Client
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS)
Project
Innovative Design, Development, and Operations Contract (IDDOC) - 4innovation (4i) Platform
Overview
One of the primary functions of the IDDOC 4i platform is to enable hospitals, physicians, and other healthcare organizations participating in Alternative Payment Models (APMs) to share and access datasets that support improved quality of care and cost reduction. Given the diverse range of users we serve—from large health systems with robust data infrastructures to smaller organizations with limited technical resources—the platform must accommodate varying levels of technical expertise. While some larger institutions can manage complex data ingestion processes, the majority of users require simple, code-free access to data with minimal setup. Ensuring quick and easy access to this information is critical to avoiding disruptions in patient care.
As part of our ongoing research efforts, we regularly engage with users to gather open and honest feedback about their experiences with the IDDOC 4i platform. Through a cluster of sessions, a consistent theme emerged: the current tools for accessing and downloading data do not adequately meet the needs of many users, particularly those without technical backgrounds. This feedback revealed a clear gap between user expectations and the capabilities of the existing solution.
My Role
As product design manager, my specific role on this project included:
Researching the current state of the CLI tool, which at the time, was the only way users could automate data pulls.
Partnered with the research lead to analyze research findings and provide recommendations to ensure consistency and accessibility in the way data files and reports are pulled from 4i, enabling users of all technical skill levels to access the information effectively.
Leading the design of a native application to address user challenges and broaden accessibility, we developed a native MacOS and Windows application featuring an intuitive interface, automated file sync and organization, flexible configuration options, modern infrastructure, and simplified authentication.
Current State: CLI Tool
The existing Command Line Interface (CLI) tool is a powerful solution designed for advanced users, offering efficient file downloading capabilities with minimal scripting required. Many users have leveraged the CLI to develop their own custom tools and scripts for automating file retrieval processes. While highly effective for power users, the tool presents challenges for those with less technical expertise, limiting its accessibility and ease of use for a broader audience. Some of those challenges include:
Limited Accessibility for Non-Technical Users: A significant portion of our user base lacks technical expertise, making the CLI tool difficult to adopt and use effectively without prior experience.
Outdated Infrastructure: The CLI tool is built on aging technology, which hinders scalability, complicates maintenance, and limits our ability to introduce new features.
Lack of Built-In Automation: While some users have developed custom scripts to automate tasks, the CLI tool does not currently offer native support for automation, requiring manual setup and technical effort.
Future State: Creating the 4i Document Portal
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To address the highlighted challenges
User-Friendly Experience: Offers a familiar interface inspired by popular cloud storage clients like OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox, making it accessible even to users with limited technical expertise.
Automated Sync and Organization: Automatically syncs files to user-defined folders and organizes them by category and type, minimizing manual effort and improving file management.
Customizable and Flexible Configuration: Provides intuitive controls for selecting specific entities, file types, and time ranges for downloads, ensuring users get exactly what they need.
Modern Technology Stack: Built on a modern, maintainable foundation that supports rapid feature development, streamlined updates, and better overall performance.
Simplified Authentication: Utilizes an integrated OAuth flow for secure, hassle-free credential management—eliminating the need for manual API key setup.