visualize.

Product Manager, UX Designer • Feb 2017 - Jul 2018 • Laser-Cut Prototype • Illustrator

mavis

38 years old
Accra, Ghana
Head Midwife

Needs:

How might we enrich Ghanaian midwives' VIA learning experience in an accessible way?

[re] define.


Visualize is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering and supporting Ghanaian midwives in their educational journey to learn how to screen for cervical cancer using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), a lower-cost and more accessible alternative to the Pap smear. Preventative screening can significantly reduce the high mortality rate for cervical cancer, since most cases detected early are easily treatable.

Our objective was to advance the early prototype of a medical training device to help Ghanaian midwives learn how to screen for cervical cancer using VIA. We streamlined the physical device design and learning experience by improving usability and making a more intuitive user experience, implementing changes based on analysis of user feedback from Ghanaian midwives.

physical prototype

We created a variety of different version of prototypes, changing the shape of both the external device and the internal housing for maximum durability and efficiency. We made sure to adapt the exterior of the design to the terrain/travel needs of midwives, and optimized the interior for the most effective usability. I also ran quality assurance by physically testing how many times a tab could be used in the device before reaching a point of inoperable wear.

The original purpose of the tabs was to provide a wide variety of different scenarios for midwives to diagnose, in the form of “before” and “after” images of cervixes when acetic acid (table vinegar) is applied. Our challenge was consolidate to transform detached albeit helpful flashcards into tabs that successfully interacted with the device to simulate the actual process of VIA while maintaining the educational aspect. These tabs feature different real situations that midwives can first use to practice diagnosising a patient, and then use to learn more about the specific diagnosis.

We transformed an early-stage prototype into a streamlined, user-validated model with wooden laser-cut housing, an accurately simulated cervical cavity, an Arduino-run electronic interface for real-time interaction by midwives, and a durable instructional flashcard set that interacts with the device and presents various VIA cases to learn from.

From a two-month trip to Accra, we gathered final usability feedback from a variety of professionals (midwives, doctors, engineers, professors) and transcribed interviews that translated into design alterations. We also investigated the possibilities for local sourcing of materials and in-country manufacturing in order to support the local economy. Through a collaboration with Zurak Cancer Foundation, we trained an eight-person team to manufacture the device from start to finish.


From the outcome of the project, we partnered with Johnson & Johnson for additional resources, pitching the device to the National Midwifery Council in order to implement the training device into the national curriculum for midwives.