As a User Research Intern at a MedTech start-up, I had the opportunity to lead a project, which aimed to produce valuable and thought-provoking insights about user needs, motivations, challenges and pain points. Additionally, I focused on drawing conclusions and providing recommendations to aid design, product development and revolutionise the treatment of catastrophic haemorrhage.

During this internship, I created user personas, carried out current problem landscaping and developed value propositions to understand end users. I also generated research materials including screeners, a discussion guide and stimulus. Here, I quickly grasped onto user research, effectively applying my experience and skillset from pharmaceutical market research to this role while improving my problem-solving, interpersonal and analytical abilities.

Working in a team of engineers and designers, we brainstormed ideas and refined value propositions for the design of the research materials, which as a result would influence the prototyping, usability and launch of the product.

What I Learnt Along the Way

A key skill that I implemented during user research was empathy, while utilising active listening and interviewing skills. In the moderated interviews, I was able to use the space presented to build rapport and really understand respondents, their true feelings, thoughts, fears and challenges. During interviews with paramedics and police officers in the UK and US I was able to deep-dive into their experiences and struggles, which helped me to produce meaningful insights. Executing this skill was crucial in allowing respondents to feel safe so they would willingly share personal experiences, emotions and true stories, which enhanced our understanding of each end user group.

Another key skill I honed was data analysis, the ability to synthesise findings and translate them into actionable steps, whilst also making use of data visualisation methods, such as graphs, to contextualise findings. The analysis was segmented into key themes of 'current problems', 'targeted value propositions' and 'overall value propositions', producing in-depth insights and concise conclusions. I used this analysis to generate recommendations for ACT Medical’s device, as well as advising on next steps; further investment opportunities and future research studies.

Once all analysis was complete and key themes were extracted, I created concise user personas. I then implemented my presentation and communication skills to present the results of the project and to deliver the final report.

Reflecting on the Internship

My overall internship experience as a user researcher at ACT Medical was both interesting and fulfilling as I had the opportunity to speak first-hand to police officers and paramedics to truly understand their needs. The findings will inform how ACT Medical’s device can be integrated into the day-to-day work of end users and will contribute towards improving patient outcomes.

It was a positive and rewarding experience, where I was able to showcase my skills as well as put my experience and knowledge to practice. This experience will further allow me to apply my learnings and transferable skills developed from user research to get into the space of UX and UXD.

It was a pleasure to be part of this journey at a start-up! I look forward to seeing the difference ACT Medical will make to future design and technological medical advancements in healthcare.

Jodie Hou

• ACT Medical’s award-winning medical device concept aims to save the lives of trauma victims by stemming bleeding from knife and gunshot wounds. Follow ACT Medical on LinkedIn for latest updates or email hello@actmedical.co.uk to speak to us directly.