Zuum

Format: Mobile App 

Zuum is a health app developed by Washington University School of Medicine, leveraging the framework of the award-winning Your Disease Risk website. The app provides personalized risk estimates for major chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and various cancers, while offering actionable steps to reduce these risks. The challenge was to maintain scientific accuracy while streamlining the user experience for broader accessibility.

My Role

I led the user research phase, focusing on understanding how users interacted with the app and identifying areas for improvement. The research involved: Conducting Interviews: I interviewed a diverse group of potential users, including patients and healthcare professionals, to gather insights on their needs, preferences, and pain points. Usability Testing: I facilitated usability tests with an early version of Zuum to observe how users navigated the app, where they encountered difficulties, and what features they found most valuable. Synthesizing Feedback: I synthesized the data from these sessions into actionable insights, which informed iterative improvements in the app’s design and functionality.

Outcome

The user research findings were instrumental in refining Zuum’s interface and content. By streamlining the questionnaire and ensuring the app was user-friendly, we enhanced the overall user experience, making it easier for individuals to assess their health risks and take preventive actions. The project demonstrated the importance of user-centered design in the development of digital health tools.

Read more about the project: Zuum