VeriSure HIV Testing Assistant

VeriSure is an HIV oral self-test kit that delivers fast, convenient results. To support users through this potentially stressful process, I designed a digital companion that goes beyond simple instructions. The app offers a more thoughtful and empowering self-testing experience.

Length
4 months

Responsibility
UX Designer

Client
VeriSure

Project Overview

I designed a comprehensive digital experience that supports users before, during, and after self-testing. Conducted user interviews, usability testing, and secondary research to deeply understand the emotional, social, and practical challenges of HIV testing.

Problem

HIV self-testing offers privacy and convenience, but the experience can be emotionally overwhelming. Fear of results, stigma, and lack of support often lead to delayed testing and missed opportunities for early care.

Solution

VeriSure is a digital companion for the HIV oral self-test kit, designed to guide users through the entire testing journey. It combines step-by-step instructions, calming features, emotional reassurance, educational content, and access to follow-up care.

Outcome

The design showed promising results. 80% of participants reported feeling more confident using the guided, step-by-step instructions. 65% said the calming features helped reduce anxiety before and during the test.

The Problem

Users face confusion and stress the test kit alone can't solve—leading many to delay or avoid testing altogether

Fear of Results

Users often delay or avoid testing due to the emotional stress and anxiety of a possible positive result.

Low Follow-Through

Although the kit recommends a second confirmatory test, few users follow this step because the instructions are lengthy and difficult to navigate.

Isolation & Stigma

Social stigma around HIV leads to feelings of isolation, making users less likely to seek support or talk about their experience

The solution

A supportive digital companion that guides users through testing, reduces anxiety, and connects them to care.

Emotional Support & Education

Provide calming features, stress-reducing reminders, and accessible information about HIV to ease anxiety and help users feel more informed and in control.

Guided Instructions

Create a clear, step-by-step guide with animations and motion graphics to help users easily follow the self-test process. A built-in timer keeps them on track without pressure or distracting notifications.

Follow-Up Care & Community Connection

Integrate an HIV facility map to help users find nearby clinicians, community support, and non-medical services—offering next steps and reducing isolation and stigma.

Understand the user

What do users need when taking an HIV self-test?

User Research

To design a product grounded in empathy and real-world needs, I conducted multi-layered user research focused on both clinical practices and everyday user experiences. The research was divided into three key phases:

Market Analysis of Existing HIV Self-Test Kits
User Testing & Observational Research
Academic & Clinical Research

Understanding who and why

From the moment users considered getting the kit to the moment they received their results, they carried a heavy emotional burden.

User journey map

With insights from user research, I created a journey map to analyze the full experience of a user self-testing for HIV—from the moment they decide to take the test to receiving results and seeking follow-up care. This process helped me understand the emotional highs and lows users face, identify friction points such as fear, confusion, and isolation, and uncover key opportunities to provide support, reassurance, and clarity.

Principles

To create a meaningful and supportive experience, I focused on principles that reflect the emotional and practical needs of users self-testing for HIV. The goal was to design not just a tool, but a companion that brings care, clarity, and confidence to an otherwise isolating process.