END-TO-END APP
Eczemate
ROLE
DURATION
TOOLKIT
Background
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and scaly skin. With the vast number of skincare products available in the market today, it can be overwhelming for consumers to determine what works best for their eczema. With a global increase in eczema-related conditions, there is a growing need for treatment solutions. Having also witnessed the challenges faced by loved ones with eczema, I wanted to narrow my focus and create a tool to help them build confidence in managing their skin and eczema.
Problem
Skincare is an essential aspect of personal health and well-being, yet many struggle to find the right products and routines for their unique skin needs, especially those with eczema.
Solution
Help users feel more confident in their skincare journey by making skincare more accessible, personalized and convenient through routines tailored to user’s unique skin needs as well as allowing users to track their eczema symptoms and treatments for improved eczema management.
COMPETITOR ANALYSIS
I analyzed four skincare services to compare their strengths and weaknesses. This helped me pinpoint gaps in the market and explore how integrating both general skincare and eczema-focused tools into one app could create a more distinctive solution.
USER INTERVIEWS
I conducted interviews with 6 individuals who have eczema, with two that experience it on their face, where most participants already had an established skincare routine. They all provided valuable insight on managing eczema and what they search for in skincare products.
Key Findings
Frustrations during trial-and-error period: Can invest a lot of time and money testing products to only discover that it doesn’t work well with their skin.
Challenges in finding a consistent and reliable skincare routine: Skin dryness changes by season so they need to update their routine accordingly. Maintenance of eczema and the need to reapply creams or be consistent with their skincare routines can become difficult to keep track of.
Track their eczema to further understand their triggers: Daily reminders to take their eczema treatments or to do their skincare routine while being mindful of what could lead to an eczema flareup.
Trust a product if it’s approved by professionals and it uses good ingredients: Seeks out familiar ingredients known to work well with their skin. Brand is more reputable if backed by professionals such as the National Eczema Association.
Organizing common themes into an affinity map.
Values good ingredients, Relies on reviews, Seeks out professional approval, Desires personalized skincare recommendations, Prefers minimal routine, Dealing with eczema triggers, Difficulty managing eczema
USER PERSONAS
The research revealed that many participants had similar experiences in navigating their eczema and skincare journey. I centered my design around one user persona that shares those same skin concerns and needs — finding an effective routine that is easy to maintain.
SITE MAP
Laying the foundation for Eczemate’s architecture.
To highlight the core user needs of personalized skincare guidance and eczema management, I created a sitemap to structure the key features. This information architecture is meant to enable users to intuitively navigate the app and easily access the tools they need to support their skin journey.
FLOWCHARTS
I designed user flows for the onboarding process and logging their eczema symptoms or treatments. These flows focused on supporting users who need a more structured and a simple way to monitor their eczema or skincare overtime. This helped create a smooth path that aligns with their everyday routines and challenges.
KEY
Onboarding: Create an account and complete a skincare quiz to generate a personalized routine
Edit Routine: Edit AI-generated routine to better fit preferences and needs
Track Eczema: Log eczema symptoms, treatments, and triggers for the day
WIREFRAMES
I sketched key screens to brainstorm layouts to figure out how to best highlight content. These sketches were then digitized and refined to create more seamless user flows. For some main features, I developed two versions to compare approaches. I received feedback on style preferences and usability improvements which helped inform the design decisions in the high-fidelity wireframes.
Building all low-fi wireframes.
WIREFRAMES
I brought the designs to life by applying calming colors, clean fonts, and brand-inspired visuals. Every detail was chosen to reflect a sense of trust, comfort, and care throughout the app experience.
Creating a Brand Identity: With the cool-toned palette, gradients, and friendly iconography, I wanted the visual identity to convey Eczemate’s core values: Comfort, Empathy, Confidence, Trust, and Soothing. I took inspiration from Aloe Vera, a plant known for its healing and moisturizing properties, often used in skincare products.
USABILITY TESTS
I conducted usability tests with 5 participants who have eczema with varying severity levels. The study aimed to identify potential areas of improvements.
Performed 4 Tasks
#1
Create an account & complete onboarding quiz
#2
View & explore personalized skincare routines
#3
#4
Add a treatment notification
Key Findings
Many felt like the quiz questions were all relevant to figuring out their skin needs and was easy to complete, with some suggestions of adding questions about budget or product preferences.
Many believed the skincare routines met their expectations, but would like the ability to edit routines and receive similar product suggestions to further tailor it to their needs.
All participants had never logged their eczema symptoms before and felt they wouldn’t use the feature regularly, except for those with severe or inconsistent eczema.
Most would not use the Treatment reminders because they rely on muscle memory and would use it to keep a list of current treatments or to find suggested treatments.
ITERATIONS
These insights helped shape a more user-centered design, ensuring the app remains intuitive, practical, visually-appealing and valuable for those managing eczema.
FINAL PROTOTYPE
The final prototype integrates key improvements, polishing up the overall experience and interface.
REFLECTION
Lessons Learned
Practicing Empathy
I recognized that sharing personal experiences with eczema can be deeply vulnerable, so I made it a priority to create a safe space where participants felt heard, validated and respected. Listening to their stories and understanding their daily struggles, I was able to challenge my assumptions, remove biases, and reinforce the importance of user-first, empathy-driven design.
Re-evaluating Priorities
The usability tests provided honest feedback, revealing that many participants wouldn’t realistically use the app to track their eczema. Instead, they valued treatment solutions more than a tracking tool. This experience taught me to embrace constructive criticism, accept that initial ideas may not always resonate, and adapt my designs to prioritize user needs.
Next Steps
Community Feature
Expressed interest in connecting with other users to find support and build community by sharing personal experiences, reviews, and recommendations.
Treatment-Focused
Design features that aim to provide immediate solutions to help treat their eczema flare-ups and combat their triggers.
Professional Assistance
Allow users to have easy access to professional guidance or advice when struggling with specific eczema issues by connecting to a dermatologist.
Check out the next Case Study!
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