As part of the European Horizon 2020 project, I developed a digital service to improve the recruitment and retention of older patients (70+) in clinical trials for breast cancer treatment. By focusing on UX research tailored to the needs of frail older adults, we created a simplified, personalized information platform that enhances usability through digital “page-turning” interactions. I led UX efforts focused on visual identity, design evaluation, and the implementation of an AI-based recommendation system to provide personalized trial information. Additionally, I managed the technical implementation with React Native, including software architecture, development, and team management.
This project, part of the European Horizon 2020 initiative, aimed to compare the effects of a lower initial dose of CDK 4/6 inhibitors plus endocrine therapy against the standard dose in frail older breast cancer patients (70+ years). My role focused on creating a digital service to support optimized recruitment and retention of older patients, working closely with key stakeholders, including doctors, nurses, and caregivers.
Our design process was rooted in UX research, specifically tailored to address the challenges of designing for older adults with varied mental, motor, and cognitive abilities. During moderated usability testing with cancer patients, one of my key findings was that pagination, rather than scrolling, improved usability significantly. This approach, which mimicked familiar “page-turning” actions, leveraged physical affordances and made navigation more intuitive for our target group, reducing cognitive load and enhancing accessibility.
In addition to leading the UX concept, I served as the Technical Lead, implementing the frontend in React Native. My responsibilities included developing the software architecture, from planning to execution and evaluation. I also managed the developer team, aligning our technical approach with our user-centered design goals. This project demonstrates how accessible digital design, driven by specific user insights, can support patient engagement and retention in clinical trials for older adults.
