Design phases
A well-structured ideation process is the basis of any great design. Trying to think of all aspects of a product at once is virtually impossible, so splitting up the process into various design phases allows us to tailor each facet of the dispenser to our target group.
Preliminary phase
After deciding on the desired product service system to design, the preliminary phase was initiated. At this stage, the specific target user for the dispenser (retirement homes or private homes) had not been determined. Extensive research was conducted on various topics such as the target group, medication, mechanism, and market. Additionally, the team worked on moodboards, storyboards and performed a PACT-analysis to gain a deeper understanding of the project. The preliminary phase concluded with the development of an initial list of requirements and the presentation of our future vision during the midterm presentation.
Design phase
The design phase is where most of the ideation took place. We started with extensive shape ideation, focusing on creating a shape that our target group would want to have in their kitchen. Various storyboards and collages were created to get a better feel for the environment and setting of the dispenser. After each iteration of sketches, we would select the best designs as a group and then develop them further. Eventually we were able to narrow it down to three main design directions.
Direction 1
Direction 3 more detailed
Direction 1
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The two style collages created represented two different style direction. The first one focused more on a retro or old-fashioned kitchen style featuring simple long-lasting products, while the other style direction more towards a modern style.
The design phase was concluded with a decision on a final shape and style direction.
Detailing phase
As the name suggests, the detailing phase is about ironing out the finer points of the design. Discussions focused on how many buttons would be needed and what functionality the screen would have. We also chose appropriate materials, colours and finishes.
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Following the conclusion of the design phase, a definitive direction for the shape was established. Subsequently, the detailing phase commenced by creating a more refined style collage, serving as a guide towards the final design. To gain a deeper understanding of its appearance, an initial digital sketch of the shape was generated. From this point onward, the shape was transferred into 3D rendering software, enabling the evaluation of various iterations. This iterative process ultimately led to the development of a meticulously detailed final shape concept.
Using this final shape as a foundation, the next step involved refining the user interface, which consisted of a single button for dispensing the dose and a screen for visual cues and feedback. Multiple materials and colors were explored and placed within their intended context to determine the most suitable options. To envision how the product would harmonize with its surroundings, Twin Motion was utilized, providing a sense of how it would fit into its environment.
Implementation phase
The ideation phase doesn't necessarily end after the detailing phase. Ideally, we'd like to continue improving the dispenser after it's on the market, to make it even more streamlined to the user's needs. Although this isn't really within the scope of the product, we can formulate a plan on how we can achieve this: Data collection will play a big part in understanding user behaviour (e.g. knowing when they usually want to receive their medication and having it automatically delivered at that time), while interviews or simple surveys with our user base will help address more practical issues as well as user experience.
We plan to roll out the dispenser in several stages, starting with one city and its environs and then scaling up from there.