Focus: Retention design · Behavioral psychology · DAU optimization Role: Product Design Lead (End-to-end)
Executive Summary
Post-launch, Lace AI Pro showed strong initial adoption but measurable patient drop-off within the first 14 days. Long-term clinical efficacy requires consistent daily usage, a minimum of 250 exercises.
I led the design of a behavioral retention system adapted from high-engagement consumer apps (like Duolingo) and tuned for a regulated healthcare context.
“I don't shy away from going to parties now... and my audiologist was shocked that I got a better score in background noise. I know it's because I have learned to focus by using Lace. Thank you!
The Problem
Patient adherence declined early in the training journey, limiting:
- Clinical benefit attainment
- Daily Active Users (DAU)
- Long-term engagement metrics
- Downstream provider confidence in the product
Without habit formation, clinical science alone could not drive outcomes.
The Strategy
I led the design end-to-end, focusing on three levers:
- Habit reinforcement: a streak system and daily nudges
- Progress visualization: the Training Map as a level-based user journey
- Social accountability: a leaderboard where patients can see how they compare to other patients
Key Design Decisions
The Training Map
A visual progression journey that frames exercises as “levels,” not tasks. Progress feels visible and cumulative. Reinforces forward momentum.
Streak mechanics
Daily streak counter prominently surfaced. Positive reinforcement notifications. Escalating motivational messaging tied to behavioral commitment research.
“At risk” notification system
Triggered at key times. Tone: supportive, not punitive. Early intervention prevents drop-off spirals.
A patient training leaderboard
Enabled patients to share progress with other patients while still retaining privacy in a healthcare-related environment. Reinforced accountability and pride. Strengthened the engagement loop.
Key Screens
Collaboration
Worked with engineering on notification architecture and trigger timing to align with behavioral research on optimal nudge intervals. Collaborated with clinical leadership to ensure gamification mechanics reinforced clinical goals without eroding the product's medical credibility.
The “Brag Feature” emerged from a cross-functional conversation with the provider success team, who identified that patient-to-provider progress sharing was a missing link in the engagement loop.
Outcomes & Impact
- Significant increase in Daily Active Users (DAU)
- Improved 14-day retention rate
- Higher percentage of users reaching therapeutic dose
- Measurable improvement in clinical progress scores
- Stronger provider confidence in prescribing Lace
Leadership
- Post-launch optimization leadership
- Behavioral design maturity
- Consumer mechanics adapted to clinical contexts
- Data-informed iteration
- Long-term outcome orientation, not just feature shipping