Thinking like a doctor and working as a UX designer

Maybe it’s crazy but believe me, these points will connect us with doctors too

How does a doctor work?

When a patient visits a doctor, the initial interaction between them is critical in determining the course of treatment. The doctor often begins this visit by asking the patient numerous questions to gather important information about their health and medical history. These questions could range from the patient’s current symptoms, medical history, lifestyle habits, and family history, among others.

By carefully listening to the patient’s responses and observing their physical condition, the doctor can begin to formulate a diagnosis and treatment plan. This process is vital in ensuring that the patient receives the best possible care and treatment, as it enables the doctor to have a more comprehensive understanding of the patient’s health status. Through this thorough questioning, the doctor can establish a relationship of trust with the patient and work collaboratively to achieve the best possible health outcomes

Let’s be in our role & How we need to be

As a UX designer, one of the primary goals is to create an efficient and satisfying user experience. To achieve this, a UX designer needs to start any new project by asking the client and stakeholders many questions to understand their needs, goals, and preferences. These questions could range from the target audience to the intended use of the product, brand image, and design preferences.

By asking these questions, the UX designer can gather the necessary information to develop a user-centric design that meets the client’s objectives and user needs. The process of asking questions enables the UX designer to clarify any uncertainties and obtain a clear understanding of the project’s requirements, constraints, and success criteria. By actively listening to the responses, the UX designer can then use this information to create a user-centered design that provides a seamless and intuitive user experience.

Therefore, for a UX designer, asking questions is a crucial aspect of the design process as it helps to ensure that the final product is efficient, effective, and user-friendly. Through thorough questioning, the UX designer can establish a strong partnership with clients and stakeholders, leading to the development of a successful and impactful product.

Use evidence-based decision making

Both doctors and UX designers rely on evidence-based decision-making to inform their work. For doctors, this means using the best available evidence to diagnose and treat patients. Evidence may come from a variety of sources, including research studies, clinical trials, and patient data. By relying on evidence, doctors can make more informed decisions and provide better care for their patients.

For UX designers, evidence-based decision-making involves using data and research to guide their design decisions. This may involve conducting user research, analyzing user behavior, and using A/B testing to gather insights and validate design choices. By using evidence to inform their decisions, UX designers can create more effective solutions that meet the needs of their users.

Overall, evidence-based decision-making is a critical component of both healthcare and UX design. By relying on evidence to inform their work, doctors and UX designers can create solutions that are effective, efficient, and tailored to the needs of their users.

Try to use a systematic method

Doctors and UX designers use a structured approach to their work, involving iterative processes that involve testing, refining, and improving upon solutions over time. By following a process, both professions can develop effective solutions that meet the needs of their users.

In healthcare, doctors use a systematic approach to diagnose and treat patients. This may involve conducting a physical exam, ordering diagnostic tests, and developing a treatment plan. Doctors may also use a process known as the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle to test and refine their interventions.

In UX design, designers follow a structured design process that involves several phases, such as research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and refinement. This process may be cyclical, with designers continually testing and refining their designs to improve usability, functionality, and user satisfaction.

Prioritize clear communication

Doctors and UX designers both need to communicate effectively to be successful in their roles. Doctors need to be able to communicate effectively with patients, while UX designers need to communicate with stakeholders, team members, and users. Both professions require clear and concise communication to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that solutions are effectively implemented.

Overall, by adopting these principles, you can develop a unique set of skills and perspectives that enable you to solve complex problems and create effective solutions. By thinking like a doctor and working like a UX designer, you can develop solutions that are both effective and user-friendly, and that have the potential to transform people’s lives for the better.

Good luck Ux peeps