Nudge
8On our last blog, we analyzed how the input signal from the pressure being taken from the cuff is transmitted to the LCD to be shown as our systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, and heart rate, and in order to connect the output to instead be directly deposited on a separate computer software, we concluded that the information should be taken from after the signal goes through the DC amplifier. And this data would be linked to the computer via most likely bluetooth.
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Connecting to the computer should be a more straightforward task, but how can the product connect with people? To ensure smooth utilization of the product and productive results, we can nudge the users in a certain direction. Borrowing this from the New York Times Best Selling book, the concept of nudging can guide the users to have the best experience with our product. For example, many companies develop products or services that incorporate defaults into their selection process. Let’s say a customer named Dan, your average college student, stumbled upon your product: an app that reads through your emails for you and gives you context before asking you to reply. There are different plans: a yearly plan, a 6-month plan, a monthly plan, and a “default” plan that is conveniently located in the center of all the other plans. It offers 3 months, is about in the middle of the price range, and it unlocks a good amount of the perks that are available. Chances are, Dan wants to save money, but he still wants to get a good deal with a plan fitting for his needs. Placing that plan at the most convenient spot may be the easiest and seem the most appealing. Providing a default plan might not always guarantee that the user will go with that, but it lowers the cognitive effort that is needed to make a selection and makes the choice easier.
A similar idea of lowering cognitive effort can be applied to the development of our digital BP product. To use the product, most likely there is going to be some form of buttons on the machine. The arrangement of the buttons in an order that’s most convenient (left to right, up to down for most) can guide the user in almost a “default” manner. A problem that I’ve experienced in the clinical setting is actually just putting the sphygmomanometer on a patient. For some reason, they’re always tangled or facing the wrong way when you try to grab the cuff. Although the machine will still work if the cuff is put on the wrong way, it might be more inaccurate. If the pressure “tube” that is connected on the BP machine can connect to the cuff in a way that discourages other ways to put it on (e.g. making the tube bend awkwardly when putting on the patient), it could help guide the nurses. This way, we can ensure more accurate readings with our product in a more intuitive manner.
