WheezeWise
Every Breath is a Breeze
BIOMEDICAL DEVICE
DRY POWDER INHALER
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN
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About
There are a number of factors that rank the dry powder inhaler higher than multiple dose inhalers in terms of usability and effectiveness of the devices. Unlike MDIs, DPIs do not use propellants that are harmful to the environment but are breath actuated. It also does not require hand-lung coordination of the patient as it delivers the dose of drug when the patient inhales through the device.
Brief
Design a pre-metered (capsule type) dry powder inhaler.
How it works?
3-steps:
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Open slider and insert capsule
Slide black the slider.
The blade slices the capsule
Colored half of the capsule remains on top, while transparent half falls into the chamber.
User inhales, causing capsule to swirl and disperse powder.
Design details
Compact, Asymmetric form
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Provides a tactile cue-enabling users through experience to orient the device without looking at it.
Usage does not depend on the orientation of the person. Both a left-handed and right-handed person can use it with ease.
Functional cue
The shape of the mouthpiece is instinctive
Finger grip
On both sides of the device for easy sliding.
Prevents incorrect use
Shape of mouthpiece hole prevents user from inserting capsule into the mouthpiece.
Visual feedback and easy disposal
Capsule rotation is visible and it is also easy to dispose off the capsule.
Functional cue
A capsule cannot be inserted in the device unless the slider is at the open position.
Air inlet
Aids in or swirling of the capsule
Research methodology
-Literature study
-Product usage
Secondary research
Patent Study and classification
Competitor analysis
Research methodology
-Observational study
-Personal interviews
Primary research
Stakeholders:
Patients: 11
Doctors: 4
Location Pune, Mumbai
Key insights
Stakeholder interaction-Patient and doctors
PORTABILITY
School, college and office going people prefer a small, compact and portable inhaler.
AWKWARDNESS / CONSCIOUSNESS
Young children will hide or avoid using in public. Sound feedback is not preferred in public spaces.
FAULTY MECHANISM
Capsule doesn’t break once it is old
EFFECTIVENESS OVER LOOKS
Effectiveness matters more than looks.
LAZINESS
Used capsules left in the device. May hamper effectiveness.
POWDER ACCUMALATION
Powder sticks to sides of inhalers.
REDUCE STEPS
For more convenience
AESTHETICS
Most people want a good looking device when they go out.
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
