Week 10: Final Project

Managing medications for medical memory disorders can be difficult and require assistance, oversight, or administration. This oversight can limit the independence of patients and put an unreasonable burden on family and primary care givers.

The prototypes for this assignment were part of a larger capstone project for HCDE.  Throughout the course of this project, our team targeted individuals with medical memory loss including Alzheimer’s and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), their family, caregivers, and medical professionals monitoring their patient’s health status.  The three stages of product development we focused on were user research, ideation, and prototyping.

Our motivation for this research stems from a desire to improve the quality of life for people who are impacted by memory loss. We want to create a design solution that can promote the independence of individuals with memory loss, ease the burdens of primary caregivers, and provide peace of mind to families who are affected.

 

DESIGN

After much deliberation, our team decided to pursue a three pronged approach to medication management based on an initial round of user research. Our final system consisted of a pill box for organizing medications, portable displays to help users remember to take medications and a small medication journal for keeping track of important medical information. High level product details are depicted in each of the sketches below.

group 1(3) group 1(2) group 1

 

 

 

 

IMPLEMENTATION

We used six prototyping methods that we learned in our Prototyping Techniques class to model our designs and complete the final assignment.  We have outlined the process and implementation of each technique below.

MEDICATION NOTEBOOK PROTOTYPE

From our user research, we learned that organizing information is just as important as medication.  We created a paper prototype of a structured notebook that would help patients and caregivers organize important information.

We began with sketches, initial designs, and then created a higher fidelity prototype.

Sketches

IMG_3526 IMG_3525 group 2(3) group 2 group 2(2)group 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Initial Mockups

Screen Shot 2015-06-06 at 12.14.10 PM Screen Shot 2015-06-06 at 12.13.55 PMScreen Shot 2015-06-06 at 12.14.03 PM

Refined Prototype

We had the sketches reviewed by some users and medical professionals that treat patients with Alzheimer’s  and Traumatic Brain Injury.  We received feedback about the benefits of color coding as well as the need for larger font and complementary icons to reduce cognitive load. For the last iteration of the notebook, we improved these areas using Adobe InDesign.  Below are images of the final spiral bound notebook.

DSC01373 DSC01376 DSC01375 DSC01374 DSC01379

 

 

 

 

 

 

PILL BOX PROTOTYPE

To quickly and easily experiment with a variety of connection systems at relatively low cost, we began prototyping our pill boxes with an assortment of cardboard boxes, glues, plastics, buttons, magnets, velcro, Legos and lights. We used these models to determine the most effective way to connect boxes and insert custom labels.

group 5 group 5 (1) group 5 (1) group 5 (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interestingly, we found that Lego pieces were easily connected and provided the strongest hold due to their larger surface area. Using glasses covered in vaseline to simulate Glaucoma, we also discovered that focused LEDs (rather than EL wire) and larger label slips on each box would be necessary for users with vision impairment.

While cardboard and Legos were helpful for experimentation, we realized that a higher fidelity prototype would be necessary if we wanted to help users conceptualize the finer details of our product. To begin, we attempted to 3D print our boxes and lids. CAD models were made using 123D Design modeling software. They were then  printed on a Creator Pro 3D printer.

The box model featured rounded edges to prevent the collection of pill dust and Lego style connectors. The lid was designed to be tightly fitted to the box with an inner lip. It also had a pull tab for removal, a slit under the pull tab for inserting custom labels, a small hole for a notification LED and a section cut out of the center that we intended to fill with transparent plastic (to make pills easily visible).

Screenshot 2015-05-31 23.29.05Screenshot 2015-05-31 23.29.21 Screenshot 2015-05-31 23.29.25Screenshot 2015-05-31 23.29.47 Screenshot 2015-05-31 23.29.53 3D print pill box 3D print pill box - lego (2) 2015-05-27 09.21.13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unfortunately, the 3D printers that we had access to were not as accurate as our components required. The snaps on the boxes did not fit together, the lids did not fit the boxes and the holes and slits on the lid sealed shut during printing. We made some attempts to compensate with larger pieces. However, these corrections were also ineffective.

Hoping to at least have snapping boxes to present to users, we created a new box model featuring button style snaps. Regrettably, the 3D printer was only able to turn out a box with some plastic stubble on the sides. We took this as our cue to pursue other options and turned our heads to the laser cutter across the room.

Screenshot 2015-05-31 23.30.33 Screenshot 2015-05-31 23.30.27 Screenshot 2015-05-31 23.30.38 2015-05-27 19.42.31 2015-05-27 19.42.15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SILICON LIDS

We attempted to make an alternative lid for our medication boxes that could be flexible, soft to the touch and watertight for liquid medications. After researching a variety of materials that could be used to satisfy these requirements, we decided to try a pourable silicone.  Using molds that were laser cut in pieces and glued together we created seven SharkThane Flex Pro 60-20 silicon lids.  The material is poured at a 1:1 ratio, thoroughly mixed, and then poured.  It is a quick drying material that theoretically takes 16 hours for the molds to set, although it took several hours longer for ours to dry.  Below is a collections of photos documenting the process of casting the and removing the lids from the molds.

DSC01324DSC01327DSC01336IMG_2004IMG_2017 IMG_2015 IMG_2005IMG_2018IMG_2030IMG_2037IMG_2040DSC01347DSC01344DSC01339IMG_2041IMG_2050IMG_2052IMG_2043IMG_2042

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Refined Prototype

For the final iteration of our boxes, we settled on using a laser cutter and built up our components in layers. We used a 1/4’’ thick sheet of cast acrylic to increase the visibility of pills and lights within the box. Four rim pieces were stacked upon a base rectangle and then adhered using an acrylic solvent. In total, we created 14 laser cut boxes and lids; enough to model a medi-set with two doses of medication taken every day of the week.

To convey the idea of connection, clear velcro circles were adhered to each side of the boxes (the nubs on snap buttons kept them from permanently adhering to the acrylic). To create custom label slips, we also taped a pocket made from a clear binder slip to the top of each box. Finally, to demonstrate how a box can light up when it is time to take a dose of medication, a hole was drilled in the bottom of one box using a drill press and a strand of small lights was strung through the hole. These lights could be turned on and off using a battery switch at the opposite end of the strand.

2015-06-04 10.29.59

 

REMINDER SYSTEM PROTOTYPE

Our very first reminder system consisted of a whiteboard magnet wrapped in lights, simple as that. We simply wanted to see how well flashing lights could catch someone’s attention across a room in broad daylight.

group 10 (2)group 10 (1)

 

 

 

 

 

We quickly moved on to a slightly higher fidelity prototype that we actually showed to users. This system featured the same whiteboard framed in a more aesthetically pleasing cardboard box/ frame. Some Electroluminescent Wire was wrapped around the box for notification light cues and a small whiteboard pen holder was added to the side.

group 11 (1)group 11

 

 

 

 

 

Refined Prototype

For our final iteration, we enlarged the form factor of the reminder system (to accommodate larger text) and integrated some basic digital interface components for modeling how alarms can be set. Like the pill boxes, the front of our refined reminder system was also laser cut. We used a piece of white mat board that we later spray painted white to cover scorch marks along the cuts. This front plate was mounted on a piece of craft foam that was cut to size. Lights were poked through the foam and front plate for a snug fit. A small alarm clock was taped to the back of the rectangular cut to represent a digital interface. Similarly, some balls of clay took the place of buttons (we found that pressing the clay into the hole on the front plate and then pressing it in the opposite way helped to make the button look pressable). As a finishing touch, whiteboard tape was placed on the front of the device for writing notes and two velcro circles were added so that a box could be held in place while setting an alarm.

group 12 group 12(2) group 12(3) group 12(4) group 12(5) group 12(6) group 12(7) group 12(8) group 12(9) group 12(10) group 12(11) group 12(12) group 12(13) group 12(14)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VIDEO PROTOTYPE

After we finished our rapid prototypes, we wanted to gather feedback from our users before we moved on to higher fidelity versions. Therefore, we created a video that demonstrated how our system would work holistically. This video features our preliminary prototypes as well as the various notification interactions of our medication management system.

WIZARD OF OZ PROTOTYPE

To present our prototype and see how people would interact with it, we originally planned on creating a functioning prototype. After spending more time on our physical prototypes, we decided it would be better to put our effort into portraying the purpose of our product instead of having a functioning system. Therefore, we decided to perform a wizard of oz prototype instead.

In order to perform our wizard of oz prototype we needed to create the illusion that the pill boxes and reminder system functioned. We began with the pill box. We simply needed one pill box that would light up to display that the medication within that box needed to be taken. To perform this act in a discrete way we created a simple table stand. We drilled a small hole in the table and placed a pill box that had an identical hole over it. We then fed small lights through the hole so that the box would light up when the lights were turned on. The table would shield the excess lights, the light switch, and act as a stand to display all of the individual pill boxes.

group 13 group 13 (1)

 

 

 

 

 

To make the reminder system function in our wizard of oz prototype, we had a very similar setup to the pill boxes. We placed small LED lights within the designated spots around the rim and hid the excess on the back of the reminder system. We then placed the system on a small stand that rested directly above the pill box table. We fed the light switch behind the table and stand and placed it next to the pill box light switch.

group 14 (3) DSC_7529 group 14 (1) group 14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When it came time to present our prototype, we would have a member standing in front of the system explaining the process to a user while another person stood behind, acting as the wizard. As the person presenting the project would explain that the reminder system and pill box would blink, the wizard would flip the switches accordingly. The lights would remain on until someone took the lid off of the correct pill box. This clearly presented the function of the system without our team having to create a fully functioning prototype. This method saved us a lot of time and was very clear during presentations.

group 15 DSC_7417

 

VIDEO

After we finished our prototypes, we wanted to create a demonstration that we could share with anyone. The best way to quickly display our prototype at any time is through a video demo. We created a short video that walked the viewer through all of the features of our final prototypes in a clear, concise way.

 

EVALUATION

In order to get feedback on our design, we created a video (featuring our initial prototypes) demonstrating the full functionality of our design. We then ran focus groups and sent emails to potential users where we explained our product, showed the demo video, and asked questions for feedback. The questions we asked were:

  1. What, if anything, do you like about this product?
  1. What, if anything, do you dislike about this product?
  1. Do you have any suggestions for improving this product?
  1. Do you see yourself using this in real life? Why or why not?
  1. Do you think the pillbox, reminder system, and notebook work well together? Why or why not?

We reached out to users from our target audience for feedback. However, in order to maximize the amount of feedback that we received in a very short amount of time, we also reached out to members of a more general audience: anyone who takes at least one medication regularly, regardless of whether they suffer from memory loss.

Our participants are summarized in the following graphic:

group 17

*Feedback from the general audience was primarily solicited from friends, family and coworkers. While this approach led to important insights, it doesn’t necessarily represent the opinion of the whole population. For more reliable results, random and stratified sampling should be used for additional usability testing.

Target Audience:

group 18

Overall Response

Overall, participants responded very positively to our design. Forgetting to take a medication was seen as a universal problem; one that our system played an important role in improving. Due to the accessible nature of our design, features were desirable to those with conditions related to memory impairments as well as those without. Even a young female participant explained “I would buy this for me!” While our prototypes are far from production ready, our user feedback illustrated that we are on the right track.

Things that worked well about the initial prototypes

  • Lights effectively catch the user’s attention.
  • There is a clear and valuable connection between the reminder and the pill box.
  • Persistent reminders were seen as beneficial.
    • “Little things distract me.”

    ED (erectile dysfunction) in men is a condition where male is usually unable to maintain an erection and these health issues make a male unable to satisfy his partner cialis sale uk then he shall not perceive it as impotency. Men with ED can take anti-impotency drug to relax order cheap viagra their veins and achieve erection. Once it has been absorbed into the blood, the main component quickly reaches up viagra sale in canada the targeted destination and starts improving the blood supply by soothing penis arteries, which in turn facilitate men to achieve an erection. Best herbal remedies for premature ejaculation cialis online usa include carrots, almonds, pineapple, pomegranate, garlic, onion, beans, mushrooms, cereals, oats, eggs, walnuts, dark chocolates, bananas, avocados, asparagus, blueberries, etc.

  • Participants enjoyed the flexibility of custom labels.
  • Participants thought it was helpful to be able to add compartments as they wanted for different medications.
  • Participants felt that the explanation of how to set alarms sounded reasonable.
    • “It’s probably no more difficult than filling the boxes with pills.”
  • The journal was thought to be helpful, especially when a lot is happening or new medications are added.
  • The system was even desirable for participants without medical memory loss.
    • “I’d buy that for me!”
    • “I’m supposed to take Lipitor every day but I forget”

 

Opportunities for Improvement

  • An application pairing would be nice so there wouldn’t be as many physical objects to keep track of.
  • Make sure label text can be large for those with vision impairment.
  • Add custom notification tones.
  • Sometimes pill boxes get lost. Add a find my pill box feature.
  • When setting alarms, consider a “select all” type feature when setting an entire row of compartments to the same time.

 

Effect on Design

After gathering feedback from potential users, we were glad to see that the majority of the feedback was positive. Nonetheless, there is always room for improvement. While building more refined prototypes we carefully considered this user feedback. We increased the size of label slips and the whiteboard space on the reminder system to ensure they could accommodate larger text.

Scope and time restraints meant that we were unable to create a companion app. The team agrees this would be a convenient addition to the MedMem system. Content from the medication journal could easily be converted into this digital format and would enable caregivers to monitor information remotely.

In the end, our prototypes remain largely conceptual. The finer details of the technology and digital interface will require higher fidelity materials than we used for our refined prototypes. Future iterations should include a process for changing notification tones. A protocol for setting alarms could also be integrated into the system.

ANALYSIS

Overall, our prototyping process served us well. We were able to help users better conceptualize our product, quickly test our product across several stages of development and create a polished presentation piece to represent the compilation of our capstone research.

There are several parts of our refined prototypes that can still be improved and several obstacles throughout our process that warrant reflection. These pros and cons are outlined in the following.

What worked well about our prototyping process:

  • Paper prototypes and models were helpful for quickly experimenting with form form factor and functionality.
  • Laser cutting turned out to be a quick alternative to 3D printing. In the future it will not be passed over. In fact, it may be prefered over 3D printing in many cases.
  • The laser cutter we used was extremely precise. It was able to cut through our material in one pass without issue. It also allowed us to cut rim pieces no more than a hair’s width apart without the parts fusing together.
  • The acrylic solvent that we finally found at The Hobby Shop worked perfectly. It fused the joints perfectly and dried clear unlike super glue which gets cloudy and stuck to your fingers. Note: always read labels. There was a good ten minutes where I thought the solvent didn’t work because I had pressed the acrylic face to face (where there was no flow of oxygen) rather than joint to joint.
  • Although we moved passed the silicone molds for demo and aesthetic purposes, they actually fit the boxes perfectly and created a watertight seal. This was impressive considering we had no prior experience.
  • A simple strand of lights with an on and off switch (found at any craft store) made Wizard of Oz’ing relatively simple.
  • Creating a preliminary demo video helped us reach a larger number of users in an extremely limited amount of time (two weeks from start to finish).
  • Having access to a well equipped makerspace during the day and a home workshop late at night was essential for our projects success. When 3D prints failed and silicon lids became stuck in their molds, we had plenty of tools to choose from.

 

Opportunities for Improvement:

  • Moving on with our prototypes, it will be important to focus on the interface design of the reminder system
    • what does each button do (hours and minutes)?
    • what is the exact protocol for setting an alarm?
    • how do the boxes and reminders talk to one another?
    • is the device battery powered?
    • how does the user know that the battery is low?
    • how can the user turn off the device?
    • how can the user choose between light and sound reminders?
  • Unlike our 3D printed boxes, our laser cut boxes could not offer a rounded interior due to the two dimensional nature of their construction. We would like to find an alternative way to round out the corners of the pill boxes so that they don’t collect pill dust.
  • When 3D printing, our snaps did not render and when laser cutting, our snaps would not firmly adhere to the acrylic. We would like to find a way to integrate a stronger connection feature on the boxes (this will likely require building a precise mold and pouring some kind of hardening plastic). Velcro circles work fine for conveying the idea of connection but did not hold up well to weight and wear from use.
  • With our lack of experience in casting molds, we were more focused on the design of the molds and their fitting in the boxes.  We did not give a considerable consideration of how to removed the lids without destroying the molds or the lids.  We tried drilling a hole through the back and pushing it out and picking and peeling it out.  What worked best was using a saw and dremel saw to cut the lids out, however this rendered the molds unusable. Future mold makers should look into incorporating a release mechanism into their molds.