Smarter parents through a smart baby tracker — A UX/UI Case Study

About

Recently my wife and I welcomed our first baby. I’d like to say that I was excited, but honestly it was petrifying. We rolled our baby out through those hospital doors, armed with some printed handouts and an invitation to call a hotline.

We pencil-filled in our hospital worksheet to track our baby’s progress for a few days before looking for an easier route. We were initially confused by the many baby tracking apps out there, but we settled on one that seemed right and didn’t cost much. Even though it was digital, the challenge of recording feeds, diapers, and nap times were difficult because of unclear iconography, UI usability, and onboard strategy.

During my initial research, I asked myself, “What if Google built a baby tracker?” With Google’s voice assistant technology, its control over relevant and accessible content, and it’s product integration through android and software solutions, I felt like it could be a great fit. I wanted to design a solution that leverages those qualities and empowers parents during one of the most stressful times in their lives.

Stripping down these baby tracker applications, I wanted to learn how technology could guide parents with baby tracking and design/prototype a solution.

Project focuses:

VUI application

Designing this technology with Google Home seemed perfect in the hands of those who need extra hands.

User Onboarding best practices

As with any new device or tech, it’s important that I develop user flows with an instruction design plan in place.

Communications within brand guidelines

Google products obey the world of material design. I would need to audit my designs according to that standard.