A thoughtful medicine cabinet designed for the elderly, MedEasy focuses on regions of India with large populations of elderly people living alone, such as Tamil Nadu and Nagaland, to help seniors manage their medications independently. The aim is to address the challenges faced in real life.
designer: Tarun Pahadiya
The main goal of the MedEasy project is to create a product that will serve as a reliable companion for seniors and help them remember, manage, and stock their medications efficiently. The product focuses on addressing the loneliness prevalent among senior citizens living alone and aims to contribute to the well-being of this demographic, which constitutes 5.7% of senior citizens in India.
MedEasy primarily serves older adults who struggle with proper medication adherence due to memory issues and limited motor activity. This includes elderly family members, people living alone who are concerned about forgetfulness, and people with Alzheimer's disease problems. Secondary users include caregivers such as nurses, young family members, doctors, and NGO helpers who operate the product to support primary users.
Extensive market research has been conducted to highlight the importance of addressing age-related sensory decline, monitoring appropriate dosages, reducing dependence on others for medication, and creating a positive and engaging process for medication adherence. key insights were highlighted. Additionally, older adults often consciously avoid taking their prescribed doses and need reminders and easy refill and dispensing mechanisms, but it's important to have more than just reminders for older adults about the doses they can consider. I think we could take a more emotional approach to motivating intake. Avoid it intentionally.
Inspired by Dieter Rams' “less but better” ethos, the designer employs minimalist, functional, and timeless designs. The prototype underwent rigorous testing, focusing on the slide-out day section, the ambidextrous nature of the product, and the ease of interaction with the cell opening. The color palette reflects morning, noon, and night cues, fostering a visually captivating aesthetic.
Slide action: The slide mechanism allows users to easily remove cells, providing smooth maneuverability while reducing physical effort.
Physical Controls: The product incorporates minimal yet impactful physical controls for important functions, ensuring ease of use for scrolling and selection.
Clean UI: Adopt a simple, gentle visual language to minimize visual complexity and foster a welcoming approach that improves user interaction with your product.
App support: User-friendly app incorporation enhances the medication management experience and provides an interface to track medications, doses, and schedules. This feature allows for remote monitoring and management by caregivers, ensuring timely compliance and reducing the risk of errors.
MedEasy is more than just a medicine cabinet. It is a comprehensive solution that allows seniors to manage their medication regimen. By combining thoughtful design, cutting-edge technology, and a user-centered approach, MedEasy contributes to the well-being and independence of older adults, enabling them to live fulfilling lives with confidence and peace of mind.
