In 2020, the pandemic shuts down the whole world like a storm. National Health Service (NHS), the publicly funded healthcare system in England, alongside with the government is set to launch a series of rules and restrictions to guide the public through this crisis. NHS Test and Trace is a voluntary contact tracing app for monitoring the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in England and Wales.

Client

NHS

Period

Jun 2020 to Aug 2021

Platform

iOS and Android

Responsibility

Product design, UX, UI

Features

Empowering Citizens and Ensuring Public Safety

The NHS Test and Trace app offers robust features for effective COVID-19 management. With contact tracing, alerts, and reminders, users are notified of potential exposures. Isolation reminders ensure compliance with quarantine measures. The venue check-in feature supports efficient contact tracing. A symptoms checker provides guidance on COVID-19 symptoms and recommended actions. Users can also track their vaccination status. These features empower individuals to stay informed, take precautions, and contribute to reducing COVID-19 spread.

Challenge

Adapting to New Ways of Working and a Tight Timeline

The development of the NHS Test and Trace contact-tracing application faced a significant challenge in adapting to new ways of working and meeting a tight timeline of 12 weeks for the initial launch. With the shift to remote work and the need for efficient collaboration, the team had to overcome communication barriers and ensure seamless coordination. Additionally, the strict deadline imposed pressure to deliver a fully functional and user-friendly app within a limited timeframe.

Approach

Collaborative Design and Iterative Development

User flow examples

We formed a global distributed team that worked collaboratively using tools like MIRO and Figma to facilitate brainstorming and design sessions. This approach allowed us to leverage the expertise and creativity of team members from different locations, resulting in a more comprehensive and innovative solution. By continuously iterating on designs based on user feedback, we ensured that the app met the evolving needs and expectations of its users. The iterative design process not only enhanced our efficiency but also contributed to a more user-centric and refined final product.

Here are some snapshots of our design process: Transforming idea into designs

Business and product goals

User research