Artefact Traverse System
Artefact Traverse System
Artefact Traverse System
Role: UX + UI Design (Patient Flows)
Role: UX + UI Design (Patient Flows)
Role: UX + UI Design (Patient Flows)
Team: Lead, Designers (2)
Team: Lead, Designers (2)
Team: Lead, Designers (2)
Timing: 3 months | 2022
Timing: 3 months | 2022
Timing: 3 months | 2022
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
U.S. healthcare often overlooks the diverse identities of patients, limiting access and outcomes, particularly for historically marginalized groups. Envisioning a more inclusive future of healthcare, my team at Artefact developed Traverse, a digital system utilizing AI and natural language processing (NLP) to facilitate culturally responsive interactions throughout the primary care journey.
Though Traverse was an envisioning initiative, it became a crucial tool for thought leadership and strategic learning. It enabled my team to engage with health-tech leaders and developers, deepen our understanding of AI-enabled care, and position Artefact as a forward-thinking partner at the intersection of healthcare and technology. The following focuses on my and my team's process, while the full vision is captured in the Artefact case study.
U.S. healthcare often overlooks the diverse identities of patients, limiting access and outcomes, particularly for historically marginalized groups. Envisioning a more inclusive future of healthcare, my team at Artefact developed Traverse, a digital system utilizing AI and natural language processing (NLP) to facilitate culturally responsive interactions throughout the primary care journey.
Though Traverse was an envisioning initiative, it became a crucial tool for thought leadership and strategic learning. It enabled my team to engage with health-tech leaders and developers, deepen our understanding of AI-enabled care, and position Artefact as a forward-thinking partner at the intersection of healthcare and technology. The following focuses on my and my team's process, while the full vision is captured in the Artefact case study.

DESIGN SOLUTION SNEAK PEAK
DESIGN SOLUTION SNEAK PEAK
DESIGN SOLUTION SNEAK PEAK
Traverse Main Features
Traverse Main Features
Here is a sneak peak of the final design solution. Continue reading for details on the overall project process.
Here is a sneak peak of the final design solution. Continue reading for details on the overall project process.
Powered by a Digital
Identity Wallet
Powered by a Digital
Identity Wallet
The Traverse system is built on top of a digital identity wallet that encrypts all sensitive personal, cultural, social, and familial data shared by patients and stores it in a decentralized manner. A patient’s smartphone acts as the key for unlocking their digital identity with providers who can use the data to seamlessly tailor care unique to patient needs, preferences, and values.
The Traverse system is built on top of a digital identity wallet that encrypts all sensitive personal, cultural, social, and familial data shared by patients and stores it in a decentralized manner. A patient’s smartphone acts as the key for unlocking their digital identity with providers who can use the data to seamlessly tailor care unique to patient needs, preferences, and values.
Connecting Patients to
Best-Fit Providers
Connecting patients to best-fit providers
By leveraging the personal and cultural profiles stored in patient digital identity wallets, Traverse sorts and presents patients with local providers who align with different facets of their background, culture, and identity. Additionally, detailed provider profiles highlight and display reviews from anonymized patients with similar data profiles. These features deliver relevant community insights, helping patients select culturally-aligned healthcare providers.
By leveraging the personal and cultural profiles stored in patient digital identity wallets, Traverse sorts and presents patients with local providers who align with different facets of their background, culture, and identity. Detailed provider profiles highlight and display reviews from anonymized patients with similar data profiles. These features deliver relevant community insights, helping patients select culturally-aligned healthcare providers.
Surfacing Data-Driven Onboarding for Patients
Surfacing Data-Driven Onboarding for Patients
The digital onboarding experience details what to expect during clinical encounters, helping patients avoid uncomfortable surprises with providers. This stage aims to bring familiarity and alleviate anxiety for patients who may experience discomfort or mistrust in clinical and medical systems.
The digital onboarding experience details what to expect during clinical encounters, helping patients avoid uncomfortable surprises with providers. This stage aims to bring familiarity and alleviate anxiety for patients who may experience discomfort or mistrust in clinical and medical systems.
Supporting Dynamic Patient-Provider Conversations
Supporting Dynamic Patient-Provider Conversations
During clinical visits, providers use a tablet that acts as an AI-based digital scribe. Using natural language processing (NLP), the Dynamic Visit feature listens to conversations between patients and providers. It then delivers discussion prompts and relevant resources to providers, which can be accessed in real-time or referenced later.
During clinical visits, providers use a tablet that acts as an AI-based digital scribe. Using natural language processing (NLP), the Dynamic Visit feature listens to conversations between patients and providers. It then delivers discussion prompts and relevant resources to providers, which can be accessed in real-time or referenced later.
Integrating Continuous Education for Providers
Integrating Continuous Education for Providers
Relevant cultural factors the AI scribe presents in patient conversations are re-surfaced and integrated into provider EHR systems for easy reference. Allowing providers to engage more deeply with the information and help outline culturally responsive after-care instructions.
Relevant cultural factors the AI scribe presents in patient conversations are re-surfaced and integrated into provider EHR systems for easy reference. Allowing providers to engage more deeply with the information and help outline culturally responsive after-care instructions.


SECONDARY RESEARCH
SECONDARY RESEARCH
SECONDARY RESEARCH
Identifying the Challenge
Identifying the Challenge
My desk research revealed that the current US healthcare system overlooks several factors that acknowledge a patient's personal and cultural identities, negatively impacting care. Though the system is trying, it is not delivering. Why?
My desk research revealed that the current US healthcare system overlooks several factors that acknowledge a patient's personal and cultural identities, negatively impacting care. Though the system is trying, it is not delivering. Why?

IDEATION
IDEATION
IDEATION
Prototyping Early Ideas
Prototyping Early Ideas
I prototyped an early onboarding experience to help patients feel seen and supported before their visit. It guided patients in sharing cultural, personal, and care-related contexts, such as identity and communication preferences, while introducing what to expect.
By testing this flow, my team and I began understanding how early interactions could shape a richer cultural profile and lay the groundwork for more culturally responsive care.
I prototyped an early onboarding experience to help patients feel seen and supported before their visit. It guided patients in sharing cultural, personal, and care-related contexts, such as identity and communication preferences, while introducing what to expect. By testing this flow, my team and I began understanding how early interactions could shape a richer cultural profile and lay the groundwork for more culturally responsive care.
A culturally responsive journey before, during, and after care visits.
A culturally responsive journey before, during, and after care visits.

TESTING
TESTING
TESTING
Testing Our Assumptions
We shared early prototypes with a variety of patients and providers for their reactions and feedback. On the patient side, we engaged participants from diverse backgrounds, including immigrants who have experienced navigating multiple healthcare systems. On the provider side, we engaged nurses, physicians, and a clinical research psychologist experienced in working with historically marginalized patient populations.
We shared early prototypes with a variety of patients and providers for their reactions and feedback. On the patient side, we engaged participants from diverse backgrounds, including immigrants who have experienced navigating multiple healthcare systems. On the provider side, we engaged nurses, physicians, and a clinical research psychologist experienced in working with historically marginalized patient populations.
No avatars or characters for AI
No avatars or characters for the AI
Initially, we thought AI avatars or characters would make the system feel more engaging and approachable. However, users found them inauthentic and distracting, preferring a seamless, text-based experience that prioritized clear and useful interactions.
Initially, we thought AI avatars or characters would make the system feel more engaging and approachable. However, users found them inauthentic and distracting, preferring a seamless, text-based experience that prioritized clear and useful interactions.
Simplify technology used
during visits
We first explored interactions with AR or VR technology to enhance engagement with medical information discussed during visits. However, users saw it as an unnecessary addition, expressing concerns about having to learn new technology and feeling less trust in the experience as a result.
We first explored interactions with AR or VR technology to enhance engagement with medical information discussed during visits. However, users saw it as an unnecessary addition, expressing concerns about having to learn new technology and feeling less trust in the experience as a result.
Do not add to provider workload
Providers were excited about Traverse's potential but emphasized the need for seamless integration with existing digital systems. Additionally, they wanted to avoid an added workload and ensure that any technology would enhance care without disrupting visits or increasing duration.
Providers were excited about Traverse's potential but emphasized the need for seamless integration with existing digital systems. Additionally, they wanted to avoid an added workload and ensure that any technology would enhance care without disrupting visits or increasing duration.

DESIGN
DESIGN
DESIGN
A Human-Centered Visual Language
A Human-Centered Visual Language
A Human-Centered Visual Language
We wanted Traverse’s visual design to challenge the sterile look of traditional medical software with a warmer, more approachable aesthetic. The color palette is anchored in soft beige and expanded with a range of calming and vibrant hues to create a sense of familiarity and comfort. Additionally, we selected a combination of serif and sans-serif typefaces to establish a clear hierarchy, with bold serif headlines guiding the focus and sans-serif text supporting readability.
We wanted Traverse’s visual design to challenge the sterile look of traditional medical software with a warmer, more approachable aesthetic. The color palette is anchored in soft beige and expanded with a range of calming and vibrant hues to create a sense of familiarity and comfort. Additionally, we selected a combination of serif and sans-serif typefaces to establish a clear hierarchy, with bold serif headlines guiding the focus and sans-serif text supporting readability.
We wanted Traverse’s visual design to challenge the sterile look of traditional medical software with a warmer, more approachable aesthetic. The color palette is anchored in soft beige and expanded with a range of calming and vibrant hues to create a sense of familiarity and comfort. Additionally, we selected a combination of serif and sans-serif typefaces to establish a clear hierarchy, with bold serif headlines guiding the focus and sans-serif text supporting readability.








A modular card system organizes complex health and cultural data into digestible, interactive units. Patients can share personal context at their discretion, while providers receive real-time prompts and resources to support responsive care before, during and after care visits.
A modular card system organizes complex health and cultural data into digestible, interactive units. Patients can share personal context at their discretion, while providers receive real-time prompts and resources to support responsive care before, during and after care visits.
Save this gender preference to my profile for visits with future providers.
Next
It’s recommended to consume 12-18 milligrams per day of iron through the food you eat.
Increase Iron INTAKE
9:41 AM
EN
In traditional Chinese medicine, anemia is understood as a holistic blood disorder caused by a deficiency of chi.
You discussed anemia with the patient, which they might have understood differently.
CME course available
Traditional Asian Healing MethodsA local suction is created on the skin with the application of heated cups. People mostly use cupping to relieve conditions that cause pain.
Patient mentioned using cupping regularly as an alternative treatment for lower body pain.
Patient said they are interested in treating with daily iron supplements and may consider vitamin B12 injections.
Save this gender preference to my profile for visits with future providers.
Next
In traditional Chinese medicine, anemia is understood as a holistic blood disorder caused by a deficiency of chi.
You discussed anemia with the patient, which they might have understood differently.
CME course available
Traditional Asian Healing MethodsA local suction is created on the skin with the application of heated cups. People mostly use cupping to relieve conditions that cause pain.
Patient mentioned using cupping regularly as an alternative treatment for lower body pain.
Patient said they are interested in treating with daily iron supplements and may consider vitamin B12 injections.
During your visit, you mentioned that you observe a vegetarian diet.
Add this to my profile
Delete this information
FINAL DESIGNS
FINAL DESIGNS
FINAL DESIGNS
Before visit
Identify Wallet: Patient



Digital Care Onboarding: Patient




Digital Care Onboarding: Provider

During visit
Dynamic Visit Feature


After visit
Provider EHR Integration

Patient After Care




Artefact Traverse System
Artefact Traverse System
Role: UX + UI Design (Patient Flows)
Team: Lead, Designers (2)
Timing: 3 months | 2022
U.S. healthcare often overlooks the diverse identities of patients, limiting access and outcomes, particularly for historically marginalized groups. Envisioning a more inclusive future of healthcare, my team at Artefact developed Traverse, a digital system utilizing AI and natural language processing (NLP) to facilitate culturally responsive interactions throughout the primary care journey.
Though Traverse was an envisioning initiative, it became a crucial tool for thought leadership and strategic learning. It enabled my team to engage with health-tech leaders and developers, deepen our understanding of AI-enabled care, and position Artefact as a forward-thinking partner at the intersection of healthcare and technology. The following focuses on my and my team's process, while the full vision is captured in the Artefact case study.
Traverse Main Features
Traverse Main Features
Here is a sneak peak of the final design solution. Continue reading for details on the overall project process.
Supporting Dynamic Patient-Provider Conversations
Supporting Dynamic Patient-Provider Conversations
During clinical visits, providers use a tablet that acts as an AI-based digital scribe. Using natural language processing (NLP), the Dynamic Visit feature listens to conversations between patients and providers. It then delivers discussion prompts and relevant resources to providers, which can be accessed in real-time or referenced later.
Integrating Continuous Education for Providers
Integrating Continuous Education
for Providers
Relevant cultural factors the AI scribe presents in patient conversations are re-surfaced and integrated into provider EHR systems for easy reference. Allowing providers to engage more deeply with the information and help outline culturally responsive after-care instructions.


Identifying the Challenge
Identifying the Challenge
My desk research revealed that the current US healthcare system overlooks several factors that acknowledge a patient's personal and cultural identities, negatively impacting care. Though the system is trying, it is not delivering. Why?
Prototyping Early Ideas
I prototyped an early onboarding experience to help patients feel seen and supported before their visit. It guided patients in sharing cultural, personal, and care-related contexts, such as identity and communication preferences, while introducing what to expect. By testing this flow, my team and I began understanding how early interactions could shape a richer cultural profile and lay the groundwork for more culturally responsive care.
A culturally responsive journey before, during,
and after care visits.
Save this gender preference to my profile for visits with future providers.
Next
In traditional Chinese medicine, anemia is understood as a holistic blood disorder caused by a deficiency of chi.
You discussed anemia with the patient, which they might have understood differently.
CME course available
Traditional Asian Healing MethodsA local suction is created on the skin with the application of heated cups. People mostly use cupping to relieve conditions that cause pain.
Patient mentioned using cupping regularly as an alternative treatment for lower body pain.
Patient said they are interested in treating with daily iron supplements and may consider vitamin B12 injections.
During your visit, you mentioned that you observe a vegetarian diet.
Add this to my profile
Delete this information
Save this gender preference to my profile for visits with future providers.
Next
In traditional Chinese medicine, anemia is understood as a holistic blood disorder caused by a deficiency of chi.
You discussed anemia with the patient, which they might have understood differently.
CME course available
Traditional Asian Healing MethodsA local suction is created on the skin with the application of heated cups. People mostly use cupping to relieve conditions that cause pain.
Patient mentioned using cupping regularly as an alternative treatment for lower body pain.
Patient said they are interested in treating with daily iron supplements and may consider vitamin B12 injections.
During your visit, you mentioned that you observe a vegetarian diet.
Add this to my profile
Delete this information
A modular card system organizes complex health and cultural data into digestible, interactive units. Patients can share personal context at their discretion, while providers receive real-time prompts and resources to support responsive care before, during and after care visits.
Testing Our Assumptions
Testing Our Assumptions
We shared early prototypes with a variety of patients and providers for their reactions and feedback. On the patient side, we engaged participants from various backgrounds including immigrants with experiences navigating multiple healthcare systems. On the provider side, we engaged nurses, physicians, and a clinical research psychologist experienced working with marginalized patient populations.
We shared early prototypes with a variety of patients and providers for their reactions and feedback. On the patient side, we engaged participants from diverse backgrounds, including immigrants who have experienced navigating multiple healthcare systems. On the provider side, we engaged nurses, physicians, and a clinical research psychologist experienced in working with historically marginalized patient populations.
We shared early prototypes with a variety of patients and providers for their reactions and feedback. On the patient side, we engaged participants from diverse backgrounds, including immigrants who have experienced navigating multiple healthcare systems. On the provider side, we engaged nurses, physicians, and a clinical research psychologist experienced in working with historically marginalized patient populations.
No avatars or characters for the AI
Initially, we thought AI avatars or characters would make the system feel more engaging and approachable. However, users found them inauthentic and distracting, preferring a seamless, text-based experience that prioritized clear and useful interactions.
Simplify technology used during visits
We first explored interactions with AR or VR technology to enhance engagement with medical information discussed during visits. However, users saw it as an unnecessary addition, expressing concerns about having to learn new technology and feeling less trust in the experience as a result.
Do not add to provider workload
Providers were excited about Traverse's potential but emphasized the need for seamless integration with existing digital systems. Additionally, they wanted to avoid an added workload and ensure that any technology would enhance care without disrupting visits or increasing duration.
No avatars or characters for the AI
Initially, we thought AI avatars or characters would make the system feel more engaging and approachable. However, users found them inauthentic and distracting, preferring a seamless, text-based experience that prioritized clear and useful interactions.
Simplify technology used during visits
We first explored interactions with AR or VR technology to enhance engagement with medical information discussed during visits. However, users saw it as an unnecessary addition, expressing concerns about having to learn new technology and feeling less trust in the experience as a result.
Do not add to provider workload
Providers were excited about Traverse's potential but emphasized the need for seamless integration with existing digital systems. Additionally, they wanted to avoid an added workload and ensure that any technology would enhance care without disrupting visits or increasing duration.
Before visit
Before visit
Before visit
A modular card system organizes complex health and cultural data into digestible, interactive units. Patients can share personal context at their discretion, while providers receive real-time prompts and resources to support responsive care before, during and after care visits.
Identify Wallet: Patient
Identify Wallet: Patient







Digital Care Onboarding: Patient
Digital Care Onboarding: Patient








Digital Care Onboarding: Patient
Digital Care Onboarding: Provider
Digital Care Onboarding: Provider



During visit
During visit
During visit
Dynamic Visit
Dynamic Visit






After visit
After visit
After visit
Physician EHR Integration
Physician EHR Integration



Patient After Care
Patient After Care












Connecting patients to best-fit providers
By leveraging the personal and cultural profiles stored in patient digital identity wallets, Traverse sorts and presents patients with local providers who align with different facets of their background, culture, and identity. Detailed provider profiles highlight and display reviews from anonymized patients with similar data profiles. These features deliver relevant community insights, helping patients select culturally-aligned healthcare providers.
Powered by a Digital Identity Wallet
The Traverse system is built on top of a digital identity wallet that encrypts all sensitive personal, cultural, social, and familial data shared by patients and stores it in a decentralized manner. A patient’s smartphone acts as the key for unlocking their digital identity with providers who can use the data to seamlessly tailor care unique to patient needs, preferences, and values.
Surfacing Data-Driven Onboarding for Patients
The digital onboarding experience details what to expect during clinical encounters, helping patients avoid uncomfortable surprises with providers. This stage aims to bring familiarity and alleviate anxiety for patients who may experience discomfort or mistrust in clinical and medical systems.