Empowering Hypothyroidism Patients Through Digital Health Innovation
Ascendis
Senior Product Designer
Sep 2022 - Feb 2023
For people living with Hypothyroidism their daily life can be challenging and daily goals can be achieving. With a lack of personalized plans available, challenges with ongoing motivation as well as establishing sustainable habits in their day-to-day.
Taking a patient-centric approach to the creation of Palopeg, the product process was heavily focused on motivation for the user, as well as educational content to be able to support them in long term management of their weight and overall health.
Through qualification for treatment, a treatment planner, and symptoms overview, the app empowers patients to feel more knowledgeable while adopting lifestyle changes. By providing injection training and injection reminders, it ensures day-to-day adherence and motivation, giving doctors better insights into their patients' daily lives.


96%
Within 6 months of launch we were able to detect through feedback from stakeholders.
96% Treatment Independence: In the Phase 3 PaTHway trial, 96% of participants using the therapy and support tools achieved independence.
89%
89% Long-Term Retention: The app and companion program contributed to an exceptionally high 89% patient retention rate over a 3.5-year period.








Survey
Secondary research informed survey questions regarding habits, injection pen perceptions, treatment methods, and peak health times.
Social groups
I used social groups as a safe, trusted platform to gather honest patient experiences.
Secondary research
I conducted secondary research to deepen understanding of the condition, specifically targeting symptoms, user behavioral patterns, and medication details.
From my secondary research I was able to generate a domain knowledge and define key pain points.
38 daily-medicated respondents reported irregular symptoms, with 87% favoring injection pens.
47% of respondents keep a track record of their daily medications and supplements, while 34% do not, and 18% do so only sometimes.
“Wouldn’t bother me if it improves my quality of life.”
Common tracking methods include pill containers, diaries, the Medisafe app, alarms, Google Calendar, and Alexa.
While 66% have used an injection pen previously, a higher 87% expressed a willingness to take medication via an injection pen.
To learn how to use an injection pen, respondents preferred information from booklets (19), infovideos (18), HCPs (17), and support forums (13).








Who are my users?
Impaired daily functioning, Supplement longevity concerns, Desire for peer support, Anxiety over medical extremes and Anxiety over medical extremes.
Pains?
Loss of independence, Debilitating physical symptoms, Frustrating lack of energy, Dismissive HCP interactions, Profound social isolation, Longing for former life.
Gains?
Security: Seeking safety and care.
Education: Driven to learn more.
Vitality: Aspiring for physical strength.
Autonomy: Reclaiming personal independence.
Hope: Searching for normalcy.
Functionality: Overcoming pain and exhaustion.





