CareCore Hub
CareCore is a centralized hub for security features, caregiver communication, and task/medicine management, designed for non-professional caregivers supporting elderly relatives. Care Core is a project I started during my first entrepreneurship course and have been developing for two and a half years.
Project Overview
Goal: Create a centralized platform to streamline patient-provider communication
Role: Creator & Lead UX Designer (research, wire-framing, prototyping, usability testing)
Outcome: Project recognized for excellence in design during a class critique or by a faculty member.
1
User & Market Research
My Process
2
Product Development & Analysis
3
Business Model, Branding & Feasibility
User Research & Market Analysis
Problem Identification: Recognized challenges faced by non-professional caregivers due to fragmented tools, leading to the need for a centralized solution.
User Interviews: Conducted interviews with caregivers and experts, revealing a demand for a hub to connect caregiving technologies, facilitate communication, and manage tasks and medications.
Current Solutions Analysis: Reviewed existing apps, identifying inefficiencies and the need for a more integrated platform.
Market Gaps & Opportunities: Identified a gap for a comprehensive, cross-functional platform to streamline caregiving tasks.
Competitive Analysis: Positioned Care Core as a unique all-in-one platform for non-professional caregivers.
The comprehensive user and market research led to the development of Care Core, a unique all-in-one platform tailored to the needs of non-professional caregivers. The platform successfully addressed gaps in the market, offering a streamlined solution that improved task management, communication, and caregiving efficiency, making it easier for caregivers to manage their responsibilities in a more organized and cohesive manner.
Design & Development Process
Need Identification: Recognized the fragmented and overwhelming experience faced by non-professional caregivers, particularly those caring for elderly relatives with dementia. Aimed to simplify caregiving by integrating various tools into one platform.
Initial Design: Developed Care Core with three key features:
Security Technology Integration: Connected IoT devices like security cameras and smartwatches.
Task & Medicine Management: Managed tasks and tracked medication schedules for effective caregiver coordination.
Caregiver Communication: Centralized communication to streamline care and accessibility.
User Testing: Presented the prototype to users, revealing strong support for security integration but a need for more robust task management and communication features.
Whole Product Model Analysis:
Generic Product: Centralized hub for caregiving tools.
Expected Product: Added essential features like help guides for user trust.
Augmented Product: Differentiated by offering 24/7 access to integrated caregiving tools.
Potential Product: Considered future enhancements like in-app scheduling and document storage.
The iterative design process, informed by user feedback and Whole Product Model analysis, resulted in a refined Care Core platform. The final product effectively integrated critical caregiving tools, streamlined communication, and enhanced user trust, providing a comprehensive solution that stands out in the market.
Business Model and Feasibility
1. Market Analysis & Expansion Strategy:
Initial Focus: I planned to establish Care Core initially within the non-professional caregiver segment by forming partnerships with organizations trusted by caregivers. This strategy was designed to build credibility and create awareness through established channels.
Future Growth: Once Care Core gained traction, the goal was to expand into professional caregiving and elderly care facilities markets. I strategized to leverage partnerships for marketing, referrals, and testing the app with professional caregivers to refine its features for broader application.
2. Business Model Development:
Business Model Canvas (BMC): I used the BMC to map out Care Core’s business structure, including partnerships, revenue streams, and customer relationships. This exercise helped identify essential features such as integration with existing technology, security measures, and the importance of building trust with users and partners.
3. Feasibility Assessment:
User Lifetime Value: I calculated that users would likely need Care Core’s services for about 6 years, considering the average caregiving period from ages 69 to 76. This metric informed the financial projections and sustainability plans for the app.
Sustainability and Growth: I assessed that with increasing technology adoption and a growing elderly care market, Care Core has the potential to succeed. The focus on building trust and effective partnerships was identified as crucial for maintaining a stable user base and ensuring long-term viability.
What I took away from this project
Working on Care Core pushed me to rethink user experience in a broader context. I had to consider not just how the design resonated with users, but also how the entire company could build trust with them. This project taught me that designing with purpose involves more than just research and design; it’s about understanding how each piece of the business puzzle fits together. By engaging with various elements of the business, I gained valuable insights into how different aspects contribute to the overall user experience, helping me refine both my research and design skills.