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Go Health Pass

A vaccine verification app for pandemic air travel




Introduction


In a first-year interaction design course, students were asked to prototype a product ecosystem that included multiple touchpoints across multiple channels to support users in pursuit of a practical goal.  

I worked on an individual project examining the problem space of air travel during the COVID-19 pandemic and the influence of digital health apps that provide verification of health documents such as vaccinations or PCR/antigen test results.  I chose to design a product ecosystem around a health passport app that streamlines health documentation for American travelers flying abroad.

 




Timeline
4 weeks

Tools
Figma
Photoshop
Illustrator
After Effects






Problem Statement


How might health apps integrate with existing airline health safety protocols to make air travel more efficient and convenient, while reducing traveler anxiety?







Research





Diary study

I recruited a traveler flying domestically to document his experience from check-in to arrival at his destination, in an effort to understand what it’s like to fly during the pandemic.  Through his pictures, videos, notes, and interviews, I gained a better understanding of current airline health safety protocols.


Structured interviews

Additionally, I conducted interviews with travelers that recently flew overseas to compare their experiences. These interviews clarified differences in health document verification between domestic and international travel, as well as the pain points unique to air travel abroad.  These interviews also gave me a lot of insight into the emotional state and behavior of the travelers.  


Competitive usability evaluation

With the proliferation of “vaccine passports” on the market and in the news, it was important to survey these health apps.  I studied about seven health apps that were in development or had launched at the time to understand their functionality.  I gathered a small group of participants to review screenshots of each app and offer their feedback on the design.  

IATA Travel Pass Common Pass Israel's Green Pass

 



Insights


My research efforts revealed several valuable insights regarding traveler pain points:

  • International travel is especially stressful for travelers.  Participants expressed a lack of clarity about health documentation requirements from one country to another.    

  • The check-in process for flights is tedious and redundant.  Presenting necessary health documentation to airline employees for verification means more time standing in a line at the airport.

  • Physical products still have a place alongside digital products.  Some participants expressed a desire for systems that allow flexibility to switch between the physical and the digital. 





Concept





GO Health Pass


  • The main purpose of the app is to store vaccination records and PCR/antigen test results that can be quickly recalled during check-in and verified by scanning an embedded QR code.  

  • The app also allows users to save their travel plans and prepare for departure by reviewing the latest health safety requirements for their destination country.  

  • Lastly, the app stores the user’s contact information, which can be automatically transmitted to fulfill airline contact tracing requirements.



Boarding pass badge


The findings of my research indicated the need for a physical artifact that could serve as a proxy for the digital app in certain instances.  I designed a GO Health Pass icon that could be integrated on a member’s printed or digital boarding pass.  Following check-in, this badge on the boarding pass can save time when presented during any subsequent interactions with airline or airport personnel.  







Reflections


    • Health credentials are voluntary and the tone of any such application must follow suit.  Public discourse about vaccination credentials has been very controversial throughout the pandemic.  However, all the travelers I interviewed were comfortable with the idea of using a health pass for international travel if it made the check-in process faster, convenient, and less stressful.  

    • A health pass would bear an ethical obligation to protect user privacy.  Due to the sensitive nature of health records, this type of application should not include pictures or personal information beyond the name and contact tracing information.  
    ©2023