Part III: Design Patterns Library

Patient-Centered Design

Putting patients at the heart of your product
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Patient-centered design goes beyond “user-centered design” by recognizing that healthcare interactions happen during vulnerable moments, involve complex information, and have real consequences.

Empathy in Health Design

Design for the patient’s emotional state:

  • Anxiety reduction: Clear language, predictable workflows, reassurance at key moments
  • Control and agency: Give patients meaningful control over their data and decisions
  • Dignity: Respect patient privacy and sensitivity at all times
  • Support: Design for moments when patients need help, not just when they’re succeeding

Health Literacy

Health literacy — the ability to understand and use health information — varies widely:

  • Plain language: Write at a 6th-8th grade reading level for patient-facing content
  • Visual communication: Use icons, illustrations, and diagrams to supplement text
  • Consistent terminology: Don’t switch between medical and lay terms for the same concept
  • Chunking: Break complex information into digestible pieces
  • Teach-back: Include opportunities for patients to confirm understanding

Plain Language Guidelines

Instead ofUse
”Hypertension""High blood pressure"
"Myocardial infarction""Heart attack"
"Adverse event""Side effect"
"Contraindicated""Should not be used if"
"Titrate dosage""Adjust the dose”

Shared Decision-Making

Design to support shared decision-making between patients and clinicians:

  • Option grids: Present treatment options with clear trade-offs
  • Risk communication: Visualize risks and benefits clearly (icon arrays, not just numbers)
  • Preference elicitation: Help patients express what matters most to them
  • Decision aids: Interactive tools that prepare patients for clinical conversations

Emotional Design Patterns

Design for the emotional journey:

  • Onboarding: Warm, reassuring first experience. Set expectations for what the patient will experience.
  • Daily use: Motivational, encouraging. Celebrate small wins.
  • Setbacks: Compassionate, non-judgmental. Help patients get back on track.
  • Escalation: Clear, calm guidance when things need clinical attention.