An Integrated Approach to Revolutionizing
Medication Management and Access

An Integrated Approach to Revolutionizing Medication Management and Access

An Integrated Approach to Revolutionizing
Medication Management and Access

01

OVERVIEW

This case study showcases how I balanced technological solutions to address the fragmented medication management system, undertaken as a solo bootcamp project. Discover the strategic user research and design conceptualization behind CuraLink, an app designed to empower patients through real-time pharmacy data, AI-driven adherence support, and streamlined healthcare communication.

This case study showcases how I balanced technological solutions to address the fragmented medication management system, undertaken as a solo bootcamp project. Discover the strategic user research and design conceptualization behind CuraLink, an app designed to empower patients through real-time pharmacy data, AI-driven adherence support, and streamlined healthcare communication.

Placeholder
Placeholder

02

MY ROLE

As the solo designer for CuraLink, my role involved an 8-week research and a 4-week prototyping phase. My responsibilities encompassed user research, system design, prototyping, illustration, user flow creation, and storytelling. Utilizing Miro, Figma, and Photoshop, my responsibilities often blended with product ownership and business analysis, ensuring CuraLink's desirability, viability, and technical feasibility

From Fragmented to Flowing

From Fragmented to Flowing

From Fragmented to Flowing

Medication access and adherence is fragmented due to outdated tech and poor patient-pharmacy-provider connectivity.

03
PROBLEM

0

%

Patients with chronic diseases don't take

medications as prescribed, leading to

poor health outcomes and high costs.



1 in

0

Prescriptions are abandoned at the

pharmacy if the out-of-pocket cost is

above $50. 29% Adults in the U.S. report

not taking medicines as prescribed due
to cost.

0

%

Medication errors happen during

transitions in care, often due to to poor

communication. Up to 70% of adverse

drug events are preventable with better

coordination.

0

Million

Americans provide unpaid care, many

managing medications. 72% caregivers

report feeling overwhelmed, especially

when managing multiple prescriptions.

Americans provide unpaid care, many

managing medications. 72% caregivers

report feeling overwhelmed, especially

when managing multiple prescriptions.


0

%

Patients with chronic diseases don't take medications as prescribed, leading to poor health outcomes

and high costs.


1 in

0

Prescriptions are abandoned at the

pharmacy if the out-of-pocket cost is above $50. 29% Adults in the U.S. report not taking medicines as prescribed due to cost.

Medication errors happen during transitions in care, often due to to poor communication. Upto 70% of adverse drug events are preventable with better coordination.

0

%

0

Million

Americans provide unpaid care, many managing medications. 72% caregivers report feeling overwhelmed, especially when managing multiple prescriptions.

How might we enhance medication access,
communication, and adherence through a
connected, user-centered experience?

How might we enhance medication access, communication, and adherence through a connected, user-centered experience?

How might we enhance medication access, communication, and adherence through a connected,
user-centered experience?

Discover

Secondary Research

Survey and Interviews

Journey Map

Competitor Analysis

Synthesis

Ideate

Crazy 8's

Information Architecture

Prototype

Lo-Fi Wireframing

Design Systems

High Fidelity Designs

Testing

Discover

Secondary Research

Survey and Interviews

Journey Map

Competitor Analysis

Synthesis

Ideate

Crazy 8's

Information Architecture

Prototype

Lo-Fi Wireframing

Design Systems

High Fidelity Designs

Testing

Discover

Secondary Research

Survey and Interviews

Journey Map

Competitor Analysis

Synthesis

Ideate

Crazy 8's

Information Architecture

Prototype

Lo-Fi Wireframing

Design Systems

High Fidelity Designs

Testing

Streamline medication management, strengthen patient-pharmacy-provider connectivity, and empower users with real time insights to improve adherence and access.

04
SOLUTION

KEY FEATURES

CuraLink enables structured tracking of medication adherence and health metrics through a streamlined logging interface. The system uses AI-based predictive algorithms to forecast refill needs based on dosage schedules and historical intake, prompting timely user actions. Real-time pharmacy integration pulls live inventory and dynamic pricing data via API from partnered networks, allowing location-based, cost-optimized medication access.

Streamline medication management, strengthen patient-pharmacy-provider connectivity, and empower users with real time insights to improve adherence and access.

06
QUALITATIVE INTERVIEWS

06
QUALITATIVE INTERVIEWS

KEY FEATURES

David

55, Concerned Caregiver Son

Manages meds for his mother (82) with Dementia, Arthritis, AFib (8 meds).

Goal: Ensure mother's adherence, streamline coordination.

Pain Point: Confirming intake, refill complexity, communication gaps

Elena

48, Proactive Polypharmacy Manager

Manages Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension, High Cholesterol (6 meds).

Goal: Simplify routine, avoid interactions, save money.

Pain Point: Forgetting doses, tracking refills, cost surprises.

Margaret

76, Independent but Cautious Senior

Manages Osteoarthritis, Hypertension, GERD (4 meds).

Goal: Maintain independence, manage costs, ensure accuracy.

Pain Point: Forgetfulness, cost worries, tech/privacy concerns.

David

55, Concerned Caregiver Son

Manages meds for his mother (82) with Dementia, Arthritis, AFib (8 meds).

Goal: Ensure mother's adherence, streamline coordination.

Pain Point: Confirming intake, refill complexity, communication gaps

Elena

48, Proactive Polypharmacy Manager

Manages Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension, High Cholesterol (6 meds).

Goal: Simplify routine, avoid interactions, save money.

Pain Point: Forgetting doses, tracking refills, cost surprises.

Margaret

76, Independent but Cautious Senior

Manages Osteoarthritis, Hypertension, GERD (4 meds).

Goal: Maintain independence, manage costs, ensure accuracy.

Pain Point: Forgetfulness, cost worries, tech/privacy concerns.

David

55, Concerned Caregiver Son

Manages meds for his mother (82) with Dementia, Arthritis, AFib (8 meds).

Goal: Ensure mother's adherence, streamline coordination.

Pain Point: Confirming intake, refill complexity, communication gaps

Elena

48, Proactive Polypharmacy Manager

Manages Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension, High Cholesterol (6 meds).

Goal: Simplify routine, avoid interactions, save money.

Pain Point: Forgetting doses, tracking refills, cost surprises.

Margaret

76, Independent but Cautious Senior

Manages Osteoarthritis, Hypertension, GERD (4 meds).

Goal: Maintain independence, manage costs, ensure accuracy.

Pain Point: Forgetfulness, cost worries, tech/privacy concerns.

FOUNDATIONS

Empathetic design tailored for aging users


Clear communication of personalized health insights


Inclusive accessibility across devices, bandwidths, and literacy levels

KEY DRIVERS

1 in 6 people globally will be aged 60+ by 2030


40+ U.S. states have adopted telehealth coverage parity laws


AI-powered tools are reshaping adherence through predictive, personalized care

TAKEAWAY

To deliver lasting impact, CuraLink must align with evolving care models and translate complex data into intuitive, patient-focused experiences.

06

SECONDARY RESEARCH

06
SECONDARY RESEARCH

The digital health market is undergoing rapid transformation, with the telehealthcare segment emerging as a key driver due to its ability to meet the growing demand for accessible, affordable, and remote care. The pandemic accelerated this shift, and what began as an emergency response has now evolved into a foundational part of modern healthcare systems.

Remote consultations, virtual platforms, and audio-only services have gained legitimacy and legislative support, particularly as tools to reach underserved populations like seniors or those in rural areas.

Telehealth held 43.1% of the market in 2024 and is projected to exceed $970 billion by 2034

Telehealth held 43.1% of the market in 2024 and is projected to exceed $970 billion by 2034

Telehealth held 43.1% of the market in 2024 and is projected to exceed $970 billion by 2034

This growth mirrors the broader expansion of digital health, which is forecasted to reach $2.19 trillion by 2034. But with opportunity comes competition. As users grow more tech-literate, digital health tools must move beyond utility, offering seamless, intuitive experiences that deliver real, personal value.


At the same time, the world is aging. Older adults face unique challenges like limited mobility, chronic conditions, and varying levels of digital literacy, that require thoughtful, inclusive design. Technology, when built empathetically, can provide not only access and autonomy but also emotional support and connection.

Smart home integrations, virtual social platforms, and caregiver-supported tools expand the role of apps like CuraLink - from transactional interfaces into full-spectrum support systems.


Parallel to this is the rise of personalization powered by AI and machine learning. These tools are enabling real-time health monitoring, predictive insights, and intelligent medication planning tailored to each individual’s lifestyle, biology, and behavioral patterns. With the integration of wearables and remote patient monitoring, apps are moving from passive reminders to proactive, responsive health partners.


The concept of digital twins - virtual models of patients built from integrated data signals the future of hyper-personalized healthcare. But with that complexity comes responsibility. Health insights must be delivered in a way that is not only accurate, but clear, timely, and understandable.

Technology can become a broker for social experiences.

Technology can become a broker for social experiences.

Technology can become a broker for social experiences.

Smart home integrations, virtual social platforms, and caregiver-supported tools expand the role of apps like CuraLink - from transactional interfaces into full-spectrum support systems.


Parallel to this is the rise of personalization powered by AI and machine learning. These tools are enabling real-time health monitoring, predictive insights, and intelligent medication planning tailored to each individual’s lifestyle, biology, and behavioral patterns. With the integration of wearables and remote patient monitoring, apps are moving from passive reminders to proactive, responsive health partners.


The concept of digital twins - virtual models of patients built from integrated data signals the future of hyper-personalized healthcare. But with that complexity comes responsibility. Health insights must be delivered in a way that is not only accurate, but clear, timely, and understandable.

Smart home integrations, virtual social platforms, and caregiver-supported tools expand the role of apps like CuraLink- from transactional interfaces into full-spectrum support systems.


Parallel to this is the rise of personalization powered by AI and machine learning. These tools are enabling real-time health monitoring, predictive insights, and intelligent medication planning tailored to each individual’s lifestyle, biology, and behavioral patterns. With the integration of wearables and remote patient monitoring, apps are moving from passive reminders to proactive, responsive health partners.


The concept of digital twins - virtual models of patients built from integrated data signals the future of hyper-personalized healthcare. But with that complexity comes responsibility. Health insights must be delivered in a way that is not only accurate, but clear, timely, and understandable.

This growth mirrors the broader expansion of digital health, which is forecasted to reach $2.19 trillion by 2034. But with opportunity comes competition. As users grow more tech-literate, digital health tools must move beyond utility, offering seamless, intuitive experiences that deliver real, personal value.


At the same time, the world is aging. Older adults face unique challenges like limited mobility, chronic conditions, and varying levels of digital literacy, that require thoughtful, inclusive design. Technology, when built empathetically, can provide not only access and autonomy but also emotional support and connection.

Empathetic design tailored for aging users


Clear communication of personalized health insights


Inclusive accessibility across devices, bandwidths, and literacy levels

FOUNDATIONS

1 in 6 people globally will be aged 60+ by 2030


40+ U.S. states have adopted telehealth coverage parity laws


AI-powered tools are reshaping adherence through predictive, personalized care

KEY DRIVERS

To deliver lasting impact, CuraLink must align with evolving care models and translate complex data into intuitive, patient-focused experiences.

TAKEAWAY

KEY DRIVERS

1 in 6 people globally will be aged 60+ by 2030


40+ U.S. states have adopted telehealth coverage parity laws


AI-powered tools are reshaping adherence through predictive, personalized care

TAKEAWAY

To deliver lasting impact, CuraLink must align with evolving care models and translate complex data into intuitive, patient-focused experiences.

FOUNDATIONS

Empathetic design tailored for aging users


Clear communication of personalized health insights


Inclusive accessibility across devices, bandwidths, and literacy levels


Copyright © 2025 Dhwani Shah. All Rights Reserved.



Copyright © 2025 Dhwani Shah. All Rights Reserved.