Top 10 UX Trends Shaping Digital Healthcare in 2025
The healthcare sector is rapidly evolving with innovations like AI, real-world data platforms, and digital tools. These are anticipated to drive the industry to a $504 billion market by 2025, as reported by the World Economic Forum.
As we look toward the future, 2025 promises to introduce groundbreaking trends in digital healthcare user experience (UX). These shifts will redefine how patients and providers interact with technology, enhancing usability, accessibility, and personalization. To help you stay ahead, we’ve identified the top 10 healthcare UX trends that are poised to dominate the industry.
Explore our blog post, where we delve into the following topics:
- Top 10 digital healthcare UX trends
- The critical role of UX in healthcare
- Healthcare UX challenges
- Healthcare UX design examples
Top 10 digital healthcare UX trends
1. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly revolutionizing the healthcare industry, offering promising solutions to longstanding challenges. By harnessing AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data in real-time, healthcare professionals can improve diagnostic accuracy, streamline treatments, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.
For instance, AI can process the numerous data points generated by medical devices, like heart rate monitors and blood pressure trackers, providing doctors with crucial insights. This leads to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans that cater to individual patient needs.
Although AI promises lots of advantages in the healthcare industry, healthcare leaders must understand and address potential risks to ensure AI is implemented safely and fairly. These risks include biased algorithms, poor patient experiences, and concerns over data privacy.
Designing AI systems that are patient-centered, secure, and fair will be crucial for long-term success in healthcare.
The key challenge will be integrating cutting-edge technology while maintaining essential human interaction in patient care.
2. Internet of Medical Things
The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) technology is advancing rapidly, with the number of IoT devices projected to nearly double, reaching 25.44 billion by 2030. This growth is closely tied to the healthcare industry, where connected medical devices play a crucial role in monitoring patient health, transmitting data, and enabling remote care.
Devices like blood sugar monitors can automatically track a patient’s vitals and send real-time updates to doctors, enabling them to monitor health changes remotely. This cloud-based technology allows healthcare providers to intervene early in case of sudden or concerning shifts, even when patients are not physically in a hospital or clinic.
Design considerations for IoMT solutions must prioritize data security to protect patient information. The technology should also be easy to use, making it simple for both patients and healthcare providers to monitor health data in real time. Lastly, the devices need to work well with other existing healthcare systems to ensure smooth communication and data sharing.
3. Wearable Health Technologies
Wearable technology in healthcare is set to transform the industry by giving patients detailed data that can lead to actionable insights. The smart wearable health devices market is expected to reach $37,4 billion by 2028.
Microfluidic patches are a breakthrough innovation, enabling real-time analysis of bodily biomarkers through a compact adhesive patch. This technology enhances remote care by offering personalized health insights while minimizing the need for invasive tests. It improves diagnostic accuracy and medication management for healthcare providers, fosters patient engagement, enhances care coordination, and facilitates accessible health monitoring.
In 2025, UX design will be critical in making wearables not only functional but also appealing and easy to use. These devices need to be integrated seamlessly into users’ daily lives, providing health insights in real time without being intrusive.
4. Telehealth and hybrid care
According to a Tech Report, 88% of Americans favored telemedicine following Covid in 2021. By 2023, the primary reason for utilizing telemedicine in the US was for follow-up appointments, accounting for 47% of all telehealth visits. While there will always be a need for in-person healthcare services, such as hands-on procedures and emergency care, the industry will continue to fine-tune the scenarios in which telehealth can provide significant benefits.
However, 2024 has brought significant fluctuations for the telehealth industry, with major players like United Health Group and Walmart announcing cutbacks or closures of their telehealth services.
This doesn’t signify the end of telemedicine, rather, it marks a fresh start and an opportunity for the industry to reassess and optimize virtual offerings to better meet the needs of both patients and practitioners. The telehealth market is projected to reach $286.22 billion by 2030, the potential for rapid growth in this area is immense.
As this sector matures, it will become essential to refine when and how remote care is being used, since not all healthcare services are suited for virtual delivery, for sure. One of the most exciting prospects of telehealth is its ability to improve healthcare access for underserved and isolated communities.
5. At-home diagnostics
More and more patients are eager to take charge of their health, due to the increasing trend of self-care and mental health over the past few years. There has been a rise in at-home diagnostics, driven by a focus on convenience, accuracy, and practicality.
At-home diagnostics make it easier to detect diseases early. Non-invasive tests, such as in-vitro diagnostics encourage patients to focus on their health without the anxiety of time-consuming or painful procedures.
Colonoscopies, for example, have been dreaded due to their invasive nature and the time off work they require. However, innovations like the FIT-DNA test allow patients to collect a stool sample at home, eliminating the need for a colonoscopy unless the test result is positive. While colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colon cancer screening, at-home tests like this can capture individuals who might otherwise skip screenings altogether.
As we move further into 2025, expect to see even more at-home healthcare solutions that prioritize convenience, simplicity, and practicality, empowering patients to manage their health while keeping their healthcare providers in the loop.
6. Digital therapeutics (DTx)
Physicians have been prescribing lifestyle changes for a long while. We can expect they will prescribe smartphone apps and digital technologies soon, too. According to the Digital Therapeutics Alliance, DTx delivers medical interventions directly to patients. They use evidence-based, clinically evaluated software (accessible via a smartphone or tablet). This way, they treat, manage, and prevent various diseases and disorders.
There is even a product library to help differentiate DTx software from other mobile health apps. They must be evidence-based and align with eight core principles.
An example is an application (Insula) that assists type 2 diabetics. The app recommends personalized insulin doses to patients. It also acts as a coach in managing their diabetes.
Designers should figure out how to prevent users from losing interest in DTx apps. Since physicians often prescribe these apps for chronic illnesses, they may need to be used for more than just a few weeks.
7. Virtual/Augmented Reality
The AR and VR healthcare market is set to grow to $4.05 billion by 2032. These technologies are already being used more and more in medical treatments and training, and the growth of connected devices like smart glasses is pushing things forward.
Augmented reality, in particular, is set to take the lead in healthcare in the future. Doctors and surgeons are already using AR to make surgeries more precise by providing real-time data and visuals. This technology is making procedures safer and smoother, allowing healthcare professionals to perform their jobs more effectively. As more companies and hospitals team up to develop these solutions, the possibilities for improving patient care are expanding rapidly.
AR and VR aren't just changing surgeries, they're also improving care for older adults and those with cognitive challenges. For example, VR can create fun and stimulating activities that help people with memory issues, like dementia. These technologies can even help seniors practice daily tasks in a virtual world, giving them more confidence.
8. Mental health apps
Mental health apps can be a valuable tool for those looking to improve their well-being, especially when professional help is hard to access. While it's always best to consult a mental health professional when feeling overwhelmed, these apps offer supplemental support, aiding in stress reduction, anxiety management, mood tracking, and more.
Many apps have been shown to help users overcome their challenges by guiding them through relaxation techniques, mindfulness exercises, and offering tools to track their mental health progress. They provide a convenient way to enhance well-being and stay connected to mental health practices on a daily basis.
What makes mental health apps especially appealing is their accessibility, affordability, and the wide range of features they offer. They allow individuals who may not have access to traditional therapy due to financial, geographical, or physical barriers to still find support.
While these apps can't replace professional care, they can be an excellent supplement to traditional therapy or a starting point for self-care. With thousands of wellness apps available, it’s important to choose ones that are backed by research and clinical insights.
When designing a mental health app, it's crucial to create a calming and intuitive user experience that accommodates individuals in vulnerable emotional states. Personalization and accessibility should also be considered, ensuring the app caters to diverse needs while offering a supportive and non-overwhelming experience.
9. Blockchain in Healthcare
Blockchain is a developing technology being leveraged to create innovative solutions in various industries, including healthcare. The challenge of managing patient privacy in the healthcare industry has always been significant, with individuals often struggling to track down their medical records.
Medical information is typically scattered across various institutions and fragmented systems, leaving patients unsure about where their sensitive data is stored, how secure it is, and who has access to it.
Blockchain technology offers a promising solution, enabling patients to regain control over their medical information. With blockchain, all medical records can be securely stored, making it easy for both patients and doctors to access important information whenever needed.
For example, Novo Nordisk seeks to enhance the convenience and security of patient data collection in clinical trials through the use of the Electronic Patient Interactive Device (ePID). The company’s software engineers have integrated blockchain technology into ePID's data collection features to protect medical information from breaches or alterations, thereby preserving the integrity of the clinical trial process.
10. Digital health tools for pets
The pet care market is set to exceed 350 billion USD by 2027. Veterinarian challenges mirror those of human physicians, leading to similar digital tools and tech solutions.
Wearables and smart trackers dominate the pet digital health market. They include smart harnesses, collars, and radars remotely monitoring pets' vital signs. AI-powered collars like Invoxia's Smart Dog Collar track pet health and location in real-time.
Other innovations include Pawport, a pet door system that is adjustable via smartphone. The market comprises Pet Healthcare, Pet Owner Convenience, Communication and Entertainment, and Pet Safety.
The Critical Role of UX in Healthcare
UX design plays a pivotal role in healthcare by enhancing the overall experience for both patients and healthcare providers. We've identified the top 3 aspects where UX makes a significant impact:
Improving patient engagement and satisfaction
Product designers create intuitive and user-friendly interfaces. This way, healthcare products can help patients navigate complex medical information. Also, they can access their health records and engage with their healthcare providers more effectively.
Streamlining communication and collaboration
Effective UX design can also improve communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals with seamless workflows and intuitive interfaces. Healthcare products enhance teamwork among doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals while reducing errors.
Ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all users
Healthcare products should be designed to be usable by everyone. This can be done by considering different individuals' diverse needs and abilities, including those with disabilities or those who speak other languages.
Healthcare UX challenges
Ease of use
By now, not only medical professionals can take care of each patient's health: users also have the option to choose from a wide range of digital products. These products can assist them in improving performance and overall well-being. Treatments increasingly get offered as services. For this to work, the technology needs to be user-friendly, comfortable, and safe.
Aging population
As the global population ages, the need for user-centered design in healthcare has never been more critical. Many elderly individuals face challenges in navigating complex healthcare systems, often due to physical limitations or cognitive decline.
By prioritizing UX in the development of healthcare products for this demographic, designers should create intuitive interfaces with larger text, simplified navigation, and clear instructions that cater to the unique needs of older users.
Accessibility
Accessibility is a fundamental aspect of UX in healthcare, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, can effectively engage with digital health tools. By incorporating principles of accessibility design, healthcare applications can be made more inclusive, allowing users with disabilities to navigate platforms seamlessly. This includes features such as voice commands, screen readers, and adjustable text sizes, which can significantly enhance the user experience for those with visual or motor impairments.
Privacy
In the healthcare sector, where sensitive personal information is routinely exchanged, prioritizing user experience must also encompass robust privacy measures. Users are increasingly concerned about the security of their medical data, and an intuitive UX can help build trust by transparently communicating how their information is collected, stored, and shared. Implementing clear privacy settings and consent processes within digital health products is a must-have in all products in this field.
Healthcare UX Design Examples
Our UX agency have worked on several projects within the healthcare industry, each focused on enhancing user experience and improving patient outcomes.
Oxa
One notable project was the redesign of Oxa, an application integrated with a wearable device that provides real-time biofeedback to promote well-being through mindful breathing. We researched and designed the user experience for the application, including its innovative design, interactive data visualizations, and seamless user journeys. Our innovative solutions earned us a Red Dot Award in the "Interface & User Experience Design" category.
Korero
Another intriguing initiative was Korero, an AI-powered companion app designed specifically for the hearing-impaired community. Partnering with SignCoders, a group of highly skilled IT professionals coming from the deaf community, we aimed to address inclusivity by making administrative discussions easier with multiple input methods, conversation cards, and 3D sign language interpretation.
Glide
Most recently, we conducted thorough research with people using continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to identify challenges, pain points, and opportunities when it comes to using the applications compatible with these wearable sensors.
Results from both primary and secondary research revealed an underserved audience: non-diabetic users. We created a solution targeted at pre-diabetic, at-risk, and health-conscious individuals, an app concept that simplifies blood glucose tracking and empowers users to experiment with their health, leading to better outcomes.
Additionally, we contributed to InSimu, a healthcare education software, and Avizia (Amwell), a telemedicine provider, both aimed at improving access to healthcare services.
We're always ready for the challenge that exciting healthcare UX projects offer. If your company has encountered some obstacles, book a free consultation with us. Let's discuss the possible solutions.
The Future of Healthcare UX
UX design is crucial for the future of healthcare, benefiting both patients and healthcare workers. User-friendly designs help patients easily access information and manage their health, while also streamlining workflows for healthcare professionals. By focusing on UX, healthcare solutions can become more effective and accessible, leading to better health outcomes for all.
As a UX design firm, we're thrilled when we get the chance to collaborate on things with a purpose. Such as healthcare projects. At UX Studio, we have extensive experience in healthcare UX, and we are eager to contribute to the improvement of healthcare in the future. If you are looking for a design partner for healthcare UX, let's get in touch.
We are ready to help with any product design and research challenges you might have.
