Introduction: Senior Medication Reeminder App
The problem is that many seniors forget to have their medications on time, that might cause very serious consequences. Estimates suggest nonadherence to medication causes around 125,000 deaths annually in the US. How can seniors reliably remember to take medications on time? Thinking of that, I decided to design an app that can not only remind seniors to have medication regularly, but also make their lives easier. So I spent a lot of time working on the ensign and followed the Engineering Design Process (EDP) to improve my prototypes.
Supplies
Figma & Canva
https://www.figma.com/
https://www.canva.com/
Used Google Slids to branstorm and follow the EDP.
Step 1: Ask: How Can Seniors Reliably Remember to Take Medications on Time?
Ask myselfe question:
- What is the design problem criteria I need to know?
The design problem criteria is it should be useful and efficient to remind seniors to take medications on time. It should be suitable for all seniors.
- What are the constraints your potential solutions must included? (Cost, size, safety etc)
The constraints are I can’t spend much money and time on the product since I’m a student, the size should be designed suitable for seniors, and it should be safe to use.
- What fundamental concepts must I consider when developing solutions?(Basically all of them to make my solution successful.)
- Aesthetics
- Safety
- Environmental Sustainability
- Ergonomics
- Creation
- Function
- Innovation
- Material
- Mechanism
- Power & Energy
- Control
- Structure
- Systems
What are the end-users’ needs?
- Reminder to take medication on time
- Easy to use, senior-friendly
- Seniors with disabilities will still be able to use the design
- Have the right medication with the right amount on the right time
What products exist that can help guide your understanding for a solution? (Use Reverse Engineering to help develop potential solutions.)
Step 2: Imagine: Brainstorm Devices, Apps, or Wearable Solutions That Provide Reminders
Next Step--Brainstorm! Some of the possible solutions include devices that show time and light up when it’s time to have medication; apps that beep and list the medication and time you need to take; wearable solutions that vibrate to grab attention to have medication…
Step 3: Plan: Outline Features
Create a parts list of all required components including overall dimensions/process flow chart
I’ve decided to make an app, so I don’t really need any hardware. I only need a platform to create the app. There is no required material and required tools.
Platforms/tools I’ll be using: Figma, Canva, and paper to brainstorm.
I want to build an app using Figma or Canvas. Whenever it’s time to have medication, the app will light up the screen to show notification or beep to remind seniors. I will also add more functions and a calendar of having medications. It will show what medication to take on what time. Users can also chat with their doctors if they are confused with their medication or need help.
Attachments
Step 4: Create: Build a Prototype App
Step 5: Test: Conduct a Simulation or Ask Peers to Follow the Reminder System
After making my first prototype, and showing it to other people, they pointed out some of my mistakes and how I can do better. I didn’t create a button or any other ways for the users to add a new medication schedule, and I still have a lot to improve.
Step 6: Improve: Adjust Interface, Notifications, or Design Based on Feedback
After receiving the feedback, I went back to see where and how I can improve on the first prototype. After a new round of brainstorming and planning, I finally have the improved version of my app. So I created a new copy, and changed or added the elements to make it better.
Final design is included here.
