Grin
A responsible teeth aligner platform
Role: UX, Visual Design
Date: 2020
Duration: 9 Months
Team: Angelica Cupat, Steph Lee
Intro
Grin is a new teeth aligner company based in NYC. They are challenging the ‘do it yourself’ aligner companies by making the process easier and cheaper with more orthodontist oversight. They asked us to design a mobile app to guide their patients through treatment and an orthodontist (ortho) web app to manage and communicate with their patients.
Research
We talked to both patients and orthodontists to better understand their experience with aligner treatment. We found that Patients were intimidated by the process and very concerned with cost. Orthos were tired of the monopoly that Invisalign had on the industry. They wanted more say over treatment and patient management. We gathered these stories to create a very detailed account of the current treatment process.
Service Blueprint
We learned that straightening teeth is a long complicated process that takes years to complete. We mapped out the journey for patients, orthodontists and Grin. This was critical for addressing pain points and identifying areas of opportunity.
Opportunity Sketches
We conducted brainstorm sessions to address areas of opportunity. Here are some of the sketches we did for the patient app.
Key Decision
Timeline Navigation
Each step of the teeth aligning process requires differing functionality. We decided to go with a timeline navigation so the app can adapt as the patient's needs change in each step.
Finding an Ortho
Patients told us they didn't know how to start their journey, especially when it came to finding an ortho. The first step of the app helps them choose an ortho. They can see specialists in their area, read reviews and book a consultation.
Treatment Plan
Patients complained about the number of visits to the ortho office. Some said this deterred them from starting treatment. We leveraged remote communication where we could to reduce the number of visits. After the free in person consultation the patient receives a video of their ortho explaining their treatment plan. This includes a 3D simulation of how their teeth will move throughout treatment.
Prep
It can take weeks to manufacture and ship new aligners to the patient. We included a tracker to show the user what was happening behind the scenes as they waited. They can also watch tutorials about proper care and maintenance.
Treatment
Orthos cited communication with the patient being the most important metric of success for treatment. Adjustments to the treatment plan are common but traditionally a patient would need to wait until the next checkin to raise concerns. We centered the treatment around a chat with the ortho and grin so communication can be direct and efficient.
Daily Logging
Aligner wearing adherence is the most important factor for the success of treatment. We wanted to encourage the habit of wearing aligners with a daily checkin from with the ortho. This makes the patient accountable and notifies the ortho if patients miss a few days in a row.
Scanning
Instead of in-person visits grin gives patients a phone attachment to help them send weekly updates to their ortho. This reduces the number of in-person visits. We worked with a few orthos to prototype and test this attachment. I am bodystorming the experience below. It took many iterations before getting it right.
Patient Tracking
Some practices will be managing hundreds of patients in varying steps of treatment. It is important for orthodontists to quickly get a snap shot of their patients and address patient related tasks.
Reviewing Milestones
The ortho must review the patients scans to make sure they are on track. They decide if the patient is on track or they need to come in for a closer look.
Impact
Over 10,000 people signed up for Grin in the first week after launching in NYC.
