Tech460 Final Project: Fitbit Blood Pressure User Interface ✓ Solved

This project proposes a technology plan to develop a user interface for blood pressure (BP) monitoring for Fitbit Inc.

Fitbit has lost market share in the wearable device market and has negative net income. Analysis of Fitbit’s products and services suggests adding BP measurement to better compete in advanced health monitoring. This proposal addresses development of a user interface for the BP monitoring capability. Alternative solutions for a BP monitoring user interface were evaluated; recommended solution is a website plus platform-specific extensions to existing apps. An implementation plan for the recommended solution is outlined including WBS, schedule, validation, evaluation and continuous improvement, and legal/ethical/cultural considerations.

Fitbit, Inc. builds and distributes wearable products that wirelessly track activity of users to monitor health and fitness. Its main competitors include Apple, Xiaomi, Huawei, and Samsung. Established in 2007 with 1,684 employees, Fitbit has seen its revenue nearly double in the last five years to $1.4B, despite its net income declining from +$132M in 2014 to -$321M in 2019. The company's share of the wearable device market has diminished from 34% in 2015 to just 2.6% in 2020. An acquisition by Alphabet Inc. (Google’s parent company) was announced in 2019 but has yet to be completed.

Fitbit's product range includes connected health and fitness tracking devices, smartwatches, trackers, a smart scale, accessories, and a web portal that provides health and fitness statistics, along with premium membership features for enhanced health metrics and coaching.

The project focuses on supporting Fitbit’s addition of blood pressure monitoring capability through design of a web and mobile app user interface that will display blood pressure readings both numerically and graphically, track changes over time, and identify trends that may indicate health concerns.

For technology selection, two alternative approaches were analyzed: a Progressive Web App (PWA) and a website plus platform-specific extensions to existing apps. The PWA provides advantages such as faster development, reduced costs, and greater consistency across platforms, though it cannot integrate with existing mobile apps and has limited access to device features. In contrast, the website plus extensions can integrate fully with existing apps and utilize a fuller range of user interface options, though it involves higher development costs.

The recommended solution involves the website plus platform-specific extensions approach, which will enable integration with existing Fitbit applications, providing users with a cohesive health tracking experience.

Implementation involves a detailed Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) that includes phases for analysis, common user experience design, app development for web and mobile platforms, testing, and deployment. The expected timeline for this development is three months, with careful validation and testing at each stage to ensure functionality and user satisfaction.

Legal and ethical considerations include adherence to US HIPAA regulations regarding health data privacy and the essential need for consumer protection regarding health-related behaviors. This monitoring capability must also respect cultural attitudes towards health data sensitivity.

In conclusion, the addition of blood pressure monitoring to Fitbit’s offerings through a well-structured user interface not only addresses existing market challenges but also positions Fitbit to compete more effectively in the rapidly-evolving wearable technology space.

Paper For Above Instructions

The development of a new user interface (UI) for blood pressure (BP) monitoring represents a strategic pivot for Fitbit Inc., a company struggling to regain its foothold in the increasingly competitive wearable technology landscape. The objective of this project is to deliver an integrated user experience that seamlessly combines BP monitoring with Fitbit's existing health and fitness ecosystem. This paper will present a cohesive plan comprising organization profiling, technology selection, UI design principles, implementation strategies, and ongoing evaluation processes.

Organization Profile

Fitbit is well-known for its range of wearable devices that not only monitor physical activity but also provide insights on health metrics, sleep patterns, and stress management. However, the organization faces stiff competition from established giants like Apple and Samsung, and it has seen its market share plummet significantly over recent years. Acknowledging a shift in consumer demand towards more comprehensive health monitoring, particularly in the realm of cardiovascular health, this project aims to leverage the evolving technology trends to incorporate BP monitoring into its product offerings.

Technology Selection and Design

The decision-making process regarding the technology for product development considered two primary options— the Progressive Web App (PWA) and a website paired with extensions to existing mobile applications. While PWAs provide an innovative method to deliver functionalities across devices, they lack the integration depth that is critical for users who expect a cohesive experience within existing Fitbit applications. Conversely, a webpage along with app-specific extensions would allow for a rich, integrated user experience, making it the preferred choice.

User Interface Design

The user interface design will cater to displaying BP readings in both numerical and graphical formats, ensuring users can track and identify changes over time effectively. It will feature color-coded indicators based on American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines so that users can quickly assess their health situation. The tracking solutions will also incorporate trend analyses that highlight potential health concerns such as hypertension or hypotension over time, enabling proactive management of their health.

Implementation Plan

The project will follow a structured Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) which outlines all critical phases from analyzing requirements and developing the UI to conducting thorough testing before rollout. Each platform – web, iOS, and Android – will undergo rigorous testing to validate functionality and integration, with beta testing planned to gather real-world feedback for further improvements.

Validation and Continuous Improvement

Validation efforts will focus on verifying the functionality across all platforms and ensuring that all data transfer processes work smoothly. Ongoing monitoring of customer usage, feedback, and performance metrics will provide continuous improvement opportunities and adaptations based on user needs.

Legal and Ethical Dimensions

Legal and ethical considerations occupy a central role in the development of healthcare applications. The project will adhere to HIPAA regulations to protect users’ health data and ensure compliance with FDA regulations for medical devices. Additionally, ethical considerations relating to data privacy and consumer health implications will be scrutinized comprehensively.

Conclusion

The integration of blood pressure monitoring into Fitbit's offerings represents a critical opportunity for the brand to differentiate itself and revive its market standing. With a robust user interface designed to facilitate an intuitive user experience, coupled with a meticulous implementation and validation strategy, this project positions Fitbit to meet evolving consumer demands and enhance overall health monitoring capabilities.

References

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