reBuild

Designed for Recovery That Lasts

reBuild

Designed for Recovery That Lasts

reBuild

Designed for Recovery That Lasts

TYPE

Mobile App

Industry

Healthcare / Wellness Tech

Duration

6 weeks

Tools

Figma, Microsoft Office, Adobe CC, Google Workspace

Team/Role

UX + Product Design

TYPE

Mobile App

Industry

Healthcare / Wellness Tech

Duration

6 weeks

Tools

Figma, Microsoft Office, Adobe CC, Google Workspace

Team/Role

UX + Product Design

TYPE

Mobile App

Industry

Healthcare / Wellness Tech

Duration

6 weeks

Tools

Figma, Microsoft Office, Adobe CC, Google Workspace

Team/Role

UX + Product Design

A lightweight tool for delivering asynchronous home exercise programs that create structure, feedback, and accountability between therapists and patients. The experience is grounded in three principles: ease of use, clinical utility, and professional precision.

A lightweight tool for delivering asynchronous home exercise programs that create structure, feedback, and accountability between therapists and patients. The experience is grounded in three principles: ease of use, clinical utility, and professional precision.

A lightweight tool for delivering asynchronous home exercise programs that create structure, feedback, and accountability between therapists and patients. The experience is grounded in three principles: ease of use, clinical utility, and professional precision.

The Outcome

Supported asynchronous care through a flexible system therapists could adapt and patients could follow.

The approach

Used interviews, personas, and usability testing to guide each phase of design.

The impact

Helped therapists stay connected between sessions—gaining visibility into patient progress and follow-through.

The Outcome

Supported asynchronous care through a flexible system therapists could adapt and patients could follow.

The approach

Used interviews, personas, and usability testing to guide each phase of design.

The impact

Helped therapists stay connected between sessions—gaining visibility into patient progress and follow-through.

The Outcome

Supported asynchronous care through a flexible system therapists could adapt and patients could follow.

The approach

Used interviews, personas, and usability testing to guide each phase of design.

The impact

Helped therapists stay connected between sessions—gaining visibility into patient progress and follow-through.

Problem

Recovery routines shouldn’t feel like a second job.

Problem

Recovery routines shouldn’t feel like a second job.

Problem

Recovery routines shouldn’t feel like a second job.

At-home physical therapy often breaks down between visits. Patients forget their routines, lose motivation, or aren’t sure if they’re doing it right. Therapists, in turn, have limited visibility into progress or engagement.

At-home physical therapy often breaks down between visits. Patients forget their routines, lose motivation, or aren’t sure if they’re doing it right. Therapists, in turn, have limited visibility into progress or engagement.

At-home physical therapy often breaks down between visits. Patients forget their routines, lose motivation, or aren’t sure if they’re doing it right. Therapists, in turn, have limited visibility into progress or engagement.

I explored how a digital tool could support care asynchronously by giving therapists more visibility and patients a simpler way to stay on track.

I explored how a digital tool could support care asynchronously by giving therapists more visibility and patients a simpler way to stay on track.

I explored how a digital tool could support care asynchronously by giving therapists more visibility and patients a simpler way to stay on track.

Paper handouts are an inefficient and unclear method of prescribing a workout. Exercises are easier to absorb through videos, but they remain the predominant medium for therapy routines.

Paper handouts are an inefficient and unclear method of prescribing a workout. Exercises are easier to absorb through videos, but they remain the predominant medium for therapy routines.

Paper handouts are an inefficient and unclear method of prescribing a workout. Exercises are easier to absorb through videos, but they remain the predominant medium for therapy routines.

Discovery

Listening to Patients, Learning from Therapists

Discovery

Listening to Patients, Learning from Therapists

Discovery

Listening to Patients, Learning from Therapists

I began by reviewing physical therapy handouts and conducting informal interviews with patients and therapists to surface recurring friction points.

I began by reviewing physical therapy handouts and conducting informal interviews with patients and therapists to surface recurring friction points.

I began by reviewing physical therapy handouts and conducting informal interviews with patients and therapists to surface recurring friction points.

1
Clarity & Confidence
  • Patients often felt unsure whether they were “doing it right.” Without simple, supportive guidance, progress felt ambiguous and discouraging.

1
Clarity & Confidence
  • Patients often felt unsure whether they were “doing it right.” Without simple, supportive guidance, progress felt ambiguous and discouraging.

1
Clarity & Confidence
  • Patients often felt unsure whether they were “doing it right.” Without simple, supportive guidance, progress felt ambiguous and discouraging.

2
Motivation Between Sessions
  • Staying engaged was a struggle. Without consistent reinforcement, patients lost momentum and often disengaged from their routines.

2
Motivation Between Sessions
  • Staying engaged was a struggle. Without consistent reinforcement, patients lost momentum and often disengaged from their routines.

2
Motivation Between Sessions
  • Staying engaged was a struggle. Without consistent reinforcement, patients lost momentum and often disengaged from their routines.

3
Progress Tracking That Works
  • Tracking tools were either too complex or missing altogether. Simpler, more intuitivae methods were needed to help patients see their growth.

3
Progress Tracking That Works
  • Tracking tools were either too complex or missing altogether. Simpler, more intuitivae methods were needed to help patients see their growth.

3
Progress Tracking That Works
  • Tracking tools were either too complex or missing altogether. Simpler, more intuitivae methods were needed to help patients see their growth.

4
Show, Don’t Tell
  • Patients responded better to visual cues and emotional reinforcement than dense, text-heavy instructions. Less reading, more feeling.

4
Show, Don’t Tell
  • Patients responded better to visual cues and emotional reinforcement than dense, text-heavy instructions. Less reading, more feeling.

4
Show, Don’t Tell
  • Patients responded better to visual cues and emotional reinforcement than dense, text-heavy instructions. Less reading, more feeling.

I take  screenshots of the PDFs and have to find it in my photo albums every time I go to the gym. This is stupid." 

I take  screenshots of the PDFs and have to find it in my photo albums every time I go to the gym. This is stupid." 

I take  screenshots of the PDFs and have to find it in my photo albums every time I go to the gym. This is stupid." 

Research Sources

I reviewed physical therapy handouts, interviewed five participants, surveyed Reddit communities, and analyzed therapist forums. These early findings shaped the core needs outlined below.

Research Sources

I reviewed physical therapy handouts, interviewed five participants, surveyed Reddit communities, and analyzed therapist forums. These early findings shaped the core needs outlined below.

Research Sources

I reviewed physical therapy handouts, interviewed five participants, surveyed Reddit communities, and analyzed therapist forums. These early findings shaped the core needs outlined below.

Meet the Users

The primary persona was an occupational therapist who wanted to record treatment routines instead of giving them paper handouts. This would likely increase the chance of adherence to therapy.

Meet the Users

The primary persona was an occupational therapist who wanted to record treatment routines instead of giving them paper handouts. This would likely increase the chance of adherence to therapy.

Meet the Users

The primary persona was an occupational therapist who wanted to record treatment routines instead of giving them paper handouts. This would likely increase the chance of adherence to therapy.

Fix-it Faye

Motivated and wants structure—but often overwhelmed by inconsistent instructions.

Persona: Fix-it Faye, a time-strapped physical therapist overwhelmed by analog handouts and low patient adherence. Needs tools to educate, motivate, and track patients more effectively.

Fix-it Faye

Motivated and wants structure—but often overwhelmed by inconsistent instructions.

Persona: Fix-it Faye, a time-strapped physical therapist overwhelmed by analog handouts and low patient adherence. Needs tools to educate, motivate, and track patients more effectively.

Fix-it Faye

Motivated and wants structure—but often overwhelmed by inconsistent instructions.

Persona: Fix-it Faye, a time-strapped physical therapist overwhelmed by analog handouts and low patient adherence. Needs tools to educate, motivate, and track patients more effectively.

Sidelined Sam

Discouraged by past injury and reluctant to re-engage. Needs encouragement and simplicity.

Persona: Sidelined Sam, a digitally fluent CrossFit enthusiast recovering from injury. Needs rehab routines that feel motivating, easy to follow, and fit into his tech-savvy lifestyle.

Sidelined Sam

Discouraged by past injury and reluctant to re-engage. Needs encouragement and simplicity.

Persona: Sidelined Sam, a digitally fluent CrossFit enthusiast recovering from injury. Needs rehab routines that feel motivating, easy to follow, and fit into his tech-savvy lifestyle.

Sidelined Sam

Discouraged by past injury and reluctant to re-engage. Needs encouragement and simplicity.

Persona: Sidelined Sam, a digitally fluent CrossFit enthusiast recovering from injury. Needs rehab routines that feel motivating, easy to follow, and fit into his tech-savvy lifestyle.
Evaluating the Competitive Landscape

Apps for consumers and apps for therapists were audited, focusing on essential features that would complete the therapist-patient feedback loop.

Evaluating the Competitive Landscape

Apps for consumers and apps for therapists were audited, focusing on essential features that would complete the therapist-patient feedback loop.

Evaluating the Competitive Landscape

Apps for consumers and apps for therapists were audited, focusing on essential features that would complete the therapist-patient feedback loop.

Feature Comparison

A scan of consumer and therapist apps showing where key features like motivation, clarity, and routine support are missing.

Comparison table evaluating 5 fitness and physical therapy apps across 7 UX and feature criteria, including therapist tools, intuitive UX, and motivational tone. Highlights gaps in existing solutions, informing product opportunities.

Feature Comparison

A scan of consumer and therapist apps showing where key features like motivation, clarity, and routine support are missing.

Comparison table evaluating 5 fitness and physical therapy apps across 7 UX and feature criteria, including therapist tools, intuitive UX, and motivational tone. Highlights gaps in existing solutions, informing product opportunities.

Feature Comparison

A scan of consumer and therapist apps showing where key features like motivation, clarity, and routine support are missing.

Comparison table evaluating 5 fitness and physical therapy apps across 7 UX and feature criteria, including therapist tools, intuitive UX, and motivational tone. Highlights gaps in existing solutions, informing product opportunities.
From Insight to Direction

Across interviews, surveys, and secondary research, a consistent set of user needs emerged: patients wanted clarity, not complexity; therapists needed flexible tools that fit their workflows; and both groups lacked confidence in current solutions.

From Insight to Direction

Across interviews, surveys, and secondary research, a consistent set of user needs emerged: patients wanted clarity, not complexity; therapists needed flexible tools that fit their workflows; and both groups lacked confidence in current solutions.

From Insight to Direction

Across interviews, surveys, and secondary research, a consistent set of user needs emerged: patients wanted clarity, not complexity; therapists needed flexible tools that fit their workflows; and both groups lacked confidence in current solutions.

These findings led to three principles that shaped the design:

These findings led to three principles that shaped the design:

These findings led to three principles that shaped the design:

Ease

Minimize friction in completing or assigning routines.

Utility

Make each feature purposeful and task-oriented.

Precision

Support correct form and timing through clear, visual instruction.

Ease

Minimize friction in completing or assigning routines.

Utility

Make each feature purposeful and task-oriented.

Precision

Support correct form and timing through clear, visual instruction.

Ease

Minimize friction in completing or assigning routines.

Utility

Make each feature purposeful and task-oriented.

Precision

Support correct form and timing through clear, visual instruction.

Design Foundation

Principles distilled from research, setting the direction for how the product should behave, support users, and feel to use.

Synthesis summary showing three design principles—Ease, Utility, Precision—with bullet points describing how the re•build product addresses therapist and patient needs.

Design Foundation

Principles distilled from research, setting the direction for how the product should behave, support users, and feel to use.

Synthesis summary showing three design principles—Ease, Utility, Precision—with bullet points describing how the re•build product addresses therapist and patient needs.

Design Foundation

Principles distilled from research, setting the direction for how the product should behave, support users, and feel to use.

Synthesis summary showing three design principles—Ease, Utility, Precision—with bullet points describing how the re•build product addresses therapist and patient needs.

These principles guided how I prioritized features and shaped the feel of the experience.

These principles guided how I prioritized features and shaped the feel of the experience.

These principles guided how I prioritized features and shaped the feel of the experience.

Solutions

Turning Insights into Interfaces

Solutions

Turning Insights into Interfaces

Solutions

Turning Insights into Interfaces

To define scope and structure, I mapped the end-to-end user flow, created an information architecture, and used a 2x2 prioritization grid to focus on features that balanced impact with feasibility. These system-level artifacts helped translate early insights into a clear product foundation—clarifying what to build, how it would work, and where to focus first.

To define scope and structure, I mapped the end-to-end user flow, created an information architecture, and used a 2x2 prioritization grid to focus on features that balanced impact with feasibility. These system-level artifacts helped translate early insights into a clear product foundation—clarifying what to build, how it would work, and where to focus first.

To define scope and structure, I mapped the end-to-end user flow, created an information architecture, and used a 2x2 prioritization grid to focus on features that balanced impact with feasibility. These system-level artifacts helped translate early insights into a clear product foundation—clarifying what to build, how it would work, and where to focus first.

Testing & Iterations

Designing for Emotional Reinforcement

Testing & Iterations

Designing for Emotional Reinforcement

Testing & Iterations

Designing for Emotional Reinforcement

reBuild was designed to support care between visits, not replace it. Each feature focused on structure, motivation, and small wins patients could manage on their own. The goal: build confidence over time without overwhelming either user.

reBuild was designed to support care between visits, not replace it. Each feature focused on structure, motivation, and small wins patients could manage on their own. The goal: build confidence over time without overwhelming either user.

reBuild was designed to support care between visits, not replace it. Each feature focused on structure, motivation, and small wins patients could manage on their own. The goal: build confidence over time without overwhelming either user.

Design Evolution

The original home screen was functional but flat. A static menu split by user type didn’t guide attention or spark momentum.

Design Evolution

The original home screen was functional but flat. A static menu split by user type didn’t guide attention or spark momentum.

Design Evolution

The original home screen was functional but flat. A static menu split by user type didn’t guide attention or spark momentum.

Testing showed users needed faster access to routines and recent uploads. I redesigned the screen as a dynamic feed that surfaces timely content and reinforces a sense of progress.

Testing showed users needed faster access to routines and recent uploads. I redesigned the screen as a dynamic feed that surfaces timely content and reinforces a sense of progress.

Testing showed users needed faster access to routines and recent uploads. I redesigned the screen as a dynamic feed that surfaces timely content and reinforces a sense of progress.

From Menu to Feed

Early concepts relied on a static menu. Testing showed users needed more context and encouragement up front, prompting a shift toward a schedule-first design.

Early sketch of the re•build app home screen showing four primary therapist tasks: shooting video, taking photos, setting reminders, and accessing the exercise library. Informed task-driven navigation based on core therapist workflows.

From Menu to Feed

Early concepts relied on a static menu. Testing showed users needed more context and encouragement up front, prompting a shift toward a schedule-first design.

Early sketch of the re•build app home screen showing four primary therapist tasks: shooting video, taking photos, setting reminders, and accessing the exercise library. Informed task-driven navigation based on core therapist workflows.

From Menu to Feed

Early concepts relied on a static menu. Testing showed users needed more context and encouragement up front, prompting a shift toward a schedule-first design.

Early sketch of the re•build app home screen showing four primary therapist tasks: shooting video, taking photos, setting reminders, and accessing the exercise library. Informed task-driven navigation based on core therapist workflows.
Core Features

With structure in place, I focused on the routines and touchpoints that shape daily use. These mid-fidelity flows reflect small refinements that made the product feel more motivational, responsive, and easy to follow.

Core Features

With structure in place, I focused on the routines and touchpoints that shape daily use. These mid-fidelity flows reflect small refinements that made the product feel more motivational, responsive, and easy to follow.

Core Features

With structure in place, I focused on the routines and touchpoints that shape daily use. These mid-fidelity flows reflect small refinements that made the product feel more motivational, responsive, and easy to follow.

What Testing Confirmed & Helped Refine

Usability testing validated the overall design direction and surfaced a few meaningful adjustments. Patients responded well to the streamlined structure and conversational tone. Small tweaks, like clarifying the check-in interface, made the product feel more approachable.

What Testing Confirmed & Helped Refine

Usability testing validated the overall design direction and surfaced a few meaningful adjustments. Patients responded well to the streamlined structure and conversational tone. Small tweaks, like clarifying the check-in interface, made the product feel more approachable.

What Testing Confirmed & Helped Refine

Usability testing validated the overall design direction and surfaced a few meaningful adjustments. Patients responded well to the streamlined structure and conversational tone. Small tweaks, like clarifying the check-in interface, made the product feel more approachable.

Refinements included:

Refinements included:

Refinements included:

Contextual Landing Screens

Replaced static menus with dynamic, content-driven screens that surface relevant actions based on user role and timing.

Three mobile screens showing improved navigation clarity and content discoverability: (1) daily schedule view with patient appointments, (2) exercise recording mode with access to recent videos, and (3) a categorized library to browse exercises by muscle group. Testing validated the value of anchoring primary user tasks in bottom nav for quick access.

Contextual Landing Screens

Replaced static menus with dynamic, content-driven screens that surface relevant actions based on user role and timing.

Three mobile screens showing improved navigation clarity and content discoverability: (1) daily schedule view with patient appointments, (2) exercise recording mode with access to recent videos, and (3) a categorized library to browse exercises by muscle group. Testing validated the value of anchoring primary user tasks in bottom nav for quick access.

Contextual Landing Screens

Replaced static menus with dynamic, content-driven screens that surface relevant actions based on user role and timing.

Three mobile screens showing improved navigation clarity and content discoverability: (1) daily schedule view with patient appointments, (2) exercise recording mode with access to recent videos, and (3) a categorized library to browse exercises by muscle group. Testing validated the value of anchoring primary user tasks in bottom nav for quick access.

Conversational Microcopy

Reworded prompts to sound more natural and human, reducing friction and encouraging engagement.

A motivational in-app message from a therapist encouraging the user to start their session with specific breathing tips. Usability testing revealed users needed clearer onboarding and guidance at session start—this refinement increased perceived support and user confidence.

Conversational Microcopy

Reworded prompts to sound more natural and human, reducing friction and encouraging engagement.

A motivational in-app message from a therapist encouraging the user to start their session with specific breathing tips. Usability testing revealed users needed clearer onboarding and guidance at session start—this refinement increased perceived support and user confidence.

Conversational Microcopy

Reworded prompts to sound more natural and human, reducing friction and encouraging engagement.

A motivational in-app message from a therapist encouraging the user to start their session with specific breathing tips. Usability testing revealed users needed clearer onboarding and guidance at session start—this refinement increased perceived support and user confidence.

Emoji-Based Feedback

Introduced a lightweight check-in tool using emoji reactions, making it easier for patients to share how they feel at a glance.

A simple post-session feedback interface prompting users with “How did this feel?” and three emoji options. Testing confirmed this low-friction input method encouraged reflection without disrupting flow, and provided therapists with lightweight sentiment data.

Emoji-Based Feedback

Introduced a lightweight check-in tool using emoji reactions, making it easier for patients to share how they feel at a glance.

A simple post-session feedback interface prompting users with “How did this feel?” and three emoji options. Testing confirmed this low-friction input method encouraged reflection without disrupting flow, and provided therapists with lightweight sentiment data.

Emoji-Based Feedback

Introduced a lightweight check-in tool using emoji reactions, making it easier for patients to share how they feel at a glance.

A simple post-session feedback interface prompting users with “How did this feel?” and three emoji options. Testing confirmed this low-friction input method encouraged reflection without disrupting flow, and provided therapists with lightweight sentiment data.

It feels like something I could actually keep up with.

It feels like something I could actually keep up with.

It feels like something I could actually keep up with.

Reflection

Beyond the Prototype

Reflection

Beyond the Prototype

Reflection

Beyond the Prototype

This prototype wasn’t designed for HIPAA compliance, but it reflects the realities of clinical care: limited time, varied patient goals, and sensitive progress tracking.

This prototype wasn’t designed for HIPAA compliance, but it reflects the realities of clinical care: limited time, varied patient goals, and sensitive progress tracking.

This prototype wasn’t designed for HIPAA compliance, but it reflects the realities of clinical care: limited time, varied patient goals, and sensitive progress tracking.

The patterns developed here—modular routines, video guidance, lightweight feedback—also apply to fitness and wellness contexts, where regulatory constraints are lighter but the need for personalized, motivating experiences is just as important.

The patterns developed here—modular routines, video guidance, lightweight feedback—also apply to fitness and wellness contexts, where regulatory constraints are lighter but the need for personalized, motivating experiences is just as important.

The patterns developed here—modular routines, video guidance, lightweight feedback—also apply to fitness and wellness contexts, where regulatory constraints are lighter but the need for personalized, motivating experiences is just as important.

With a few adjustments, the system could support personal trainers or digital coaches focused on delivering measurable progress. The same core behaviors, from streamlined creation to simple feedback loops, reflect the principles that shaped the entire system.

With a few adjustments, the system could support personal trainers or digital coaches focused on delivering measurable progress. The same core behaviors, from streamlined creation to simple feedback loops, reflect the principles that shaped the entire system.

With a few adjustments, the system could support personal trainers or digital coaches focused on delivering measurable progress. The same core behaviors, from streamlined creation to simple feedback loops, reflect the principles that shaped the entire system.

Silhouetted woman in a lunge position lifting dumbbells, symbolizing strength and personal progress.
Silhouetted woman in a lunge position lifting dumbbells, symbolizing strength and personal progress.
Silhouetted woman in a lunge position lifting dumbbells, symbolizing strength and personal progress.