ROLLED OUT
ROLLED OUT
ROLLED OUT
ROLLED OUT
TN-PHR : A Digital Health Lifeline for Tamil Nadu
TN-PHR : A Digital Health Lifeline for Tamil Nadu
TN-PHR : A Digital Health Lifeline for Tamil Nadu
TN-PHR : A Digital Health Lifeline for Tamil Nadu
Accelerating Digital Care with Google Health AI
Accelerating Digital Care with Google Health AI
Accelerating Digital Care with Google Health AI
Accelerating Digital Care with Google Health AI
I worked on the redesign of eFra (formerly TN-PHR®), a public health with over 300,000 beneficiaries in Tamil Nadu. My focus was on crafting a clear design strategy that balanced scalability, accessibility, and adoption. I developed a new visual language and design system, introduced a remote method for discount usability testing, ensured smooth handovers, coordinated across teams, and conducted regular design audits to drive continuous improvement.
I worked on the redesign of eFra (formerly TN-PHR®), a public health with over 300,000 beneficiaries in Tamil Nadu. My focus was on crafting a clear design strategy that balanced scalability, accessibility, and adoption. I developed a new visual language and design system, introduced a remote method for discount usability testing, ensured smooth handovers, coordinated across teams, and conducted regular design audits to drive continuous improvement.
I worked on the redesign of eFra (formerly TN-PHR®), a public health with over 300,000 beneficiaries in Tamil Nadu. My focus was on crafting a clear design strategy that balanced scalability, accessibility, and adoption. I developed a new visual language and design system, introduced a remote method for discount usability testing, ensured smooth handovers, coordinated across teams, and conducted regular design audits to drive continuous improvement.
I worked on the redesign of eFra (formerly TN-PHR®), a public health with over 300,000 beneficiaries in Tamil Nadu. My focus was on crafting a clear design strategy that balanced scalability, accessibility, and adoption. I developed a new visual language and design system, introduced a remote method for discount usability testing, ensured smooth handovers, coordinated across teams, and conducted regular design audits to drive continuous improvement.
Role
Role
Role
Designer (Founding)
Designer (Founding)
Designer (Founding)
Timeline
Timeline
Timeline
16 Months
16 Months
16 Months
Skills
Skills
Skills
Product Design | UX/UI
Stakeholder Management
User Research & Testing
Interactive Prototyping
Development Support
Product Design | UX/UI
Stakeholder Management
User Research & Testing
Interactive Prototyping
Development Support
Product Design | UX/UI
Stakeholder Management
User Research & Testing
Interactive Prototyping
Development Support
Problem
Problem
Problem
In Tamil Nadu, the healthcare system must evolve to meet rising demands for accessible, high-quality care. The challenge is to accelerate digital transformation in a way that ensures personalized, equitable medical support for all, while improving outcomes and addressing local infrastructure limitations.
In Tamil Nadu, the healthcare system must evolve to meet rising demands for accessible, high-quality care. The challenge is to accelerate digital transformation in a way that ensures personalized, equitable medical support for all, while improving outcomes and addressing local infrastructure limitations.
In Tamil Nadu, the healthcare system must evolve to meet rising demands for accessible, high-quality care. The challenge is to accelerate digital transformation in a way that ensures personalized, equitable medical support for all, while improving outcomes and addressing local infrastructure limitations.
In Tamil Nadu, the healthcare system must evolve to meet rising demands for accessible, high-quality care. The challenge is to accelerate digital transformation in a way that ensures personalized, equitable medical support for all, while improving outcomes and addressing local infrastructure limitations.
Tamil Nadu, a southern state in India with over 80 million residents, is widely regarded as a leader in public health and social welfare. Its government healthcare system has roots tracing back over 200 years, making it one of the oldest in the country.
The state has consistently ranked high in health indicators such as maternal and infant mortality, owing to a strong network of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and public hospitals. However, despite its legacy and achievements, Tamil Nadu now faces the challenge of modernizing its healthcare delivery to meet rising expectations, improve reach, and enhance the quality of care through digital transformation.
Population : 77Million
Districts : 38 Districts
(2022)
More about Tamil Nadu
RESEARCH
RESEARCH
RESEARCH
To understand user needs and contextual challenges in Tamil Nadu’s public health system, I conducted mixed-method research aimed at uncovering behavioral patterns and systemic gaps. Methods like mind mapping and scenario mapping revealed thematic connections and user flows. Diary studies and interviews offered insights into daily routines and deeper motivations, while shadowing captured real-time interactions. Desk research, academic papers, and a precedent study contextualized findings and informed design benchmarks.
These insights grounded the design in real experiences, ensuring it remained empathetic and problem-focused.
To understand user needs and contextual challenges in Tamil Nadu’s public health system, I conducted mixed-method research aimed at uncovering behavioral patterns and systemic gaps. Methods like mind mapping and scenario mapping revealed thematic connections and user flows. Diary studies and interviews offered insights into daily routines and deeper motivations, while shadowing captured real-time interactions. Desk research, academic papers, and a precedent study contextualized findings and informed design benchmarks.
These insights grounded the design in real experiences, ensuring it remained empathetic and problem-focused.
To understand user needs and contextual challenges in Tamil Nadu’s public health system, I conducted mixed-method research aimed at uncovering behavioral patterns and systemic gaps. Methods like mind mapping and scenario mapping revealed thematic connections and user flows. Diary studies and interviews offered insights into daily routines and deeper motivations, while shadowing captured real-time interactions. Desk research, academic papers, and a precedent study contextualized findings and informed design benchmarks.
These insights grounded the design in real experiences, ensuring it remained empathetic and problem-focused.
To understand user needs and contextual challenges in Tamil Nadu’s public health system, I conducted mixed-method research aimed at uncovering behavioral patterns and systemic gaps. Methods like mind mapping and scenario mapping revealed thematic connections and user flows. Diary studies and interviews offered insights into daily routines and deeper motivations, while shadowing captured real-time interactions. Desk research, academic papers, and a precedent study contextualized findings and informed design benchmarks.
These insights grounded the design in real experiences, ensuring it remained empathetic and problem-focused.
Mind Mapping
Mind Mapping
Mind Mapping
Mind Mapping
Scenario Mapping
Scenario Mapping
Scenario Mapping
Scenario Mapping
Diary Studies
Diary Studies
Diary Studies
Diary Studies
User Interviews
User Interviews
User Interviews
User Interviews
Shadowing
Shadowing
Shadowing
Shadowing
Desk Research
Desk Research
Desk Research
Desk Research
Academic Paper Review
Academic Paper Review
Academic Paper Review
Academic Paper Review
Precedent Study
Precedent Study
Precedent Study
Precedent Study
To protect the privacy of individuals involved, all faces and identifiable features have been blurred throughout this study.
To protect the privacy of individuals involved, all faces and identifiable features have been blurred throughout this study.
To protect the privacy of individuals involved, all faces and identifiable features have been blurred throughout this study.
To design a solution that worked for everyone, we engaged closely with WHVs, nurses, doctors, program managers, and policymakers.
This revealed key challenges:
low digital literacy,
difficulty building trust in rural areas,
misunderstood consent flows,
urban user drop-offs, and
the app being seen as a distraction.
Yet their input was clear, health workers needed simple, mobile-first tools, while patients wanted transparency, control, and continuity.
These insights informed clear design priorities and helped align the solution with on-ground realities
To design a solution that worked for everyone, we engaged closely with WHVs, nurses, doctors, program managers, and policymakers.
This revealed key challenges:
low digital literacy,
difficulty building trust in rural areas,
misunderstood consent flows,
urban user drop-offs, and
the app being seen as a distraction.
Yet their input was clear, health workers needed simple, mobile-first tools, while patients wanted transparency, control, and continuity.
These insights informed clear design priorities and helped align the solution with on-ground realities
To design a solution that worked for everyone, we engaged closely with WHVs, nurses, doctors, program managers, and policymakers.
This revealed key challenges:
low digital literacy,
difficulty building trust in rural areas,
misunderstood consent flows,
urban user drop-offs, and
the app being seen as a distraction.
Yet their input was clear, health workers needed simple, mobile-first tools, while patients wanted transparency, control, and continuity.
These insights informed clear design priorities and helped align the solution with on-ground realities
To design a solution that worked for everyone, we engaged closely with WHVs, nurses, doctors, program managers, and policymakers.
This revealed key challenges:
low digital literacy,
difficulty building trust in rural areas,
misunderstood consent flows,
urban user drop-offs, and
the app being seen as a distraction.
Yet their input was clear, health workers needed simple, mobile-first tools, while patients wanted transparency, control, and continuity.
These insights informed clear design priorities and helped align the solution with on-ground realities
SOLUTION
SOLUTION
SOLUTION
SOLUTION
The TNPHR app (now eFRA) was developed to replace time-consuming paper-based processes with a faster, more reliable digital tool. It enabled frontline workers to enter data efficiently while maintaining accuracy and avoiding duplication
The TNPHR app (now eFRA) was developed to replace time-consuming paper-based processes with a faster, more reliable digital tool. It enabled frontline workers to enter data efficiently while maintaining accuracy and avoiding duplication
The TNPHR app (now eFRA) was developed to replace time-consuming paper-based processes with a faster, more reliable digital tool. It enabled frontline workers to enter data efficiently while maintaining accuracy and avoiding duplication
The TNPHR app (now eFRA) was developed to replace time-consuming paper-based processes with a faster, more reliable digital tool. It enabled frontline workers to enter data efficiently while maintaining accuracy and avoiding duplication
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
⏱️ Faster than paper – Speeds up data entry during field visits
⏱️ Faster than paper – Speeds up data entry during field visits
⏱️ Faster than paper – Speeds up data entry during field visits
⏱️ Faster than paper – Speeds up data entry during field visits
🧠 User-friendly – Simple flows designed for easy adoption by WHVs
🧠 User-friendly – Simple flows designed for easy adoption by WHVs
🧠 User-friendly – Simple flows designed for easy adoption by WHVs
🧠 User-friendly – Simple flows designed for easy adoption by WHVs
🔁 No duplication – Smart checks prevent repeated entries
🔁 No duplication – Smart checks prevent repeated entries
🔁 No duplication – Smart checks prevent repeated entries
🔁 No duplication – Smart checks prevent repeated entries
📊 Data integrity – Maintains accuracy for cleaner, more reliable records
📊 Data integrity – Maintains accuracy for cleaner, more reliable records
📊 Data integrity – Maintains accuracy for cleaner, more reliable records
📊 Data integrity – Maintains accuracy for cleaner, more reliable records
📱 Mobile-first – Optimized for on-the-go healthcare delivery
📱 Mobile-first – Optimized for on-the-go healthcare delivery
📱 Mobile-first – Optimized for on-the-go healthcare delivery
📱 Mobile-first – Optimized for on-the-go healthcare delivery
But we quickly realized that for patients to truly benefit from a digital health platform, we had to go a step further, we had to build trust.
But we quickly realized that for patients to truly benefit from a digital health platform, we had to go a step further, we had to build trust.
But we quickly realized that for patients to truly benefit from a digital health platform, we had to go a step further, we had to build trust.
But we quickly realized that for patients to truly benefit from a digital health platform, we had to go a step further, we had to build trust.
This meant taking the time to explain what digital health records are, how their data would be used, and most importantly, why their consent mattered. Many had never encountered the concept of data privacy or ownership before, so we simplified the message: "Your health data is yours. You choose who sees it, and how it's used."
This meant taking the time to explain what digital health records are, how their data would be used, and most importantly, why their consent mattered. Many had never encountered the concept of data privacy or ownership before, so we simplified the message: "Your health data is yours. You choose who sees it, and how it's used."
This meant taking the time to explain what digital health records are, how their data would be used, and most importantly, why their consent mattered. Many had never encountered the concept of data privacy or ownership before, so we simplified the message: "Your health data is yours. You choose who sees it, and how it's used."
This meant taking the time to explain what digital health records are, how their data would be used, and most importantly, why their consent mattered. Many had never encountered the concept of data privacy or ownership before, so we simplified the message: "Your health data is yours. You choose who sees it, and how it's used."
Recording Consent
Recording Consent
Recording Consent
Information Video
Information Video
Information Video
THE PROCESS
THE PROCESS
THE PROCESS
Framework
Framework
Framework
To manage the complexity of a multi-featured public health platform,
we applied the Jobs to Be Done (JTBD) framework to focus on users' real goals.
Job statements like “I want my records easily available” and “I want to know who can access my info” helped align stakeholders, prioritize features, and shape platform flows that were intuitive, secure, and meaningful to both patients and healthcare workers.
To manage the complexity of a multi-featured public health platform, we applied the Jobs to Be Done (JTBD) framework to focus on users' real goals.
Job statements like “I want my records easily available” and “I want to know who can access my info” helped align stakeholders, prioritize features, and shape platform flows that were intuitive, secure, and meaningful to both patients and healthcare workers.
To manage the complexity of a multi-featured public health platform, we applied the Jobs to Be Done (JTBD) framework to focus on users' real goals.
Job statements like “I want my records easily available” and “I want to know who can access my info” helped align stakeholders, prioritize features, and shape platform flows that were intuitive, secure, and meaningful to both patients and healthcare workers.
To manage the complexity of a multi-featured public health platform, we applied the Jobs to Be Done (JTBD) framework to focus on users' real goals.
Job statements like “I want my records easily available” and “I want to know who can access my info” helped align stakeholders, prioritize features, and shape platform flows that were intuitive, secure, and meaningful to both patients and healthcare workers.
JTBD Principles in Action
JTBD Principles in Action
JTBD Principles in Action
🎯 Focused on real outcomes, not just tasks
🎯 Focused on real outcomes, not just tasks
🎯 Focused on real outcomes, not just tasks
🎯 Focused on real outcomes, not just tasks
🧩 Mapped functional and emotional user needs
🧩 Mapped functional and emotional user needs
🧩 Mapped functional and emotional user needs
🧩 Mapped functional and emotional user needs
🛠️ Informed feature prioritization and platform structure
🛠️ Informed feature prioritization and platform structure
🛠️ Informed feature prioritization and platform structure
🛠️ Informed feature prioritization and platform structure
👥 Used job statements to align cross-functional teams
👥 Used job statements to align cross-functional teams
👥 Used job statements to align cross-functional teams
👥 Used job statements to align cross-functional teams
🔒 Highlighted needs for data accessibility, safety, and control
🔒 Highlighted needs for data accessibility, safety, and control
🔒 Highlighted needs for data accessibility, safety, and control
🔒 Highlighted needs for data accessibility, safety, and control
📱 Ensured user flows reflect real-world goals and expectations
📱 Ensured user flows reflect real-world goals and expectations
📱 Ensured user flows reflect real-world goals and expectations
📱 Ensured user flows reflect real-world goals and expectations
Information Architecture
Information Architecture
Information Architecture
We structured the app to reflect the way real people think not how systems work. Information was grouped around everyday actions like “View My Health Records,” “Update My Details,” and “Give or Withdraw Consent,” making navigation intuitive for both health workers and citizens
We structured the app to reflect the way real people think not how systems work. Information was grouped around everyday actions like “View My Health Records,” “Update My Details,” and “Give or Withdraw Consent,” making navigation intuitive for both health workers and citizens
We structured the app to reflect the way real people think not how systems work. Information was grouped around everyday actions like “View My Health Records,” “Update My Details,” and “Give or Withdraw Consent,” making navigation intuitive for both health workers and citizens
We structured the app to reflect the way real people think not how systems work. Information was grouped around everyday actions like “View My Health Records,” “Update My Details,” and “Give or Withdraw Consent,” making navigation intuitive for both health workers and citizens
Wireframing
Wireframing
Wireframing
Quick, low-fidelity wireframes allowed us to rapidly test and refine layouts that reduced cognitive load. We focused on legibility, minimal text, and clear iconography to ensure usability in low-literacy settings.
Quick, low-fidelity wireframes allowed us to rapidly test and refine layouts that reduced cognitive load. We focused on legibility, minimal text, and clear iconography to ensure usability in low-literacy settings.
Quick, low-fidelity wireframes allowed us to rapidly test and refine layouts that reduced cognitive load. We focused on legibility, minimal text, and clear iconography to ensure usability in low-literacy settings.
Quick, low-fidelity wireframes allowed us to rapidly test and refine layouts that reduced cognitive load. We focused on legibility, minimal text, and clear iconography to ensure usability in low-literacy settings.
Design decisions were made collaboratively, often sitting with health officials and, at times, directly with users to co-create a product that truly worked in context
Design decisions were made collaboratively, often sitting with health officials and, at times, directly with users to co-create a product that truly worked in context
Design decisions were made collaboratively, often sitting with health officials and, at times, directly with users to co-create a product that truly worked in context
Design decisions were made collaboratively, often sitting with health officials and, at times, directly with users to co-create a product that truly worked in context
Discount Usability Testing
Discount Usability Testing
Discount Usability Testing
I designed a lightweight testing process both in-field and remote, to validate low- and high-fidelity prototypes with real users. From tappable area sizes and icon clarity to color choices and typography, every detail was stress-tested in real-world contexts.
I designed a lightweight testing process both in-field and remote, to validate low- and high-fidelity prototypes with real users. From tappable area sizes and icon clarity to color choices and typography, every detail was stress-tested in real-world contexts.
I designed a lightweight testing process both in-field and remote, to validate low- and high-fidelity prototypes with real users. From tappable area sizes and icon clarity to color choices and typography, every detail was stress-tested in real-world contexts.
I designed a lightweight testing process both in-field and remote, to validate low- and high-fidelity prototypes with real users. From tappable area sizes and icon clarity to color choices and typography, every detail was stress-tested in real-world contexts.
Feedback from health workers and citizens helped us catch and fix usability issues early, like confusing buttons, unclear labels, or overwhelming flows. These rapid, focused iterations ensured the product was not only functionally sound but genuinely usable in the hands of its intended users.
Feedback from health workers and citizens helped us catch and fix usability issues early, like confusing buttons, unclear labels, or overwhelming flows. These rapid, focused iterations ensured the product was not only functionally sound but genuinely usable in the hands of its intended users.
Feedback from health workers and citizens helped us catch and fix usability issues early, like confusing buttons, unclear labels, or overwhelming flows. These rapid, focused iterations ensured the product was not only functionally sound but genuinely usable in the hands of its intended users.
Feedback from health workers and citizens helped us catch and fix usability issues early, like confusing buttons, unclear labels, or overwhelming flows. These rapid, focused iterations ensured the product was not only functionally sound but genuinely usable in the hands of its intended users.
Designing for Real-World Use
Designing for
Real-World Use
Designing for Real-World Use
Building on validated wireframes,
we crafted a high-contrast, culturally sensitive visual language tailored to the real conditions health workers face bright outdoor environments, hurried usage, and minimal device specs.
The interface highlights essential details like patient ID, last-visit date, and consent status with a color-coded system for instant recognition and action.
We adopted an atomic design approach to ensure consistency and scalability across modules, while embedding thoughtful choices to meet the unique needs of Tamil Nadu’s public health context
Building on validated wireframes,
we crafted a high-contrast, culturally sensitive visual language tailored to the real conditions health workers face bright outdoor environments, hurried usage, and minimal device specs.
The interface highlights essential details like patient ID, last-visit date, and consent status with a color-coded system for instant recognition and action.
We adopted an atomic design approach to ensure consistency and scalability across modules, while embedding thoughtful choices to meet the unique needs of Tamil Nadu’s public health context
Building on validated wireframes,
we crafted a high-contrast, culturally sensitive visual language tailored to the real conditions health workers face bright outdoor environments, hurried usage, and minimal device specs.
The interface highlights essential details like patient ID, last-visit date, and consent status with a color-coded system for instant recognition and action.
We adopted an atomic design approach to ensure consistency and scalability across modules, while embedding thoughtful choices to meet the unique needs of Tamil Nadu’s public health context
Building on validated wireframes,
we crafted a high-contrast, culturally sensitive visual language tailored to the real conditions health workers face bright outdoor environments, hurried usage, and minimal device specs.
The interface highlights essential details like patient ID, last-visit date, and consent status with a color-coded system for instant recognition and action.
We adopted an atomic design approach to ensure consistency and scalability across modules, while embedding thoughtful choices to meet the unique needs of Tamil Nadu’s public health context
📝 Bilingual & Culturally Tuned Typography
📝 Bilingual & Culturally Tuned Typography
📝 Bilingual & Culturally Tuned Typography
📝 Bilingual & Culturally Tuned Typography
Large, readable Tamil–English type using a custom regional typeface—designed for clarity, scale, and cultural resonance
Large, readable Tamil–English type using a custom regional typeface—designed for clarity, scale, and cultural resonance
Large, readable Tamil–English type using a custom regional typeface—designed for clarity, scale, and cultural resonance
Large, readable Tamil–English type using a custom regional typeface—designed for clarity, scale, and cultural resonance
👆 Touch-Friendly Design
👆 Touch-Friendly Design
👆 Touch-Friendly Design
👆 Touch-Friendly Design
All tap targets ≥48px for quick, one-handed use by busy field workers.
🎨 Intuitive Color Language
🎨 Intuitive Color Language
🎨 Intuitive Color Language
🎨 Intuitive Color Language
Color choices guided by cultural sensibilities to build trust and enable instant recognition.
🧠 Low Cognitive Load
🧠 Low Cognitive Load
🧠 Low Cognitive Load
🧠 Low Cognitive Load
Task flows reduce working memory, keeping actions simple and focused.
📱 Built for Low-Spec Devices
📱 Built for Low-Spec Devices
📱 Built for Low-Spec Devices
📱 Built for Low-Spec Devices
Optimized for basic Android phones and shared tablets in rural use cases.
🔁 Scalable & Cross-Platform Ready
🔁 Scalable & Cross-Platform Ready
🔁 Scalable & Cross-Platform Ready
🔁 Scalable & Cross-Platform Ready
Designed to adapt to evolving OS specs as the platform expands into urban areas.
Seeing the application in action in the field
Seeing the application in action in the field
Seeing the application in action in the field
OUTCOME
OUTCOME
OUTCOME
The result was more than just a functional app,
it was a shift in how healthcare was delivered and experienced across Tamil Nadu.
By simplifying data access for frontline workers and empowering citizens with control over their health information, the platform helped reduce redundancies, improved screening efficiency, and built trust in the system.
Thousands of health records were digitized within weeks of rollout, and for many patients, it was the first time they saw their health history in one place clear, accessible, and theirs to own
The result was more than just a functional app,
it was a shift in how healthcare was delivered and experienced across Tamil Nadu.
By simplifying data access for frontline workers and empowering citizens with control over their health information, the platform helped reduce redundancies, improved screening efficiency, and built trust in the system.
Thousands of health records were digitized within weeks of rollout, and for many patients, it was the first time they saw their health history in one place clear, accessible, and theirs to own
The result was more than just a functional app,
it was a shift in how healthcare was delivered and experienced across Tamil Nadu.
By simplifying data access for frontline workers and empowering citizens with control over their health information, the platform helped reduce redundancies, improved screening efficiency, and built trust in the system.
Thousands of health records were digitized within weeks of rollout, and for many patients, it was the first time they saw their health history in one place clear, accessible, and theirs to own
The result was more than just a functional app,
it was a shift in how healthcare was delivered and experienced across Tamil Nadu.
By simplifying data access for frontline workers and empowering citizens with control over their health information, the platform helped reduce redundancies, improved screening efficiency, and built trust in the system.
Thousands of health records were digitized within weeks of rollout, and for many patients, it was the first time they saw their health history in one place clear, accessible, and theirs to own
300K+
300K+
300K+
Beneficiaries on the App
Beneficiaries on the App
Beneficiaries on the App
Multiple Features
Multiple Features
Multiple Features
Integrated into Open Health Stack
Integrated into Open Health Stack
Integrated into Open Health Stack
WHO
WHO
WHO
Acknowledgement for the initiative
Acknowledgement for the initiative
Acknowledgement for the initiative
Curious to know more?
Curious to know more?
Curious to know more?
I'm happy to dive deeper into the design decisions, insights,
and impact just reach out!
I'm happy to dive deeper into the design decisions, insights, and impact just reach out!
I'm happy to dive deeper into the design decisions, insights, and impact just reach out!
I'm happy to dive deeper into the design decisions, insights,
and impact just reach out!
Next Project
Next Project
Next Project
Fleet Management
Fleet Management
Fleet Management
Optimized matching through UX, enabling faster, smarter results
Optimized matching through UX, enabling faster, smarter results
Optimized matching through UX, enabling faster, smarter results
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