SkinSage - Democratising healthcare
About Skinsage
SkinSage is a New York based telemedicine app that connects dermatologists and patients. I joined the young startup as part of the founding team before the first funding round.
My Role
I was part of the founding team. As only designer in a startup, I did everything that was thrown at me. Branding, research, the actual app designs and all technical handovers. We did not sleep much, but as a true masochist: it was a blast!
Timeframe
SkinSage was founded in 2019. My work spans over a timeline of 2 years. The MVP itself was finalised
early 2020.
From french fries to telemedicine app
Founder Radha and I sat down in the lobby of a hotel after connecting at an event. As dermatologist, she had found a gap in how patients and doctors connect. She wanted to offer a more flexible, affordable and easy treatment style. Two overpriced portions of french fries and a few drinks later, an app was born.
So, we started at the user journey
We first needed to understand the classic stages, pain points and highlights of a traditional dermatology appointment to define our proposal. The top pain point is the waiting time until the appointment.
Top User needs
Reduce wait time
Waiting times are the biggest pain point by far. Patients don’t want to wait. It is inconvenient and can in certain cases also be very painful.
Improved communication
Being able to chat between patient and dermatologist is a need on both sides. This is not only true before, but after the appointment when it comes offering a high quality of support to patients.
Affordable prescriptions
Prescriptions and dermatologist appointments are expensive. Making things affordable became a core mission of founder Radha.
Easy access
Under the existing healthcare system, it can be hard for patients to find and therefore access treatment. The app should therefore become accessible and understandable.
Additional revenue streams
There are many situations dermatologists seek additional business opportunities. From pregnancy months, out of office days or last minute cancelled appointments.
Expand practice reach
Dermatologists want to grow and reach more patients. Eliminating the constrain of location, they can reach potential patients across the US.
And created our MVP
Finding our brand
Too conservative, too hip, too tech…
The logo of SkinSage had to feel professional, inviting and reminiscent of skincare to evoke the idea of dermatology. I began my exploration as always:
in my notebook.
The one
The final logo design was inspired by an exploration of two overlapping “S”. Sharpness and softness are balancing each other to showcase both friendliness but also precision and professionalism.