Non-communicable Diseases (NCD)
Care Companion Program | Noora Health
Design a culturally relevant program that empowers patients and caregivers to manage non-communicable diseases (NCDs), driving sustainable behavioral change and improving health outcomes.
CREDITS
Medical Content: Christina Sukhadhan
Health communication: Simerneet Bajwa
Illustrations: Priyanka Tampi + Anoop Mohan
Visual Designer: Henal Jain + Myself
Photography: Rakshita Mittal + Rajat Sharma
Video: Ankita Das + Preetham Tegginamane
About the Program
The NCD Care Companion Program equips patients and their families with the knowledge and tools to effectively manage chronic diseases at home, reducing hospital visits and improving long-term health outcomes.
Challenge
Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: Designing content that is culturally relevant and accessible to users across different regions with varying languages and literacy levels.
Invisible Threats: The challenge had been addressing the silent progression of hypertension and diabetes, which often went undetected in younger adults due to the absence of noticeable symptoms. Efforts focused on promoting early screenings and preventive actions to mitigate the risk and long-term effects of these lifestyle diseases.
Scalability: Designing a system flexible enough to be adapted and implemented across diverse regions, each with unique challenges and healthcare environments.
Design Approach
The design approach was grounded in Human-Centered Design, emphasizing deep empathy and cultural sensitivity. We engaged closely with patients, caregivers, and nurses to fully understand their specific needs and challenges in managing chronic diseases.
Through a co-creation process, we developed solutions by iteratively prototyping and rigorously testing to ensure the tools fit seamlessly into the users' daily routines. Behavioral science principles were embedded into the design, encouraging sustainable health behaviors. This made the tools not only functional but transformative in effectively managing conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
We also utilized a WhatsApp campaign with rich media content, providing interactive, engaging information for users with smartphones. For non-smartphone users, we integrated Interactive Voice Response Systems (IVRS) to ensure inclusivity, allowing access to crucial information via phone calls, making the program accessible to a wider audience.
My Role
As the Design Lead for the NCD Care Companion Program, I drove the integration of visual design, illustration, and communication to achieve a seamless, impactful user experience, rigorously testing and refining the final printed tools to ensure they were both effective and engaging for diverse user needs.
