AlphaGutScan: a person-centred, AI-enhanced consumer microbiome test for personalised health insights

**Introduction:**

AlphaBiomics is working on a new health test called AlphaGutScan. This test lets people safely collect a simple stool (poo) sample at home and send it to the company. We will then check your gut health by looking at what's in your stool. The test uses a very detailed way of looking at the bacteria that live in your gut. It also uses smart computer programmes to make sure the test results and recommendations are very accurate.

**Project Goal:**

The main goal is to make AlphaGutScan easy to use, ensuring it's something that can really help people understand and look after their health better. To achieve this, AlphaBiomics is working with Tone Product Design. Together, we're focusing on making the whole process user-friendly, from collecting the sample to understanding the test results.

**Project Team:**

AlphaBiomics and Tone Product Design are experts in studying microorganisms, computer learning, and designing products that people love to use. Both groups know how to run projects really well and will keep a close eye on everything to make sure we finish on time and do a great job. **How We Do It:**

We're using a design method called the 'Double Diamond' which helps us focus first on learning what test users really need and then on creating the right solutions. Here's what we're doing: _Discover:_ We employ research to find out what user need and what problems they might have. _Define:_ We use the information from our talks to clearly define what our product should do for the users.

We'll make some early versions of the test kit and the report layout, then ask how people actually use them. This helps us to make improvements. The best designs will be chosen based on what we learn. **Why It Matters:**

Support from Innovate UK helps speed up our project, making it more trustworthy and attractive to investors. Without this support, AlphaGutScan won't deliver fully on its promise. AlphaGutScan is not just a product; it's a step towards helping people take better care of their health before they even get sick, easing the load on healthcare services like the NHS.

**Conclusion:**

By focusing on what people really need and how they feel about using technology, AlphaGutScan aims to be more than just a health test. It's designed to be easy, trustworthy and useful, which could lead to better health for everyone who uses it.