2022 Design for Seniors
Numerous elderly individuals grappling with physical impairments encounter significant challenges in adhering to timely and precise medication schedules, particularly when faced with increased dosages. Even with external assistance, navigating these intricate routines remains daunting within multifaceted contexts. Given this scenario, the design endeavor delves into potential solutions for alleviating such concerns.
Embracing a conceptual approach, this exploration is grounded in the realm of ideas, thus sidestepping the intricacies of internal product engineering and intricate craftsmanship. The aim is to devise innovative possibilities that can meaningfully address the identified issues.
My role
User researcher, product /UX designer (August 2022)
Embracing a conceptual approach, this exploration is grounded in the realm of ideas, thus sidestepping the intricacies of internal product engineering and intricate craftsmanship. The aim is to devise innovative possibilities that can meaningfully address the identified issues.
My role
User researcher, product /UX designer (August 2022)
01. Problems
In my role as a family member, I've observed my grandfather's daily regimen, which includes a staggering number of pills due to his multiple chronic conditions, a common situation among the elderly. The significance of adhering to each prescribed dose cannot be overstated, as even a single missed administration could result in irreversible harm, particularly for seniors with physical limitations who struggle with self-administration.
Taking on the mantle of a caregiver, I often find myself dedicating considerable time to navigate the complexities of these unfamiliar medications, grappling with the potential for inadvertent errors. The task is undoubtedly laborious, and the realization that even my assistance doesn't guarantee seamless adherence to the prescribed regimen only adds to the burden.
![]()
*Photo: Medications my grandfather has to take on time.
Taking on the mantle of a caregiver, I often find myself dedicating considerable time to navigate the complexities of these unfamiliar medications, grappling with the potential for inadvertent errors. The task is undoubtedly laborious, and the realization that even my assistance doesn't guarantee seamless adherence to the prescribed regimen only adds to the burden.
*Photo: Medications my grandfather has to take on time.
02. Challenges
- Among the elderly: The act of forgetting to take prescribed pills persists, even with assistance.
- For caregivers: The responsibility of dispensing medication and organizing dosages can become an onerous task.
My investigation commenced within a small community, involving neighbors and relatives, with a focus on the challenges faced by seniors with mobility impairments when it comes to medication management.
It's undeniable that the process of taking medication evolves into a distressing ordeal, particularly when seniors find themselves confronted with a substantial increase in their daily pill intake. What was once a routine activity transforms into a formidable task, eroding their sense of normalcy. This transformation is profound, and even the smallest negative emotion can cast a shadow of hopelessness over their lives.
03. Discovery
Upon delving into these small cohorts, I discerned a shared thread of concerns that seemed to resonate across them.
It's imperative for the design process to be attuned to these intricate challenges, which are intrinsically intertwined with the issues surrounding medication management. While straightforward methods exist—such as marking dosages and timings on pill containers—to offer direct reminders for seniors, these risks underscore the need for a design solution that is meticulously tailored, clear, and precise. This progressive clarity helps crystallize the focal point of the design, guiding its trajectory.
It's imperative for the design process to be attuned to these intricate challenges, which are intrinsically intertwined with the issues surrounding medication management. While straightforward methods exist—such as marking dosages and timings on pill containers—to offer direct reminders for seniors, these risks underscore the need for a design solution that is meticulously tailored, clear, and precise. This progressive clarity helps crystallize the focal point of the design, guiding its trajectory.
04. Design Target
Target Cohorts:
Seniors: Individuals dealing with physical impairments and a requirement for long-term medication regimens.
Guardians: Individuals responsible for overseeing and administering medications for their elderly loved ones.
My overarching objectives encapsulate the following key aspirations:
Enhancing Convenience and Efficiency in Medication Management:
Introducing user-friendly mechanisms to streamline pill refilling and administration, thereby reducing the likelihood of errors.
Empowering Guardians in Elderly Care:
Facilitating effective management of seniors' well-being by offering tools to track daily health records and receive alerts for any anomalies or irregularities.
Seniors: Individuals dealing with physical impairments and a requirement for long-term medication regimens.
Guardians: Individuals responsible for overseeing and administering medications for their elderly loved ones.
My overarching objectives encapsulate the following key aspirations:
Enhancing Convenience and Efficiency in Medication Management:
Introducing user-friendly mechanisms to streamline pill refilling and administration, thereby reducing the likelihood of errors.
Empowering Guardians in Elderly Care:
Facilitating effective management of seniors' well-being by offering tools to track daily health records and receive alerts for any anomalies or irregularities.
05. Exploration
Navigating prescription-based pill regimens proves intricate, and even families may struggle to ensure timely reminders. This complexity raises concerns – if seniors encounter such challenges, conventional pillboxes might not suffice as viable solutions.
Hence, the pivotal question emerges: Are there alternative methods available to offer effective assistance?
Hence, the pivotal question emerges: Are there alternative methods available to offer effective assistance?
06. Design for Physical Impairment Seniors
Diverging from numerous automated dispensers, this proposal offers a unique blend of benefits: timely and reliable medication distribution coupled with user-friendly, actionable reminders.
WHY CHOOSE THIS APPROACH?
If the smart management system doesn't seamlessly bridge the gap for seniors, it's promptly discarded. They deserve the autonomy to opt for what resonates with their comfort and familiarity.
The essence of the design lies in harmonizing with seniors' existing routines rather than imposing abrupt transformations. It's about crafting a harmonious equilibrium between the dispenser's functionality and the convenience of smart technology integration.
WHY CHOOSE THIS APPROACH?
If the smart management system doesn't seamlessly bridge the gap for seniors, it's promptly discarded. They deserve the autonomy to opt for what resonates with their comfort and familiarity.
The essence of the design lies in harmonizing with seniors' existing routines rather than imposing abrupt transformations. It's about crafting a harmonious equilibrium between the dispenser's functionality and the convenience of smart technology integration.
07. Why A Week Is Proper?
Building upon my previous research, a poignant realization emerged: seniors often grapple with feelings of desolation, frustration, and bewilderment when it comes to navigating their "daily blank time." This sentiment is further exacerbated when an increased pill intake becomes part of the equation.
I don’t think that people regard seniors as not deserving to accompany when they get this sort of dispenser.
On one hand, my aspiration is rooted in minimizing errors and enabling family members to cherish more meaningful moments with their elderly loved ones. On the other, this solution empowers seniors to meticulously adhere to their medication regimen, in alignment with their doctors' counsel. The overarching goal is to enrich their lives by offering both practical assistance and an improved sense of well-being.
I don’t think that people regard seniors as not deserving to accompany when they get this sort of dispenser.
On one hand, my aspiration is rooted in minimizing errors and enabling family members to cherish more meaningful moments with their elderly loved ones. On the other, this solution empowers seniors to meticulously adhere to their medication regimen, in alignment with their doctors' counsel. The overarching goal is to enrich their lives by offering both practical assistance and an improved sense of well-being.
Improvement
1、Relatively speaking, this design offers a heightened level of comprehensiveness, particularly catering to the needs of seniors with physical impairments.
2、APP is one of the choices, not the only choice.
1、Relatively speaking, this design offers a heightened level of comprehensiveness, particularly catering to the needs of seniors with physical impairments.
2、APP is one of the choices, not the only choice.
Limitation
- Inapplicable for liquids and gel-based medications. None of the current dispensing solutions accommodate these situations, but this also indicates potential avenues for innovation in the future.
- As this remains an experimental endeavor, I haven't been able to gather substantial feedback, data, or suggestions. To date, the design is a work in progress and not yet been refined to perfection.
08. Insight
"My objective is not to merely fashion a management system that resembles a dispenser, nor to create a scenario where guardians feel they can distance themselves from seniors through such devices.
My steadfast belief is that design should inherently embrace compassion and benevolence. Every member of a family merits additional moments to share in each other's company."
My steadfast belief is that design should inherently embrace compassion and benevolence. Every member of a family merits additional moments to share in each other's company."