United Healthcare - Transforming Healthcare Insurance Processes
The Obama Care Act was implemented in March 2010 to improve the accessibility of Health Insurance for all US households. The law includes subsidies in the form of "premium tax credits," which help to lower costs for households whose income falls between 100% and 400% of the 'Federal Poverty Level.'
Research Phase: Interviews & Usability Testing
As part of our comprehensive review of the existing healthcare insurance platform, we conducted extensive usability testing and in-depth user interviews. This research aimed to uncover the strengths and weaknesses of the current user journey, with a specific focus on identifying barriers that users face while navigating the platform. Our objective was to gain a detailed understanding of the user experience directly from the end-users to inform targeted improvements.
The testing involved a diverse group of participants, including both first-time insurance buyers and those with prior experience using healthcare platforms. This approach allowed us to gather a wide range of insights and ensure that our findings reflected the needs of all user demographics. The sessions were structured around typical user tasks such as finding information about insurance plans, comparing different options, and attempting to apply for coverage.
Through careful observation and thorough analysis of user interactions, several key issues were consistently highlighted. These ranged from structural problems with the site’s navigation to content-related challenges such as information overload and unclear terminology. The feedback provided crucial insights into how the platform could be optimized to enhance usability, increase user satisfaction, and streamline the insurance purchasing process.
The following points detail the specific challenges identified during our usability testing and user interviews. Each point encapsulates a critical area of concern that, if addressed, could significantly improve the overall user experience on the platform.
Here are the insights:
Users consistently reported that navigating the insurance platform was challenging. They struggled to find necessary information, such as coverage details and plan comparisons, due to a multi-layered and unintuitive site architecture. This complexity not only increased the time taken to perform tasks but also contributed to user fatigue, as they had to click through multiple pages unnecessarily.
Feedback revealed that users were often presented with an excessive amount of information at once. This overload included dense blocks of text and numerous insurance terms, which were not segmented or organized in a user-friendly manner. The lack of clear distinctions between essential and supplementary information made it difficult for users to focus on what was most relevant to their needs.
During usability testing, users frequently encountered problems with form filling. The forms often lacked contextual instructions or explanations for what information was required and why. Additionally, error messages were either too vague or non-existent, leaving users unsure of how to correct their mistakes, which increased their frustration and decreased the likelihood of completing the application process.
Many participants noted that the platform did not adapt to their personal circumstances. Users expected the system to remember their inputs and use these details to tailor the experience and recommendations. Instead, they were met with a one-size-fits-all approach that did not account for individual differences in needs and preferences, which made the process feel impersonal and less trustworthy.
New users especially highlighted the lack of effective onboarding. They reported that their first interactions with the platform were overwhelming and confusing, with no clear guidance on how to begin or what steps to follow. This absence of a structured onboarding process made initial interactions daunting and could deter first-time users from continuing with the platform.
Users unfamiliar with health insurance were intimidated by the complex terminology used throughout the platform. There was a clear need for definitions and simpler explanations integrated directly into the content, to help demystify the information and make the data more accessible to all users, regardless of their prior knowledge.
The platform’s search functionality was criticized for not being robust enough. Users reported that searches often did not yield relevant results, forcing them to manually navigate through the site to find the information they needed. This inefficiency was a significant barrier to user satisfaction and could lead to higher abandonment rates.
The absence of visual aids such as charts, infographics, and interactive tools (like cost calculators) was a significant gap. Users indicated that such features could greatly aid in understanding the differences between plans and making informed decisions. Without these tools, the process felt more difficult and less engaging.
Ideation: Sketch & Digital Wires
As part of our comprehensive review of the existing healthcare insurance platform, we conducted extensive usability testing and in-depth user interviews. This research aimed to uncover the strengths and weaknesses of the current user journey, with a specific focus on identifying barriers that users face while navigating the platform. Our objective was to gain a detailed understanding of the user experience directly from the end-users to inform targeted improvements.
The testing involved a diverse group of participants, including both first-time insurance buyers and those with prior experience using healthcare platforms. This approach allowed us to gather a wide range of insights and ensure that our findings reflected the needs of all user demographics. The sessions were structured around typical user tasks such as finding information about insurance plans, comparing different options, and attempting to apply for coverage.
Through careful observation and thorough analysis of user interactions, several key issues were consistently highlighted. These ranged from structural problems with the site’s navigation to content-related challenges such as information overload and unclear terminology. The feedback provided crucial insights into how the platform could be optimized to enhance usability, increase user satisfaction, and streamline the insurance purchasing process.
- Problem: Impersonal service and lack of tailored insurance recommendations.
- Solution: Personalized the journey by using the user’s name and other personal data to tailor recommendations and interactions.
- Feature: Personalized insurance recommendations and the ability to compare packages using a user-friendly interface.
- Problem: Overwhelming options and complex navigation.
- Solution: Introduced single-option tasks to create momentum and reduce cognitive load.
- Feature: Implemented initial simple tasks, such as entering a user’s name, to foster early engagement and prevent choice overload. This approach not only simplifies the process but also ensures that users are not burdened by having to recall information from previous steps, making the journey more intuitive and user-friendly.
- Problem: Distrust in insurance providers and unfamiliarity with the insurance terms.
- Solution: Used reassuring language and transparent information presentation, such as showing price versus coverage comparisons.
- Feature: Building trust through user-centered communication and clear, transparent options.
- Problem: The insurance purchasing process is often slow and tedious, with users needing to navigate through multiple steps and enter extensive information, which can lead to frustration and abandonment.
- Solution: Streamlined steps to expedite the insurance purchasing process. The focus is on quick data entry and immediate progression through the stages, complemented by an ‘education tray’ that provides contextual help and information without the need for navigating away from the task at hand.
- Feature: The overall objective of “Speed” ensures that users can quickly locate and purchase health insurance. The integration of the education tray helps maintain this speed by offering immediate, relevant information and decision-making tools directly alongside the application process, reducing the time spent searching for help or information.
- Problem: Many first-time insurance buyers lack a basic understanding of health insurance, leading to confusion and hesitation in the decision-making process.
- Solution: Implement step-by-step educational content throughout the insurance selection journey. This content is provided in both video and text formats to cater to different learning preferences, ensuring that information is accessible and digestible at every step.
- Feature: Continuous educational support is integrated into each phase of the user journey, enhancing decision-making with comprehensive, supportive data that builds understanding progressively.
- Problem: Users need ongoing, contextual education that adjusts to their immediate decisions and queries as they navigate the insurance selection process.
- Solution: Develop an ‘education tray’ that dynamically updates its content based on the user’s current interaction and selections. This tray adjusts to provide specific, relevant information and tools tailored to the choices being made by the user.
- Feature: The tray includes interactive elements that allow users to adjust variables like cost considerations directly, providing real-time feedback and detailed comparative data. This supports active learning and decision-making by allowing users to experiment and see the impact of their choices immediately.
Additional Improvements
As part of our comprehensive review of the existing healthcare insurance platform, we conducted extensive usability testing and in-depth user interviews. This research aimed to uncover the strengths and weaknesses of the current user journey, with a specific focus on identifying barriers that users face while navigating the platform. Our objective was to gain a detailed understanding of the user experience directly from the end-users to inform targeted improvements.
UI Final Design
- Consistent Visual Hierarchy: Designed a user interface with a consistent visual hierarchy that guides users naturally through tasks, using size, color, and layout to denote the importance and relationships between elements.
- Branding Through Color and Typography: Utilized a cohesive color scheme and consistent typography to reinforce brand identity, enhance readability, and ensure a seamless user experience across all points of interaction.
- Accessibility in Design: Prioritized accessibility by ensuring all text, interactive elements, and color contrasts meet or exceed ADA compliance standards, making the platform usable for everyone, including those with disabilities.
- Responsive Design Principles: Implemented responsive design techniques to ensure the UI provides an optimal viewing experience—easy reading and navigation across a wide range of devices (from desktop to mobile).
- Navigation Clarity: Streamlined navigation to reduce user effort in finding information or features, employing clear labels and logical routes that decrease learning time and enhance user confidence.
- Interactive Elements for Engagement: Integrated interactive UI elements like drop-downs, sliders, and modals that not only engage users but also facilitate easier input of data, making the interface both interactive and intuitive.
- Error Handling and User Feedback: Developed clear, immediate feedback mechanisms within the UI to inform users of errors or successful actions, ensuring misunderstandings are minimized and user confidence is maintained.
- Use of Modal Windows for Contextual Information: Employed modal windows to provide contextual help and additional information without navigating away from the current task, keeping users engaged and informed.
- Visual Consistency Across Elements: Maintained strict visual consistency across all UI elements, including buttons, input fields, and layout grids, to foster an environment of familiarity and ease of use.
- Optimized Load Times and Performance: Focused on optimizing UI components for faster load times and smoother transitions, enhancing the overall user experience by minimizing wait times and potential frustration.
End Results
The enhancements implemented in the United Healthcare interface have led to substantial improvements in user engagement and efficiency. From December 2021 to February 2022, there was a notable reduction in user drop-off rates by 12.5%, and the time users spent on acquiring medical insurance decreased by 8 minutes and 49 seconds. These enhancements not only streamlined the process but also increased user satisfaction, as evidenced by the rise in the platform’s rating to 4.6 out of 5 stars according to Forbes Advisor—an increase of 0.4 points from the previous year. These metrics collectively highlight the success of the design changes in improving user experience and operational efficiency in the healthcare insurance process.
-12.5%
Reduction in drop-off rates
From Dec 2021 - Feb 22
-8m 49 sec
Cut application time by 8 minutes and 49 seconds, speeding up the insurance process.
From Dec 2021 - Feb 22
4.6 rating
Increase of 0.4 rating from 2022-23 due to enhanced user interface support
Project Takeaways
I experienced first-hand how a culture of respect and professionalism enhances productivity and workplace morale. This environment fostered a seamless collaboration where every team member felt valued and heard.
The diversity at Wunderman Thompson was not just visible in our team composition but also in how we worked together. The blend of various cultures and professional backgrounds created a dynamic atmosphere that brought out the best in each of us, enhancing our creative solutions.
The inclusive communication practices ensured that every team member had the opportunity to contribute their ideas. This approach not only maximized our creative potential but also helped me refine my own communication skills, emphasizing the importance of giving everyone a platform to speak.
Working with the Wunderman Thompson team inspired me to elevate my own professional standards. The experience was a powerful lesson in effective team dynamics and leadership, pushing me to fine-tune my collaboration processes and communication strategies in all my future roles.