COMPANY CAPABILITY FOR DATES

HETCO DESIGN LTD Ethnographic Research Proteus Digital Health Sep - Oct 2017

Exploring the usefulness of digital medication for

Hepatitis C patients
Introduction
Proteus Digital Health is a Californian company commercialising
digital medicines. They have patented an ingestible sensor to
supplement medication. This sensor works with a patch and app
to communicate pill intake, activity and heart rate to the patient
and their care team.

This product was designed for people with chronic conditions

like type 2 diabetes; Proteus wanted us to help understand lives
of Hepatitis-C patients and propose value propositions, features
based on insights.

Methods
We conducted an 8-week project in San
Francisco. Secondary research familiarised
us with socio-demographic segmentation
of patients (CDC reports) and their daily
experiences (open online patient group,
You-tube diaries). We investigated pre-
existing Proteus patient data (pill intake,
customer support tickets) to recognise
patterns of product usage.

This foundation helped formulate a user

needs frame-work, participant screener
and cultural probes for three groups (pre,
on & post treatment). We partnered with
Glide Church, Tenderloin and a recruiter to
identify a generational mix of patients and
screened for diversity. The probes were
shipped to participants, followed by in-
home interviews & neighbourhood walks.

Insight
The key insight was HepC treatment
journey has meaning that extends far
beyond the medication. It is a ceremony
with rituals and milestones, preparation
and graduation. Like preparing for a
marathon, patients don’t take treatment
lightly. Rather, there is a high motivation
to succeed and preparations are made
to do so. Even with ‘Extreme Struggler’s’,
missed pills for Hep C treatment are rare.

Results
Baby Boomers on their first Hep C
? Preparing for Harvoni Watch Connected
?
Good Evening
We

treatment (Stable yet Anxious) emerged

Mike Its
Le
Energy Levels

as a viable & feasible segment; they are

generally low

Activity

highly motivated to get treatment right

average 2000 steps/day

Get Watch Parts Sleep Get Patch Parts

and are experiencing Hep C symptoms.

average 8 hours/day
Your watch is made up of two parts: Your patch is made up of two parts:

1. A data pod Stress 1. A data pod

elevated 20 min/day

A well-being companion app to help fight

2. An adjustable strap 2. An adhesive strip, containing a
battery, which will need to be
Learning replaced in about a week

Hep-C induced fatigue via activity would

Medication

Next Ordered Dispatched On Route Delivered Next

be a useful supplement to their treatment

journey. Day 3 view After