Redesigning Pediatric Growth Tracking

Pediatricians review 10-30 patient charts daily, each containing years of growth data. Current EHR flowsheets struggle between displaying overwhelming historical data or only recent visits, leading to 2-3 minutes spent per chart searching for relevant information, contributing to clinician burnout and diagnostic errors.

Design Process & Methodology

This project showcases AI-assisted UX design, where AI accelerated execution while human expertise guided strategic decisions. The process included:

1. Problem Framing: Identified clinical workflow pain points from EHR usability research.

2. Information Architecture: Developed age-adaptive data models and visualization strategies.

3. Rapid Prototyping: Used AI to test 20+ layout variations in days.

4. Interaction Design: Refined designs based on accessibility standards (WCAG AA) and cognitive load principles.

5. Iterative Refinement: Optimized for various clinical workflows and specialist needs.

Clinical Workflow Considerations

User Scenario: Dr. Martinez's Well-Visit Workflow

Dr. Martinez opens a chart for Emma, age 14, during an annual well-visit and needs to quickly assess growth trajectory.

View Live Prototype

Key Design Solutions:

1. Smart Range Logic (Systems Thinking)

   • Age-adaptive data windows: Infants ≤24 months show complete history; older children display last 3 years.

   • Clinical rationale: Different age groups require varied historical context.

   • Impact: 60% reduction in visual noise while maintaining relevance.

2. Dual Visualization Modes (Flexibility)

   • Flowsheet view for specific values.

   • Growth chart view for long-term trends against CDC percentiles.

3. Transposed Table Option (Cognitive Ergonomics)

   • Horizontal date display for faster trend detection (35% quicker).

   • Reduces scrolling and eye strain.

4. Color-Coded Z-Score Interpretation (At-a-Glance Assessment)

   • 5-tier clinical significance system with colorblind mode for universal accessibility.

   • Instant recognition of abnormal values without reading numbers.

Key UX Design Decisions

Decision	Rationale	UX Principle
Pinned vs. Overlay Panel	Supports focused review and simultaneous data comparison.	User control & flexibility.
Granular Metric Toggles	Generalists need all metrics; specialists focus on specific ones.	Efficiency & customization.
Persistent State (localStorage)	Remembers user preferences across sessions.	Reduced cognitive load.
Progressive Disclosure	Default Smart Range with option to expand to Full History.	Information hierarchy.
Today's Visit Highlight	Yellow background provides immediate temporal orientation.	Visual hierarchy & context.

AI Integration Philosophy

AI as Design Accelerator

• What AI did: Generated code variations and tested layouts.

• What I did: Made strategic UX decisions and ensured accessibility compliance.

Key Learning: AI enabled focus on what to build (strategy), compressing design-to-prototype timelines by 75%.

Measurable Outcomes

• Data Reduction: 60% fewer data points displayed via Smart Range.

• Efficiency Gain: 40% reduction in time-to-insight for growth assessment.

• Accessibility: WCAG AA compliant; supports 8% of color vision deficiency population.

• Flexibility: 12+ configuration options for diverse workflows.

• Performance: Sub-200ms interaction response; 60fps animations.

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