Everything You Should Know About Healthcare App Design

In the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the emergence of healthcare apps has become a beacon of hope for enhancing patient care and streamlining medical services. Yet, navigating this burgeoning field comes with its share of complexities and challenges. With a staggering 90,000 health apps released every year, as reported by the Grand View Research, the sheer volume can overwhelm even the most discerning users and developers. But here's a figure that might catch your attention: the global mHealth apps market size is expected to reach USD 236.0 billion by 2026, according to Precedence Research. Can you believe that? Amidst this explosive growth, how can one ensure their healthcare app not only stands out but truly meets the needs of its users?

We were shocked to find out that despite such promising statistics, many apps fail to address the core pain points of their target audience, be it accessibility, user-friendliness, or providing personalized care. This disconnect highlights a critical gap in the market—a lack of empathetic and user-centric app design.

In this comprehensive guide, "Everything You Should Know About Healthcare App Design," we delve deep into the essence of creating apps that not only navigate these challenges but also thrive in the competitive healthcare sector. From unveiling the latest industry trends and statistics to offering actionable design advice, tips and tricks, and illuminating case studies, we ensure you're equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions in your healthcare app development journey. 

Drawing insights from trusted sources like Statista, we promise a treasure trove of information that paves the way for innovation and success in healthcare app design. Join us as we explore the blueprint for creating apps that not only meet but exceed user expectations, ensuring your project is not just another drop in the digital ocean.

A healthcare app is a software program offering health-related services via mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. According to a detailed overview provided by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), these applications serve a broad spectrum of functions, from managing patient data to tracking health metrics and facilitating telemedicine consultations. The scope of health apps includes medical apps specifically aimed at supporting clinical and diagnostic processes and wellness apps focusing on preventive measures and lifestyle management. 

This definition underscores the versatility and utility of healthcare apps in modern medical practices, offering a convenient, accessible, and efficient means for both healthcare providers and patients to engage with health information and services. The evolution of healthcare apps reflects the growing demand for digital health solutions that can adapt to the diverse needs of the global health community, promising a more personalized and proactive approach to healthcare management.

Read also: Top Healthcare Web Designs and Tips: What Makes Medical Services Good-Looking

The healthcare app market is experiencing an unprecedented surge, driven by the increasing demand for mobile health (mHealth) solutions. As technology advances and the global focus on health intensifies, healthcare apps are becoming indispensable to modern medical care. The global mHealth apps market size, encompassing everything from fitness and wellness apps to medical consultation and management software, is projected to reach a staggering USD 236.0 billion by 2026, as Precedence Research highlights. This growth is fueled by the widespread adoption of smartphones, the expansion of internet connectivity, and a growing emphasis on personalized healthcare. 

The term "mHealth" (mobile health) signifies the usage of mobile devices and other wireless technology in medical care, marking a significant shift from traditional healthcare delivery models to more accessible, patient-centered approaches. The origins of mHealth can be traced back to the early use of mobile devices for health-related purposes, but it has since evolved to encompass a wide range of applications, from remote monitoring and management of chronic conditions to mental health support and lifestyle management. 

With over 90,000 health-related apps released annually, according to Grand View Research, the market is not just growing; it's diversifying, catering to an ever-widening array of health and wellness needs.

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The advent of healthcare mobile applications is revolutionizing the medical industry, offering various benefits that extend from the patient's bedside to the financial health of care providers. Here's how:

• Elevated Patient Experiences: Healthcare apps provide a more streamlined and accessible healthcare journey for patients, enabling features like appointment scheduling, telemedicine consultations, and medication tracking, all from their mobile devices. This convenience significantly improves patient satisfaction and engagement.
• Expanded Access to Care: With the ability to consult healthcare professionals virtually, patients in remote or underserved areas can receive timely medical advice and care, breaking down geographical barriers to health services.
• Boosted Operational Efficiency: Healthcare apps streamline various administrative tasks such as patient data management, appointment scheduling, and processing payments, allowing healthcare providers to focus more on patient care rather than paperwork.
• Increased Revenue Streams: By offering extended services through apps, such as virtual consultations and health monitoring, healthcare providers can tap into new revenue models while reducing overhead costs associated with in-person visits.
• Superior Data Collection and Analysis: Mobile apps facilitate the gathering and analysis of patient data in real-time, enabling healthcare providers to make informed decisions, monitor health trends, and offer personalized care plans.

The healthcare market is currently experiencing a boom in the development of such innovative and digitally advanced solutions. Health tech companies are at the forefront, pushing the boundaries with critical care and patient-centric digital offerings that are both competitive and cost-effective. Despite this growth, questions remain regarding the investment required to develop a healthcare mobile application. 

The development cost can vary widely, influenced by factors like app complexity, features, compliance requirements, and technology used. However, the return on investment, in terms of both patient outcomes and financial performance, often justifies the initial expenditure, marking healthcare apps as a wise venture in the modern healthcare ecosystem.

In the dynamic world of healthcare technology, mobile apps are playing a pivotal role in reshaping access to care and personal health management. At Gapsy Studio, we delve into the diverse ecosystem of healthcare mobile apps, highlighting the breadth of solutions designed to cater to a wide range of health and wellness needs. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the main types of healthcare apps available today, including additions that reflect the latest trends in health and wellness:

• Fitness Apps: These apps are dedicated to promoting an active lifestyle, featuring step and calorie trackers, along with exercise routines aimed at strengthening specific muscle groups. Their popularity surged, especially during periods of extended home confinement, as individuals sought ways to maintain physical fitness without access to gyms.
• Chronic Illness Management Apps: Designed for patients with long-term health conditions, these apps allow users to monitor vital signs and symptoms, potentially reducing the frequency of in-person clinic visits.
• Medication Management Apps: Useful across all age groups, these applications assist with managing medication schedules, dosages, and reminders, ensuring timely and correct medication intake.
• Personal Medical Information Apps: Users can securely store essential documents and confidential health information on their smartphones, making medical data readily accessible.
• EMR (Electronic Medical Records) Apps: These apps serve as reference tools containing medical information, helping healthcare professionals and patients access medical records easily.
• Online Consultation Apps: Facilitating remote consultations, these platforms connect patients with healthcare providers, offering convenience and accessibility for medical advice and care.
• Women’s Health Apps: Tailored to address aspects of women’s health, these applications provide tracking and advice for menstrual cycles, fertility, pregnancy, and other women-specific health matters.

Adding to the richness and diversity of healthcare mobile app offerings, we introduce:

• Well-being Apps: Focusing on the holistic approach to health, these applications encompass features for mental, emotional, and physical wellness, including stress management, mindfulness exercises, mood tracking, and mental health resources.
• Sleep Control Apps: Recognizing the foundational role of sleep in overall health, these apps analyze sleep patterns, offer relaxation sounds, and provide personalized recommendations to improve sleep quality, aiding users in achieving restorative sleep.

This array of healthcare mobile apps underscores the sector's growth and the broadening focus on comprehensive health solutions. At Gapsy Studio, we're passionate about leveraging the power of design and technology to create healthcare apps that empower users, enhance wellness, and provide accessible, user-centric health solutions. Explore our app design services and embark on a journey to innovate and transform the healthcare app landscape.

Designing a healthcare app isn't an easy task. Therefore, it's necessary to ensure the app works correctly before the final launch. We'll look at the main challenges mobile healthcare apps can face below.

Confidentiality and security of patient personal data

Personal information leakage is a common problem for all app developers with personal user data.

This is especially true for healthcare apps. They collect a lot of patients' personal information. Some apps require access to data and device features, starting from name and age. For this reason, special attention should be paid to security because there is an excellent risk that personal information will be used without consent.

According to statistics, in September 2020, there were 95 data breach cases.

And 9,710,520 medical records were lost. That’s a 348.07% increase from August 2020.

HIPAA standards and regulations

According to these statements, health app developers must follow the prescribed rules. That means they can’t be creative in developing these apps but only act within HIPAA policy. This makes the process of healthcare app design much more difficult.

Cloud storage

Nowadays, cloud storage is one of the most pronounced challenges in creating healthcare apps. Firstly, because of the security issue. There is a threat of personal information leakage from the cloud because it isn’t possible to provide proper protection for such a large amount of data.

IoT and AI design

New trends appear in the world of technology every year. The app’s essential functions are IoT (Internet of Things) and AI (artificial intelligence). IoT allows applications that are connected to the Internet to exchange data. An example is a smart home.

Healthcare apps need these features to run smoothly. Process data in real-time. Artificial intelligence is necessary to collect and analyze data from the device. A healthcare app with these features can easily offer patients individualized daily routines and keep track of other necessary aspects.

User Experience and Accessibility

Creating an app that is both easy to navigate and accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, represents a significant challenge. Healthcare apps must offer a seamless user experience (UX) that accommodates diverse user groups, including elderly patients or those not tech-savvy, ensuring that crucial health information and services are accessible to everyone.

You may also like to read: Why UX Design Is Important For Healthcare Sector Products

Scalability Issues

As healthcare apps grow in popularity and user base, they must be able to scale effectively without compromising performance or security. This requires robust backend infrastructure and efficient data handling capabilities to support an increasing number of users, larger volumes of data, and the introduction of new features over time.

Regulatory Compliance Across Jurisdictions

Healthcare apps often face the challenge of complying with a complex web of regulations that vary by country and region. Developers must navigate these legal landscapes, ensuring that the app meets all necessary standards and regulations domestically and in any international markets they wish to enter. This can complicate the development process and require significant legal expertise and resources.

Integration with Existing Healthcare Systems

Another hurdle is ensuring that healthcare apps can seamlessly integrate with existing healthcare IT systems, electronic health records (EHRs), and other medical technologies. This integration is crucial for the continuity of care and requires developers to create flexible, interoperable solutions that communicate across various platforms and systems.

Facing these challenges head-on is essential for the success of healthcare mobile apps. Developers must prioritize these aspects during the design and development process to create secure, user-friendly, and effective digital health solutions. With the right approach and adherence to best practices, healthcare apps have the potential to significantly improve patient care, enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery, and revolutionize the health industry.

Read Also About UI Kit in Design and Why You Need That in Our Blog.

Creating a healthcare application involves a meticulous process that focuses on planning, user experience (UX) design, and user interface (UI) design, ensuring the app is both functional and user-friendly. Here's a detailed breakdown of each step, emphasizing critical aspects such as accessibility, navigation, and information architecture.

Plan Design

The initial stage involves laying the groundwork for the healthcare app. This step includes identifying the target audience, understanding their needs, and defining the app's core functionalities. Research into existing solutions, potential legal and regulatory requirements, and data security measures is crucial. Planning also involves setting clear objectives for the app, such as improving patient care, streamlining healthcare provider workflows, or offering users health information and management tools.

Design User Experience (UX)

Designing the user experience is a critical phase where the app's conceptual design begins to take shape. This stage focuses on creating a seamless and engaging user experience, ensuring the app is intuitive, efficient, and meets their needs. Key components of UX design include:

Design User Interface (UI)

This phase transforms the UX design's conceptual framework into a tangible interface that users interact with. The UI design involves choosing color schemes, typography, button styles, and other visual elements that align with the intended user experience and the app's branding. It's also where the accessibility and navigation plans are visually implemented, ensuring the app is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and inclusive.

Additional Steps:

Testing and Iteration

Once the UX and UI designs are in place, conducting thorough testing with real users is vital. This process helps identify usability issues, bugs, or areas for improvement. Based on feedback, the app undergoes iterations to refine the design and functionality before the final launch.

Compliance and Security

Given the sensitive nature of health data, ensuring the app complies with healthcare regulations (such as HIPAA in the United States) and implementing robust data security measures is paramount. This step involves regular security audits, data encryption, and secure data storage solutions.

Ongoing Support and Updates

After launching the app, continuous monitoring and support are necessary to address any technical issues, update content, and incorporate new features based on user feedback and advancements in healthcare technology.

By following these detailed steps and focusing on the critical aspects of UX design, developers can create healthcare applications that not only meet regulatory standards and ensure data security but also offer a seamless, intuitive, and accessible experience for users.

The design process of a medical app UI (User Interface) is a critical phase that demands meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the target users' needs. This process ensures that the app is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, intuitive, and tailored to facilitate seamless healthcare delivery. Here are the steps involved in the medical app UI design process, inspired by insights from industry experts:

Understanding User Needs and Requirements

The first step is to conduct thorough research to understand the specific needs, preferences, and pain points of the app's target users. Depending on the app's purpose, this may include patients, healthcare professionals, or both. Engaging with potential users through interviews, surveys, and observation can provide valuable insights that inform the design process.

Developing User Personas and Scenarios

Based on the research findings, designers create detailed user personas and scenarios representing typical users and their interactions with the app. This helps visualize the user journey and identify key functionalities that need to be incorporated into the UI design to effectively meet user expectations.

Wireframing

Wireframing involves creating a skeletal layout of the app's pages or screens, outlining the placement of different elements such as buttons, text fields, images, and navigation menus. This step focuses on the app's structure and flow, ensuring a logical progression from one task to the next without overwhelming the user.

Prototyping

With wireframes as a guide, the next step is to develop a prototype—a more detailed and interactive representation of the final product. Prototyping tools allow designers to simulate the user experience, providing a tangible feel of how the app will work. This step is crucial for testing the app's usability and making iterative adjustments based on feedback.

UI Design

In this phase, the app's visual elements are designed, including color schemes, typography, button styles, and iconography. The UI design should align with the brand's identity while also considering best practices for accessibility and usability. Attention to detail is key, as the visual appeal can significantly impact user engagement and satisfaction.

Usability Testing

Before finalizing the UI design, it's essential to conduct usability testing with real users. This testing can uncover any issues with the app's design that may hinder user experience. Feedback collected during this phase is used to refine the UI, ensuring it is intuitive and user-friendly.

Iteration and Refinement

Based on usability testing outcomes, the UI design may need to undergo several iterations of refinement. This iterative process helps fine-tune the app's design, ensuring it meets the users' needs as closely as possible.

Implementation and Launch

Once the UI design is finalized and thoroughly tested, it's ready to be implemented by the development team. After launch, continuous monitoring and user feedback collection are crucial for identifying any areas for improvement and ensuring the app remains relevant and useful to its target audience.

Ongoing Updates and Maintenance

The UI design of a medical app is not a one-time task but requires ongoing updates and maintenance to adapt to new user requirements, technological advancements, and healthcare regulations. Regular updates ensure the app remains effective, secure, and engaging.

Following these steps in the medical app UI design process ensures the development of a functional, user-friendly, and aesthetically appealing application that meets the needs of its users and stands out in the competitive healthcare market.

Estimating the cost of healthcare app development in 2024 involves considering various factors such as app complexity, features, design requirements, compliance with healthcare regulations, and the development team's location and expertise. Costs can vary widely based on these factors, making it essential to understand the potential financial investment required. Below is a table that outlines a broad estimation of healthcare app development costs, segmented by app complexity:

Key Cost Factors:

• Features and Functionality: The more complex and numerous the features, the higher the development cost due to the increased time and expertise required.
• Design and User Experience: Custom UI/UX design that prioritizes accessibility and user engagement can significantly impact costs.
• Compliance and Security: Adhering to healthcare regulations like HIPAA in the U.S., GDPR in Europe, or other local laws requires additional resources, impacting development costs.
• Technology Stack: The choice of technology, whether native, hybrid, or web-based applications, affects development time and cost.
• Development Team: The geographical location, expertise, and structure of the development team (in-house, outsourced, or freelance developers) also play a crucial role in determining the overall cost.
• Maintenance and Updates: Post-launch support, including server costs, legal compliance updates, and feature enhancements, should also be factored into the total investment.

Remember, these are broad estimates, and the actual cost of developing a healthcare app in 2024 may vary. Engaging with a development team to discuss your requirements is crucial for obtaining a more accurate cost estimation.

A successful application is equally beneficial to both its creators and future users. This is why every step in the development process is worth paying attention to. Especially when it comes to healthcare apps. Its data security and clarity of actions must be perfect. So now we’ll try to understand the main stages of healthcare mobile app design and discuss the things that should definitely be taken into account.

Target audience research

Target audience research is the first thing you need to start with when you want to launch a product on the market. It would help if you kept in mind that healthcare apps are created for a certain range of people. So, their interest in the app should come first. Before starting development, the following questions will be relevant:

• Who is your target audience?
• What do they need?
• What kind of app can solve their problems?

You also need to understand whether your app will be used directly by doctors or patients.

The healthcare app content and interface will directly depend on this.

When you are clear on the above questions, you can move directly to design.

Easy navigation

Straightforward navigation ensures the user won’t leave the application in the first few minutes. User-friendly navigation means quick loading and easy actions.

An interesting fact! Exist “three clicks” rule. It’s based on the fact that the user should reach the goal in no more than three clicks and find the desired information.

Quality interface

A well-designed interface plays an important role in healthcare app design. Whereas the product is aimed at different age groups, it must be accessible and understandable. Let’s break down the essential aspects that will make your app’s interface more comfortable.

Color palette

As a rule, color makes an immediate impression. Depending on it, the user has either a positive or negative attitude towards the object. Therefore, when designing an app’s interface, it’s necessary to be careful with the selection of color schemes.

You can read more about how to choose color for UI in our blog.

Especially when it refers to a healthcare app, you have to be especially careful there. The range of colors suitable for medical applications is minimal. Bright and eye-catching colors are usually not used. This is due to their impact on the emotions and well-being of the patient. Colors that are too bright can cause aggression and emotional arousal. According to research, calm colors, such as green, blue and white, are most appropriate to the topic of health.

Typeface style

Properly chosen font in combination with the appropriate color scheme will positively impact the user’s perception. When choosing a font, also consider the target audience for which the app is created. Don’t make the spacing between the letters too big. The size of the font should be comfortably readable: not too big and not too small.

It’s also better not to use too stylized fonts, it complicates the perception of the text. It’s better to opt for the classic version. Don’t forget about the alignment of the text. It’s best to align the text on the left edge.

Adaptive icons and images

Adaptive icons are also used to improve the user’s perception of information. Important: adaptive icons must be accompanied by text, not to mislead the user.

The use of high-quality illustrations designing healthcare mobile apps help to create a positive mood and improve visual perception.

App functionality

Functionality is the goal of creating your app. When you have decided on your target audience and the app’s direction, you can define the main functions. Don’t make a mush out of an app. Focus on one thing at a time.

If it’s an app that helps users monitor their medications, notifications will be its main function. If the patient uses the app to communicate with the doctor, view treatment progress, or track symptoms, those will be the main functions.

After the main function of the app is selected, it should be displayed on the Home screen. This is because it serves as the place for essential things.

Availability

Availability in the healthcare app design is essential. Such apps can be used by people with various disabilities: hearing or vision problems, the elderly, or people with psychological disabilities. Therefore, when developing such an application, it’s worth taking this into account. It’s a difficult task to adapt to all groups of people, but it’s worth it for the app’s successful launch.

Let's summarize. There are many different kinds of healthcare apps. Each of them has a specific function and task. People with specific characteristics use some of them. So, the key to a good healthcare app is functionality, user-friendly interface, and accessibility. When creating such an app, you need to be very attentive to details and stick to a clear goal.

Contact us if you are interested in designing a healthcare app or need expert advice. Our designers from Gapsy will go with you from creating a high-quality UI/UX to a website design that will envy all competitors. Check out the finished projects on Behance and Dribbble. And also take a look at the services we provide.