Project
Overview
CHALLENGE
PROJECT TYPE
To understand the current caregiving experience and reimagine how the use of technology could improve this experience.
Design research | Product Design
PillMate - Tech in Caregiving
CLIENT
Class Project
@Northwestern University
TIME FRAME
8 Weeks
[Sept. - Nov. 2022]
MY ROLE
User interviews | Analysis & Synthesis | User testing | Model rendering | UI Design
TEAM MEMBERS
Ada Michaels Shapiro | Lucas Iezzi | sahibzada mayed | Sherry Xu
Project
Overview
CHALLENGE
PROJECT TYPE
To understand the current caregiving experience and reimagine how the use of technology could improve this experience.
Design research | Product Design
PillMate - Tech in Caregiving
CLIENT
Class Project
@Northwestern University
TIME FRAME
8 Weeks
[Sept. - Nov. 2022]
MY ROLE
User interviews | Analysis & Synthesis | User testing | Model rendering | UI Design
TEAM MEMBERS
Ada Michaels Shapiro | Lucas Iezzi | sahibzada mayed | Sherry Xu
Project
Overview
CHALLENGE
PROJECT TYPE
To understand the current caregiving experience and reimagine how the use of technology could improve this experience.
Design research | Product Design
PillMate - Tech in Caregiving
CLIENT
Class Project
@Northwestern University
TIME FRAME
8 Weeks
[Sept. - Nov. 2022]
MY ROLE
User interviews | Analysis & Synthesis | User testing | Model rendering | UI Design
TEAM MEMBERS
Ada Michaels Shapiro | Lucas Iezzi | sahibzada mayed | Sherry Xu
We set out to better understand the caregiving experience and explore the use of technology in order to provide some relief throughout the caregiving process for caregivers and their loved ones.
We set out to better understand the caregiving experience and explore the use of technology in order to provide some relief throughout the caregiving process for caregivers and their loved ones.
OVERARCHING APPROACH
OVERARCHING APPROACH
OVERARCHING APPROACH
Diary Studies
In-Home Interview Video
Early Synthesis
One-hour Interview
with 4 interviewees
Refine Concepts
3 concepts
Initial Brainstorm
20 concepts
Storyboarding
3 concepts
Synthesis
30-min User Look
with 3 interviewees
Diary Studies
In-Home Interview Video
Early Synthesis
One-hour Interview
with 4 interviewees
Refine Concepts
3 concepts
Initial Brainstorm
20 concepts
Storyboarding
3 concepts
30-min User Look
with 3 interviewees
Synthesis
EARLY SYNTHESIS
EARLY SYNTHESIS
After reviewing 10 diaries studies from the dScout platform, one in-home interview video from Ellen & Gene, four one-hour online interviews through the dScout platform, we found common themes in the research. From the common themes, we explored tensions and generated insights around them.
After reviewing 10 diaries studies from the dScout platform, one in-home interview video from Ellen & Gene, four one-hour online interviews through the dScout platform, we found common themes in the research. From the common themes, we explored tensions and generated insights around them.
After reviewing 10 diaries studies from the dScout platform, one in-home interview video from Ellen & Gene, four one-hour online interviews through the dScout platform, we found common themes in the research. From the common themes, we explored tensions and generated insights around them.
*Click to see our discussion guide for conducting the interview*
*Click to see our discussion guide for conducting the interview*
THEMES
THEMES
THEMES
Technology
Caregivers
Care Recipients
The Process
INSIGHTS
INSIGHTS
INSIGHTS
Technology
Some care recipients seem hesitant to adopting new technologies due to their perception of a steep initial learning curve but would be more open to the use of technologies that are familiar.
Some care recipients seem hesitant to adopting new technologies due to their perception of a steep initial learning curve but would be more open to the use of technologies that are familiar.
Some care recipients seem hesitant to adopting new technologies due to their perception of a steep initial learning curve but would be more open to the use of technologies that are familiar.
"I think the hardest part probably is that there's no standard, there are so many different protocols and so many different ways that people implement this technology that it can be overwhelming." - Terrence
"I think the hardest part probably is that there's no standard, there are so many different protocols and so many different ways that people implement this technology that it can be overwhelming." - Terrence
"In my father's mind, he wants what he is a master of in 2003." - Victor
"In my father's mind, he wants what he is a master of in 2003." - Victor
Caregivers
Safety concerns regarding care recipients is one of the caregivers' top concerns, so much so that some caregivers are willing to use unethical and invasive methods of surveillance.
Safety concerns regarding care recipients is one of the caregivers' top concerns, so much so that some caregivers are willing to use unethical and invasive methods of surveillance.
Safety concerns regarding care recipients is one of the caregivers' top concerns, so much so that some caregivers are willing to use unethical and invasive methods of surveillance.
“We have a Ring doorbell installed here at the House, and it's mostly for security reasons. But as far as mom is concerned, it's for safety reasons as well”- Carol
“We have a Ring doorbell installed here at the House, and it's mostly for security reasons. But as far as mom is concerned, it's for safety reasons as well”- Carol
Care Recipients
The shifting dynamics of care-taking that caregivers and their care recipients face is often unexpected, seems to be a sensitive topic, and is a difficult conversation to broach.
The shifting dynamics of care-taking that caregivers and their care recipients face is often unexpected, seems to be a sensitive topic, and is a difficult conversation to broach.
The shifting dynamics of care-taking that caregivers and their care recipients face is often unexpected, seems to be a sensitive topic, and is a difficult conversation to broach.
"you are telling this to a person who literally used to wipe your butt when you were a baby... they do not like to be told that now you are taking care of them. . ."- Victor
"you are telling this to a person who literally used to wipe your butt when you were a baby... they do not like to be told that now you are taking care of them. . ."- Victor
Care Recipients
Care recipients recognize and accept that the caretaking process can be invasive, but they still expect that their privacy and independence should be respected.
Care recipients recognize and accept that the caretaking process can be invasive, but they still expect that their privacy and independence should be respected.
Care recipients recognize and accept that the caretaking process can be invasive, but they still expect that their privacy and independence should be respected.
Gene's garden bed which he takes care of
Ellen taking Amy to where Gene parks his car
"I know that sounds horrible. . . . . like I am spying on my dad" - Victor
"I know that sounds horrible. . . . . like I am spying on my dad" - Victor
". . . try to allow her to make decisions. . . " - Sherilyn
". . . try to allow her to make decisions. . . " - Sherilyn
The Process
Even though caregivers are receiving ample external help and support, they are still looking to join a community that understands the victories and challenges of the caregiving experience.
Even though caregivers are receiving ample external help and support, they are still looking to join a community that understands the victories and challenges of the caregiving experience.
Even though caregivers are receiving ample external help and support, they are still looking to join a community that understands the victories and challenges of the caregiving experience.
“What i need as a caregiver is someone who I can talk to when I’m feeling frustrated and defeated. And this person [would] understand what it’s like... [and] they would help me understand what’s going on, they would give me confidence, they would give me support, and maybe pep talks.” - Carol
“What i need as a caregiver is someone who I can talk to when I’m feeling frustrated and defeated. And this person [would] understand what it’s like... [and] they would help me understand what’s going on, they would give me confidence, they would give me support, and maybe pep talks.” - Carol
The Process
Managing medications for care recipients is not just limited to ensuring medication compliance alone, it also requires a lot of planning, organization, and preparation.
Managing medications for care recipients is not just limited to ensuring medication compliance alone, it also requires a lot of planning, organization, and preparation.
Managing medications for care recipients is not just limited to ensuring medication compliance alone, it also requires a lot of planning, organization, and preparation.
"I will check his pillbox and make sure he's been taking his pills...when he catches me checking his pills, he gets mad at me. 'I'm a grown adult if I don't want to take my pills one night, I don't'." - Victor
"I will check his pillbox and make sure he's been taking his pills...when he catches me checking his pills, he gets mad at me. 'I'm a grown adult if I don't want to take my pills one night, I don't'." - Victor
TENSIONS
TENSIONS
TENSIONS
Caregiver's self-care/ balance
Care recipient's needs
Privacy of care recipient
Safety ensurance
No knowledge needed to buy smart home products
Technical knowledge needed to set them up
Young adults embrace technology
The elderly resist technology
Caregiver's self-care/ balance
Care recipient's needs
Privacy of care recipient
Safety ensurance
No knowledge needed to buy smart home products
Technical knowledge needed to set them up
Young adults embrace technology
The elderly resist technology
These tensions are then transformed to 2x2 framework for positioning our final concept
These tensions are then transformed to 2x2 framework for positioning our final concept
Technology that is non-invasive to privacy
OUR GOAL
Technology that is difficult to use for care recipients
Technology that is
easy to use for care recipients
Technology that is invasive to privacy
OUR GOAL
Current
Caregivers' needs in completing tasks
Care recipients’ emotional needs
Caregivers’ emotional needs
Care recipients’ needs in completing tasks
Technology that is non-invasive to privacy
OUR GOAL
Technology that is difficult to use for care recipients
Technology that is
easy to use for care recipients
Technology that is invasive to privacy
OUR GOAL
Current
Caregivers' needs in completing tasks
Care recipients’ emotional needs
Caregivers’ emotional needs
Care recipients’ needs in completing tasks
Technology that is non-invasive to privacy
OUR GOAL
Technology that is difficult to use for care recipients
Technology that is
easy to use for care recipients
Technology that is invasive to privacy
OUR GOAL
Current
Caregivers' needs in completing tasks
Care recipients’ emotional needs
Caregivers’ emotional needs
Care recipients’ needs in completing tasks
Technology that is non-invasive to privacy
OUR GOAL
Technology that is difficult to use for care recipients
Technology that is
easy to use for care recipients
Technology that is invasive to privacy
OUR GOAL
Current
Caregivers' needs in completing tasks
Care recipients’ emotional needs
Caregivers’ emotional needs
Care recipients’ needs in completing tasks
Technology that is non-invasive to privacy
OUR GOAL
Technology that is difficult to use for care recipients
Technology that is
easy to use for care recipients
Technology that is invasive to privacy
OUR GOAL
Current
Caregivers' needs in completing tasks
Care recipients’ emotional needs
Caregivers’ emotional needs
Care recipients’ needs in completing tasks
Technology that is non-invasive to privacy
OUR GOAL
Technology that is difficult to use for care recipients
Technology that is
easy to use for care recipients
Technology that is invasive to privacy
OUR GOAL
Current
Caregivers' needs in completing tasks
Care recipients’ emotional needs
Caregivers’ emotional needs
Care recipients’ needs in completing tasks
How Might We…
How Might We…
... make technology easier to understand and more familiar, particularly for older care recipients?
... make technology easier to understand and more familiar, particularly for older care recipients?
... help caregivers find noninvasive ways to ensure the safety of their care recipients?
... help caregivers find noninvasive ways to ensure the safety of their care recipients?
... help caregivers through the planning, organization, and preparation of medication management?
... help caregivers through the planning, organization, and preparation of medication management?
IDEATION
IDEATION
IDEATION
As a group, we brainstormed about 20 ideas based on the synthesis we have done previously. We narrowed down to 6 ideas* that had the most design energy.
As a group, we brainstormed about 20 ideas based on the synthesis we have done previously. We narrowed down to 6 ideas* that had the most design energy.
We initiated a user look activity with 3 interviewees to get feedback from 3 of the ideas
We initiated a user look activity with 3 interviewees to get feedback from 3 of the ideas
PROTOTYPE & TEST
PROTOTYPE & TEST
We brought our ideas back to the dScout platform and conducted a 30-minute User Look interview with 3 participants:
We brought our ideas back to the dScout platform and conducted a 30-minute User Look interview with 3 participants:
We brought our ideas back to the dScout platform and conducted a 30-minute User Look interview with 3 participants:
*Click to see our discussion guide for conducting the user look*
*Click to see our discussion guide for conducting the user look*
01 Daily Check-in
01 Daily Check-in
01 Daily Check-in
An app integrated with a phone, tv, tablet, etc… with a camera which allows the care recipient to share a picture at random times during the day;
The care recipient would see this notification and then decide whether or not to share the picture with their family;
Weekly curates an album of photos to share what the week was like
An app integrated with a phone, tv, tablet, etc… with a camera which allows the care recipient to share a picture at random times during the day;
The care recipient would see this notification and then decide whether or not to share the picture with their family;
Weekly curates an album of photos to share what the week was like
An app integrated with a phone, tv, tablet, etc… with a camera which allows the care recipient to share a picture at random times during the day;
The care recipient would see this notification and then decide whether or not to share the picture with their family;
Weekly curates an album of photos to share what the week was like
WHAT WE LEARNED
WHAT WE LEARNED
WHAT WE LEARNED
Older loved ones tend to face a higher learning curve when it comes to understanding and learning new technology. However, once they overcome that learning curve, the sense of achievement they feel excites them and has a positive impact on their personal and technological self-esteem.
Older loved ones tend to face a higher learning curve when it comes to understanding and learning new technology. However, once they overcome that learning curve, the sense of achievement they feel excites them and has a positive impact on their personal and technological self-esteem.
Older loved ones tend to face a higher learning curve when it comes to understanding and learning new technology. However, once they overcome that learning curve, the sense of achievement they feel excites them and has a positive impact on their personal and technological self-esteem.
"She doesn't really know what she's doing, but if I can get through that barrier of her figuring out how to use something she gets really excited about it and she'll use it 24/7" - Curtis
"She doesn't really know what she's doing, but if I can get through that barrier of her figuring out how to use something she gets really excited about it and she'll use it 24/7" - Curtis
"She doesn't really know what she's doing, but if I can get through that barrier of her figuring out how to use something she gets really excited about it and she'll use it 24/7" - Curtis
02 Caregivers’ Community
02 Caregivers’ Community
An app that connects caregivers to other caregivers in a very quick way;
It affords the opportunity to hear people’s stories and share your own with no barrier to entry;
It provides integrated services that are commonly used by people in this community ie. home aid, cleaning, food prep, etc.
An app that connects caregivers to other caregivers in a very quick way;
It affords the opportunity to hear people’s stories and share your own with no barrier to entry;
It provides integrated services that are commonly used by people in this community ie. home aid, cleaning, food prep, etc.
An app that connects caregivers to other caregivers in a very quick way;
It affords the opportunity to hear people’s stories and share your own with no barrier to entry;
It provides integrated services that are commonly used by people in this community ie. home aid, cleaning, food prep, etc.
WHAT WE LEARNED
WHAT WE LEARNED
People don't perceive internet platforms as a safe space for them to share personal thoughts and express emotions. It takes time for them to build trust in an online community.
People don't perceive internet platforms as a safe space for them to share personal thoughts and express emotions. It takes time for them to build trust in an online community.
People don't perceive internet platforms as a safe space for them to share personal thoughts and express emotions. It takes time for them to build trust in an online community.
"...when you have people who are also not in a good space mentally, emotionally speaking to each other, ... it can be very easy to get sucked into just a complaining session or be more detrimental to each other." - Valisha
"...when you have people who are also not in a good space mentally, emotionally speaking to each other, ... it can be very easy to get sucked into just a complaining session or be more detrimental to each other." - Valisha
"...when you have people who are also not in a good space mentally, emotionally speaking to each other, ... it can be very easy to get sucked into just a complaining session or be more detrimental to each other." - Valisha
When looking for a community, caregivers want something simple and straightforward to connect with others who can relate to them, and that will ultimately help them to better care for their loved ones and themselves.
When looking for a community, caregivers want something simple and straightforward to connect with others who can relate to them, and that will ultimately help them to better care for their loved ones and themselves.
"Don't hit me with a vast array of stuff, just make sure that it works correctly and I can connect" - Curtis
"Don't hit me with a vast array of stuff, just make sure that it works correctly and I can connect" - Curtis
"Don't hit me with a vast array of stuff, just make sure that it works correctly and I can connect" - Curtis
03 Smart Pillbox
03 Smart Pillbox
A pillbox that connects with an app that the caregiver has;
The app helps caregivers keep track of care recipients’ medication: when is it taken and when it needs to be refilled;
A screen on the pillbox displays messages sent by the caregivers;
Indication lights to help identify what’s needed to be taken (green, red, etc…);
A pillbox that connects with an app that the caregiver has;
The app helps caregivers keep track of care recipients’ medication: when is it taken and when it needs to be refilled;
A screen on the pillbox displays messages sent by the caregivers;
Indication lights to help identify what’s needed to be taken (green, red, etc…);
A pillbox that connects with an app that the caregiver has;
The app helps caregivers keep track of care recipients’ medication: when is it taken and when it needs to be refilled;
A screen on the pillbox displays messages sent by the caregivers;
Indication lights to help identify what’s needed to be taken (green, red, etc…);
WHAT WE LEARNED
WHAT WE LEARNED
Caregivers and care recipients are willing to put up with technology that doesn't exactly meet their needs because the small bit of convenience that it provides for them is still seen as valuable.
Caregivers and care recipients are willing to put up with technology that doesn't exactly meet their needs because the small bit of convenience that it provides for them is still seen as valuable.
Caregivers and care recipients are willing to put up with technology that doesn't exactly meet their needs because the small bit of convenience that it provides for them is still seen as valuable.
"I'm all for technology in any form that is going to simplify my life and make it easier" - Curtis
"I'm all for technology in any form that is going to simplify my life and make it easier" - Curtis
"I'm all for technology in any form that is going to simplify my life and make it easier" - Curtis
FINAL DESIGN - PILLMATE
FINAL DESIGN - PILLMATE
FINAL DESIGN - PILLMATE
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Don’t jump to the solution right away: this is a project from our Design Research class that essentially working around what ethnographic methods are, how to conduct design research, and how to conduct ethnographic analysis. As a product designer, we shouldn’t jump to the solution right away, but conduct design research to understand the unmet needs that are covered by the surface.
Trauma-informed research: caregiving could be either an easy topic or a hard topic for people to unfold. Also, as a design researcher, it could be difficult for us to hear and digest other’s stories on this topic. I learned the importance of trauma-informed practice in design research that I think I need to delve in more to understand how to utilize it in my future research.
Lack of voice from the other group of end users - the care recipients: caregiving is a mutual process that involves two end users - the caregivers and the care recipients. Essentially, if we would like to leverage the pain of current caregiving process, we should also hear from the care recipients in the future research.
Don’t jump to the solution right away: this is a project from our Design Research class that essentially working around what ethnographic methods are, how to conduct design research, and how to conduct ethnographic analysis. As a product designer, we shouldn’t jump to the solution right away, but conduct design research to understand the unmet needs that are covered by the surface.
Trauma-informed research: caregiving could be either an easy topic or a hard topic for people to unfold. Also, as a design researcher, it could be difficult for us to hear and digest other’s stories on this topic. I learned the importance of trauma-informed practice in design research that I think I need to delve in more to understand how to utilize it in my future research.
Lack of voice from the other group of end users - the care recipients: caregiving is a mutual process that involves two end users - the caregivers and the care recipients. Essentially, if we would like to leverage the pain of current caregiving process, we should also hear from the care recipients in the future research.
Don’t jump to the solution right away: this is a project from our Design Research class that essentially working around what ethnographic methods are, how to conduct design research, and how to conduct ethnographic analysis. As a product designer, we shouldn’t jump to the solution right away, but conduct design research to understand the unmet needs that are covered by the surface.
Trauma-informed research: caregiving could be either an easy topic or a hard topic for people to unfold. Also, as a design researcher, it could be difficult for us to hear and digest other’s stories on this topic. I learned the importance of trauma-informed practice in design research that I think I need to delve in more to understand how to utilize it in my future research.
Lack of voice from the other group of end users - the care recipients: caregiving is a mutual process that involves two end users - the caregivers and the care recipients. Essentially, if we would like to leverage the pain of current caregiving process, we should also hear from the care recipients in the future research.
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