Connected Fertility Tracking App
Clearblue's first FDA-approved mobile app
Clearblue (Health tech) | Product Designer | Sept 2016 - Sept 2017
Impact stats
First FDA-approved mobile app for Clearblue
200+ participants in clinical trials
Several users conceived using the product
P&G needed to design their first connected fertility tracking system - combining a physical ovulation test reader with a mobile app. The product required FDA approval as a Class II medical device, involving complex clinical validation, algorithm development with scientists, and strict privacy requirements for sensitive health data. The challenge was creating an intuitive user experience while meeting medical device regulations and maintaining scientific accuracy.
Challenge
Led end-to-end product design for both iOS and Android apps, collaborating with scientists to develop the fertility prediction algorithm through clinical trials. Designed the complete user journey from Bluetooth pairing to daily testing, fertility tracking, and cycle predictions.
My role
Key responsibilities
• End-to-end product design for iOS and Android platforms
• Collaborated with scientists on algorithm development and clinical trials
• Participated in clinical trial with 200+ participants
• Designed privacy-first architecture for sensitive health data
• Created data visualization for fertility tracking and predictions
• Traveled to Switzerland to present to P&G marketing team
• Maintained consistency across year-long development cycle
Process
1. Understanding the Medical Context
• Studied fertility science and ovulation prediction methods
• Learned FDA Class II medical device requirements
• Mapped user journey from purchase to conception goal
• Interviewed women about fertility tracking experiences
2. Algorithm Development & Clinical Trials
• Collaborated with scientists to translate complex algorithms into UI
• Participated in clinical trial with 200+ women
• Gathered feedback on testing instructions and result interpretation
• Iterated based on real-world usage patterns
3. Cross-platform Design
• Designed for both iOS and Android simultaneously
• Created fertility wheel visualization showing cycle phases
• Designed clear testing instructions and result screens
• Built calendar view for tracking cycles over time
4. Privacy-First Architecture
• Designed data handling for sensitive fertility information
• Created secure Bluetooth pairing flow with physical device
• Ensured HIPAA-compliant data storage and transmission
• Built trust through transparent privacy controls
Solution
Fertility Wheel Visualisation
• Created intuitive circular visualization showing cycle progression
• Color-coded fertility levels (low, high, peak) with clear iconography
• Made complex hormonal data accessible to all users
• Real-time updates based on test results
Clear Testing Instructions
• Daily notifications with specific testing guidance
• "First urine after longest sleep" instructions
• Visual feedback on when to test vs. when to wait
• Countdown indicators showing days until next test
Bluetooth Device Integration
• Seamless pairing flow between physical reader and app
• Automatic result transmission eliminating manual entry errors
• Clear visual feedback on connection status
• Troubleshooting guidance for pairing issues
Calendar & Cycle Tracking
• Historical view of past cycles for pattern identification
• Ability to log intercourse timing for conception optimisation
• Cycle comparison across months
• Predictions based on personal cycle history
Scientific Accuracy with Accessibility
• Translated complex LH surge detection into simple visuals
• Provided educational content about fertility science
• Made medical-grade predictions understandable
• Maintained clinical accuracy while being user-friendly
Product Success
• Achieved FDA Class II medical device approval
• Successfully completed clinical trials with 200+ participants
• Several women conceived using the product
• Launched P&G's first connected fertility device
Design Impact
• Created intuitive experience for medically complex product
• Made fertility tracking accessible through clear visualization
• Balanced scientific accuracy with user-friendly design
• Established privacy-first patterns for health data
Learnings
• Medical device design requires deep collaboration with scientists
• Clinical trials provide invaluable real-world feedback
• Privacy and trust are paramount for sensitive health data
• Complex science can be made accessible through thoughtful design
• Regulatory constraints drive better design decisions when embraced early