Vitaccess
Enhancing Patient and Carer Engagement
Elevating Research through enhanced user experiences
— In the world of medical research, data is king. But what happens when the very people providing that data struggle to engage with the tools designed to collect it? This was the challenge facing Vitaccess, a company on the cusp of a significant transformation.
SERVICES
Product strategy, accessibility guidelines, design system, ux/ui
Project Overview
Vitaccess found itself at a crossroads. Their client onboarding process was painfully slow, taking weeks to complete. Accessibility, a critical factor given their user base of individuals often dealing with discomfort or impairments, was frequently an afterthought. As the company ramped up its sales efforts, this approach was proving unsustainable. They needed a solution that would not only streamline operations but also prioritise the needs of their users.
Recognising the need for a paradigm shift, the team embarked on an ambitious journey to transition to a platform model.
Their goal was clear: increase efficiency, reduce operational costs, and most importantly, create a more inclusive and user-friendly experience for patients and carers. This is where our story begins.
Approach
Empathy meets innovation
My first step was to immerse myself in the Vitaccess ecosystem. Through a comprehensive heuristic evaluation, we gained invaluable insights into the current products and processes. This wasn't just about identifying problems; it was about understanding the nuanced needs of users who were often navigating the platform while dealing with physical or emotional challenges.
I knew that to create lasting change, I needed to become part of the team. By embedding myself within their product teams, we fostered an environment of collaboration and open dialogue. This approach was crucial, especially when tackling sensitive topics around accessibility and user experience.
A foundation for success
At the heart of our solution was a revolutionary design system. This wasn't just about aesthetics; it was about creating a framework that would ensure WCAG 2.2 compliance by default. We synced Figma and Storybook components, creating a seamless bridge between design and development.
The result? A platform that not only met stringent accessibility standards but also dramatically reduced client onboarding time from weeks to mere hours. This new system empowered non-engineers to handle onboarding, freeing up the product teams to focus on continuous discovery and improvement.
Reducing the cost of change with a design system first approach, whereby the focus is on building strong platform foundations and leave project and client specific to configurability.
Deliverables
The transformation was profound, but the real victory was in the improved experiences for patients and carers. The new platform, with its optimised flows and accessible UI, didn't just benefit end-users; it revolutionised operations across the entire organisation, from Sales to Product teams.
This project was more than just a technical overhaul; it was a reimagining of how medical research platforms can and should work.
Product Images
"A very rewarding project with a focus on patients and carers' experience and a design system built for accessibility" — Frederic Marc
Achievements
A great experience working with Frederic, who is an expert in his field, in particular his knowledge of patient/user-centric usability and accessibility.
– Jon Spinage, Chief Technology Officer
By prioritising accessibility and user experience, we didn't just improve a product – we potentially enhanced the quality of medical research data, which could have far-reaching implications for healthcare advancements.
As we reflect on this journey, one thing is clear: when we design with empathy and innovation, we can create solutions that not only meet business objectives but also make a real difference in people's lives.
Sales pitch win rate
A11Y score uplift
