Problem

The CPC exam has a notoriously low first-time pass rate—often hovering between 40–60%—due in large part to the lack of accessible, structured study tools. Traditional options like community college courses or 3-day seminars are often priced between $2,000–$3,000 and occur infrequently, making them unfeasible for many learners. Free options such as YouTube and textbooks exist, but they lack cohesion, personalization, and expert feedback. These gaps leave many students feeling overwhelmed, underprepared, and isolated in their study journey. A better solution was needed—one that could meet learners where they are without sacrificing quality or results.

Approach

To ensure MedStudy was built with users at the center, I followed a structured and human-centered design process from the ground up. I began with user research and discovery, conducting interviews with aspiring medical coders and individuals currently enrolled in CPC prep programs. This helped me better understand the frustrations, limitations, and goals users face when preparing for certification—especially the lack of affordable, structured, and flexible study tools.

From this research, I developed user personas to represent my target audience, allowing me to empathize with their challenges and motivations throughout the design process. I then created task flows to map out common study actions like creating flashcards and starting study sessions. These flows helped guide my wireframes and eventually evolved into high-fidelity prototypes.

To validate the usability of my designs, I conducted moderated usability testing—both in-person and via video calls—with participants from varying tech comfort levels. Feedback was crucial in refining the user experience, improving navigation, and ensuring core features were intuitive. All of this was documented and guided by continuous iteration, with the goal of creating a study app that feels empowering, supportive, and easy to use from day one.

Solution

MedStudy offers a flexible and focused alternative by combining interactive tools, guided study paths, and affordable pricing into one user-friendly mobile experience. Users can create and review flashcards, schedule sessions, track progress, and take realistic mock exams tailored to CPC exam content. With plans for expert-led video lessons and AI-powered adaptive study tools, MedStudy is positioned to become a leading resource for CPC prep. While still in concept form, the app was designed with long-term usability and learner success in mind.

Outcome