Philips Sonicare

Connected Health App Design

Mobile App Connected Devices Health & Wellness Consumer

Project Summary

Philips wanted to transform their connected toothbrush from a hardware product into a personal dental health coach. The Sonicare app would bridge the physical device and the user's daily habits — delivering real-time coaching, personalized technique guidance, and data-driven insights that made every brushing session count.

My Role

I served dual UX and visual design responsibilities on a cross-functional team. I contributed to user flows and wireframes, shaped the visual design direction, and played a key role in communicating design decisions to stakeholders and driving approvals.

The Client
Smashing Ideas & Philips — 2017
My Role
UX & Visual Designer
The Team
Creative Director, 1 UX Designer, 1 Visual Designer, 6 Developers

The Research

The project was grounded in one of the most thorough research efforts I've worked on. This depth gave us a clear picture of how people actually brush — and where real behavior diverged from what they believed they were doing. Every major design decision was grounded in these findings.

255
User interviews
75
Focus groups
117 days
Longitudinal study tracking the brushing habits of 105 users

What I Designed

Brushing Interface

A real-time, intuitive brushing coach — giving users immediate feedback on pressure, coverage, and technique through a visual interface that mirrored their physical brush in motion.

Personalized Coaching

Coaching screens tailored to each user's brushing data — surfacing specific technique improvements rather than generic advice, making guidance feel personal and actionable.

Onboarding & Pairing

A streamlined setup flow connecting the app to the physical Sonicare device — making the first-use experience feel simple and rewarding.

Visual Design Language

I helped shape the visual direction — modern, clean, and premium, consistent with Philips' health brand while warm enough for daily personal use.

Impact

A research-driven app that turned a smart toothbrush into a daily coach — and measurably changed how people brush.

90%

Of users reported improved brushing technique after using the app.

95%

Rated it the most effective product for healthier brushing.

+6%

Increase in average brushing duration — making each session more effective.