI collar to detect your pets' emotions.

7. Chatbots: Your Healthcare Assistant

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Chatbots have been one of the major developments in AI. It has simplified the user experience by offering instant results and reducing the turnaround time. The healthcare segment can benefit greatly from Chatbot.

It allows you to receive medical advice remotely. According to the Globe NewsWire, the market is set to reach $19,570 million by 2027.

Chatbots have improved telly health, enabling seamless communication between the doctor and the patient via phone or video. With this function, the patient can easily make an appointment with the specialist.

For example, in the Ukrainian application Helsi, you can get an online consultation with a doctor, sign up for vaccinations, and even order medicine.

8. Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

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Every day, healthcare professionals have to deal with many medical records. The growing number of patient information can sometimes result in confusion or error. In the healthcare segment, there is no scope for error in the medical reports.

With the help of a modern EHR system, healthcare professionals can simply put the medical information about the patient and retrieve the entire information as and when required.

With a user-friendly and intuitive interface, it becomes easier to navigate the information and simplifies data entry. EHR systems are designed for mobile devices. Hence, creating a responsive UX design becomes pivotal. Platforms like WebFlow can help create outstanding website designs while offering responsive design features compatible with different screen sizes.

9. Voice User Interfaces (VUI)

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Did you ever imagine that you could control the functioning of the entire system with just your voice? Welcome to the modern technology era, where voice user interfaces like Siri and Alexa transform how you interact with smart devices.

It can help patients and healthcare professionals access healthcare applications through voice commands. This is particularly beneficial for patients with disabilities. They can use this feature to access the healthcare system and schedule appointments as required.

The voice user interface can be integrated into remote monitoring devices, enabling the patient to report the symptoms easily. This data is then transmitted to the healthcare professional, who helps them assess the condition and provide the necessary medical aid without any delay.

10. Gamification and Interactive Learning

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We have seen a rise in gamification mode across the different platforms. This can also be used in the healthcare sector, making the entire experience rewarding, motivating, and engaging.

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Using interactive modules, patients can understand the treatment options and self-management strategies.  By incorporating these elements, healthcare UX can empower patients to actively participate in their health and well-being.

The Future Of Healthcare UX

These are just a few examples of how technology transforms the healthcare sector. It emphasizes enhancing user experience design. Chronic diseases are becoming more common nowadays, and healthcare costs continue to increase.

Hence, there is a demand for intuitive digital health platforms that cater to the needs of the people. In healthcare, UX design has opened up new avenues of opportunity. By integrating AI and machine learning, we can democratize healthcare accessibility.

Searching for the right UX agency?

The Alien Design is one of the best UX agencies that has successfully worked for several companies globally. Our innovative approach and technical prowess have created amazing UX strategies that have helped our clients achieve their goals.

Contact with our healthcare design experts, and let’s discuss your current challenges and how we can overcome them.

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Read more:

5 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a UX Design Agency

The Future of UX Design: How AI will Impact UX Design

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