Safedose
2019
This was my final capstone project in the spring of 2019 for a human-centered design course. We were given 10 weeks to formulate an idea, develop prototypes, speak with experts and users, and then present at the final design expo.
I got the inspiration for this idea from the opioid epidemic in the U.S., and pitched it to the class where five other people joined my team. Every thirty minutes, one American has died from a prescription overdose. We set out to reduce overdoses while promoting an atmosphere of trust and autonomy among young adults using medication and their guardians.
Our use case was people under the care of a guardian or caretaker that have been prescribed high-risk medication. This device acted as a secure interface between user and caretaker for an easy and secure dosage experience.
Design Iterations
Initial Sketch
The initial idea was that the device would only be used by one person, and a pin code would be used for the user to access their own medication. Wifi accessibility would text the user if someone attempted to break into the box, or when their medication was ready to be taken again which was also displayed on the screen.
Pretotype
This low-resolution prototype was presented to users, as well as to the chair of the pharmacy department of the UPMC hospital system. We simulated the user experience using candy and interchangeable cards to represent the changing of the screen. We discovered that users did not care for their medication to be locked away, but that a device for a caretaker to monitor the intake of high-risk medications such as pain killers or mental-health drugs would be well-received.
Prototype
The detailed prototype used a Raspberry Pi to connect the button, screen, and stepper motors that dispense the medication. I wrote a Python script to control everything. This version was taken back to users and we received positive feedback on the light-up button as well as the text notification, however the size of the box was seen as a negative.
The final version reduced the size of the box and added a wall mounting bracket. A number pad was added for users to enter phone numbers and dosage times. Opaque walls were used for privacy and it could keep track of up to three medications.
Final Product
To set up the final machine, use the fingerprint lock to open it, and follow the prompts on the screen. Phone number, dosage amounts, time between doses, and medication slot are all asked for.
When finished with setup, close the lid and lock it. The screen then displays the current time and date, as well as the time for the next dose.
When the time is reached, the user receives a text reminder. Should you try to take more medication before that time is reached, the machine texts the caretaker.
The button lights up and the screen also displays that it is time to take the next dose. Once the button is pressed, the medication dispenses and the screen resets for the next time.
Poster used for the Spring 2019 Design Expo for the school of engineering at the University of Pittsburgh
Final Pitch
Think about what you did in the last thirty minutes. Within that span one American has died from a prescription overdose (cdc). That is 46 Americans every day, a figure that is five times higher than two decades ago. We at Safe-Dose aimed to reduce overdoses while promoting an atmosphere of trust and autonomy among young adults using medication and their guardians.
Misdosing has a large definition span, ranging from simply forgetting a dose to taking a little more than recommended because you think you need it. These little irregularities in routine seem harmless, but have the potential to spiral out of control. Pill bottles are not secure, and a lack of security downplays the severity of misuse of these high-consequence drugs.The deficiencies of the medicine cabinet have inspired many to try and reimagine how we handle medication. However, existing systems cater to either security or ease of use. To strive for both, we came up with the idea for SafeDose.
Our use case is young adults who have been prescribed high risk medication and with the help of a guardian, the users can enjoy an easy to use and secure dosage experience. To set up the machine, use the fingerprint lock to open it, and load the device with medication. The button will light up green when your dosage is ready and you’ll receive a text notification reminding you to take your medication. Once pressed, the medication dispenses and shows the time until your next dose. If you try to take more medication before that time is reached, the machine won’t let you. This device can handle your dosage routine for you, so you do not have to worry about misdosing.
Through our user testing we discovered that people really liked the button/screen interface, and shrunk our box based on user feedback. Going forward and based on our conversation with Doctor Amy Seybert, head of pharmacology at the University of Pittsburgh, we believe we can integrate SafeDose into medical databases in order to make it so administrative nurses are the guardians of our users. Creating a platform so SafeDose can be mounted on a wall, in place of a typical medicine cabinet is a desire of ours going forward to integrate it better into the home. We also hope to make it so that users can rent SafeDose from their doctor for a period of time, following an injury. While we are proud of the current status of SafeDose we believe there is much room for further advancements.
Our hope with SafeDose is to be proactive in the fight against little habits that become big problems. We want a device that fits into the household and into the lives of our users, promoting responsible use of medication in a cost-effective manner.
The team!