Sketchin

New applications of AI in clinical trials

An influential global big tech has chosen us for an innovative AI project, viewing us as a partner to connect talent in the tech and pharmaceutical industry. The goal was to show the potential of AI in transforming clinical trial management and improving trials.

Mockup showing an interface regarding a clinical trial.

An influential global big tech has chosen us for an innovative AI project, viewing us as a partner to connect talent in the tech and pharmaceutical industry. The goal was to show the potential of AI in transforming clinical trial management and improving trials.

Industry

Healthtech

Year

2024

Client

Global Tech Company

New applications of AI in clinical trials

In partnership with a global big tech company, we initiated an innovative project to support tech, medical, and pharmaceutical professionals using AI. The goal was to demonstrate AI’s potential to transform clinical trial management and improve experimentation processes in compliance with the regulations and the code of ethics.

Photo of a researcher wearing personal protective equipment while working in a laboratory.

Outcome

We developed a design scenario focused on user experiences in clinical trials, aiming to explore the needs and challenges of those managing the processes. A conceptual design was created to highlight key features and improvements to the current process while integrating new digital functionalities. Additionally, two design scenarios were outlined to foster empathy for users, enabling a deeper understanding of their needs and envisioning how the new tool could optimise their experience.

clinical trials conducted globally every year
400k
years required to complete a clinical trial cycle
10+
time saved in trial initiation
50%

Optimising and streamlining strategic decisions

The implementation of AI and digital tools in clinical trials presents immense opportunities. However, addressing strategic constraints and challenges is essential to ensure more accurate, patient-centered, and regulation-compliant processes. Three main intervention areas were identified, each with significant benefits:

  • Optimised feasibility studies: utilising digital tools for comprehensive data collection, facilitating strategic decisions and efficient resource management for clinical teams.
  • Process automation: reducing manual tasks in recruitment, patient management, and data anonymisation, enhancing engagement and shortening database closure times.
  • Advanced data analytics: implementing technologies for real-time data collection and monitoring, providing researchers with an updated, comprehensive view of progress and patient responses.
Clinical trial journey superimposed on several photos of patients and researchers.

Collaboratively defining AI innovation opportunities

During the initial framing phase, we collaborated with stakeholders and users to analyze the main steps in clinical trial management. This high-level mapping identified tasks and key interactions among various actors, from pharmaceutical researchers to hospital physicians and patients. Through co-design sessions, we facilitated communication between technical and medical experts, identifying critical touchpoints and uncovering challenges and innovation opportunities to enhance trial experiences. These insights guided the design of integrated solutions with advanced digital functionalities.

Screen showing the process of scheduling an appointment with a clinical trial candidate.
Screen showing a conversation with a chatbot.

Digital transformation in clinical trial management

The solutions proposed in the design scenarios represent innovative tools to transform each phase of clinical trials with an integrated digital approach. Covering the entire trial lifecycle—from automated candidate selection to real-time monitoring and clinical record management—the tool simplifies user workflows, reduces manual tasks for patients, and increases precision in patient–trial matching. It supports informed decision-making during monitoring, allowing physicians to adjust dosages or withdraw patients when necessary, improving trial success rates. The objective is to provide researchers and medical teams with secure, immediate access to data and performance metrics, facilitating analysis and ensuring data safety.

Overview of miscellaneous clinical trial screens and interfaces.

The new process introduces a novel way of collecting and updating data through a digital assistant capable of learning from researchers and simplifying their work. This interactive experience enhances the value and speed of clinical trials, saving up to 50% of the time required. Such efficiency means drugs can be tested faster and more accurately, allowing researchers to focus on critical actions, avoid wasting energy on secondary tasks, and increase the potential to save lives.

Project numbers

weekly iterations
3
Sketchin designers
Two
workshop and co-design activities
2
project scenarios
2

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