08 Nov At-Home Test Trends
As terrible as it was, the COVID-19 pandemic spurred many medical innovations, including accessible over-the-counter (OTC) diagnostic tests.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Institutes of Health’s Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) program awarded funds to fast-track these innovative tests through the development pipeline and into the market.
Below are some insights learned during the rapid development cycles of OTC tests and suggestions for improving user experience for future OTC tests with design and usability in mind.
Development trends in at-home testing
RADx-funded projects initially focused on point-of-care diagnostics (POC Dx) but quickly shifted to support rapid testing at home, in schools, and at the workplace.
Today’s RADx-sponsored research projects rely on nasal swabs, although several are investigating saliva testing and breath analysis.
A significant shift in technology development is from single-purpose to multiplex tests that detect two or more viruses from the same sample. These tests would display results on multiple strips or multiple lines on a single strip.
For example, an “instant” multiplex test that diagnoses COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory infections would help physicians treat patients more effectively.
Another research trend focuses on OTC test usability. Although RADx developed accessibility guidelines for makers of OTC COVID-19 test kits, most of these best practices apply to packaging and documentation rather than the test itself. Much work remains to be done.
Usability in multiplex test design
With significant experience in the IVD market, the Key Tech team raised several questions about how design could solve this multiplex test usability challenge.
Today’s COVID-19 tests ought to be simple — the results are either positive or negative. Yet, many people struggle to interpret the test’s fuzzy lines.
Usability affects more than those with significant physical or cognitive impairments. In addition to an aging population’s declining vision and dexterity, limited medical literacy makes single-target OTC tests difficult for many people.
Now imagine these same people trying to interpret the closely-spaced results of a multiplex test.
Usability through visual design
Creating physical and visual distance between the various test results can vastly improve usability.
In the respiratory multiplex test example, a user-centric design could separate COVID-19, RSV, and influenza results. In addition, clustering the various influenza strains together while still maintaining separation could simplify interpretation.
Positive results for each test target could have a distinct color within a color palette that accommodates color blindness.
Rather than using lines for everything, you can get creative with shapes. Or clearly state the results. Imagine the relief when your test says, “You have the flu!”
There’s an app for that
Assistive technologies could make tests more accessible, but the added cost and environmental impact of building them into a disposable OTC product is a non-starter.
The latest COVID-19 tests pair with smartphone apps that provide instructions in text, audio, and video formats. Eventually, apps with on-device AI could monitor how users collect samples and interpret the test results automatically.
Testing
Understanding how end users interact with designs before release is imperative. Including users across the impairment spectrum when testing designs helps to understand potential challenges. If true users are unavailable, find analogs to provide feedback. With their still-developing motor and cognitive skills, kids are good stand-ins for elderly adults.
Conclusion
Design for usability is essential for product development. Careful addressing of user needs as markets and technology change will mitigate risk and ensure successful outcomes. Contact Key Tech to learn more about blending usability into product design and development.
Josh’s more recent past saw him also volunteering and working for environmental, performing arts, and job training nonprofits. He enjoys the fact that working at Key Tech lets him continue giving back while utilizing his creative abilities. Outside of work, Josh tries to get out to see live music as much as possible and climbs plastic rocks a few times a week.
- At-Home Test Trends - November 8, 2023
- Human Factors Studies During Covid-19 - September 23, 2020
- 5 Keys to Enhance your Voice of Customer (VOC) Study! - March 11, 2020