A FLS Study Platform
Role: UX Designer & Researcher
Time: Aug. 2023 - Dec. 2023
Team: Designers, PM, Researchers
Tools: Figma
Skills: UX Design, Interaction Design, Design System, UX Research, Research Analysis
Project Background
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery to view and operate inside the abdomen through small incisions, a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light.
The process medical students practice with simulation equipment, beginning with tasks like moving blocks or cutting circles, is FLS. Trainees must also pass a rigorous FLS exam to become general surgery residents.
Problem Statement
Now, medical trainees practice FLS using very basic tools: paper log book + monitor screen + simulation equipment (blocks, gauze, rubber tissue, etc.)
The outdated practice method has created several challenges for trainees:
Lack of Feedback on gestures, areas of improvement, and common errors
Lack of Motivation to practice
Lack of Communication with their instructors
All three challenges caused ineffective practice and low passing rates on the FLS Exam.
Dashboard
The FLS training platform landing page includes notifications, progress tracking, and a quick start option for practice.
The progress module compares the test date with training activity and shows task completion rates for the five FLS tasks, from peg transfer to suturing.
The design leverages the mental model of Canvas, a familiar educational platform for target users, ensuring intuitive navigation and ease of adoption.
Training
While trainees operate the probes, the monitor displays timing, errors detected, and tasks completed. Operations can be recorded for later review and shared with instructors for feedback. A test mode simulates a real FLS test, providing a grade based on performance.
Developing Process
Field Study
By observing the environment and current students’ behaviors, we record existing patterns and find potential needs.
For example, I discovered students use a paper log book to register each use of the equipment and digitalized this process in design.
2. Interview
By observing the environment and current students’ behaviors, we record existing patterns and find potential needs.
For example, I discovered students use a paper log book to register each use of the equipment and digitalized this process in design.
3. Persona
By observing the environment and current students’ behaviors, we record existing patterns and find potential needs.
For example, I discovered students use a paper log book to register each use of the equipment and digitalized this process in design.
4. Storyboards & Journey Map
5. Wireframes
5. Design System
Outcomes:
Enhancing Laparoscopic Surgical Training and Feedback Framework at the UM-Medical School won the first Prize at the 2024 UM Exposition.
We appreciate the UM faculty’s help and recognition and are excited to bring this project to the next level.
