Project Overview
Project Overview
Project Overview
Timeline: 10 Weeks
Team: 1 Designer & 1 Researcher
Role: UX Lead (Personas · UI Design · Product Design)
Tools: Figma · Pro Create · Canva
Many elderly individuals struggle to take medications consistently, especially those with hearing, vision, or cognitive impairments. Existing solutions like regular pill organizers or mobile apps are either too generic or too complex to meet these needs.
SSDS (Symbiotic Smart Dispenser System) is an integrated system designed to address this gap. It combines a smart pill dispenser, a wearable band, and a mobile app to deliver clear, reliable medication support for aging users while giving caregivers visibility and control from afar.
Timeline: 10 Weeks
Team: 1 Designer & 1 Researcher
Role: UX Lead (Personas · UI Design · Product Design)
Tools: Figma · Pro Create · Canva
Many elderly individuals struggle to take medications consistently, especially those with hearing, vision, or cognitive impairments. Existing solutions like regular pill organizers or mobile apps are either too generic or too complex to meet these needs.
SSDS (Symbiotic Smart Dispenser System) is an integrated system designed to address this gap. It combines a smart pill dispenser, a wearable band, and a mobile app to deliver clear, reliable medication support for aging users while giving caregivers visibility and control from afar.
Timeline: 10 Weeks
Team: 1 Designer & 1 Researcher
Role: UX Lead (Personas · UI Design · Product Design)
Tools: Figma · Pro Create · Canva
Many elderly individuals struggle to take medications consistently, especially those with hearing, vision, or cognitive impairments. Existing solutions like regular pill organizers or mobile apps are either too generic or too complex to meet these needs.
SSDS (Symbiotic Smart Dispenser System) is an integrated system designed to address this gap. It combines a smart pill dispenser, a wearable band, and a mobile app to deliver clear, reliable medication support for aging users while giving caregivers visibility and control from afar.
My Role
My Role
My Role
As a UX Designer and Researcher, I led the end-to-end process:
Conducted user research and developed personas
Created user flows and interaction models for two user types
Designed high-fidelity mockups for both the elderly and caregiver experiences
Focused on accessibility, multi-sensory feedback, and caregiver peace of mind
As a UX Designer and Researcher, I led the end-to-end process:
Conducted user research and developed personas
Created user flows and interaction models for two user types
Designed high-fidelity mockups for both the elderly and caregiver experiences
Focused on accessibility, multi-sensory feedback, and caregiver peace of mind
As a UX Designer and Researcher, I led the end-to-end process:
Conducted user research and developed personas
Created user flows and interaction models for two user types
Designed high-fidelity mockups for both the elderly and caregiver experiences
Focused on accessibility, multi-sensory feedback, and caregiver peace of mind
The Problem
The Problem
The Problem
Medication nonadherence can lead to serious health risks, especially for older adults who live alone. Reminders are often missed due to sensory impairments or forgetfulness, and current solutions don’t provide real-time feedback for families.
We wanted to create a system that helped elderly users stay on schedule without needing technical expertise, and gave caregivers reassurance without being overbearing.
Medication nonadherence can lead to serious health risks, especially for older adults who live alone. Reminders are often missed due to sensory impairments or forgetfulness, and current solutions don’t provide real-time feedback for families.
We wanted to create a system that helped elderly users stay on schedule without needing technical expertise, and gave caregivers reassurance without being overbearing.
Medication nonadherence can lead to serious health risks, especially for older adults who live alone. Reminders are often missed due to sensory impairments or forgetfulness, and current solutions don’t provide real-time feedback for families.
We wanted to create a system that helped elderly users stay on schedule without needing technical expertise, and gave caregivers reassurance without being overbearing.
Our Solution
Our Solution
Our Solution
We designed a medication management system that supports both elderly users and their caregivers through a connected experience across three devices:
Smart Pill Dispenser
Automatically unlocks compartments at scheduled times to reduce confusion, with built-in detection to confirm if medication was taken.Wearable Band
Provides multi-sensory reminders using vibration, flashing lights, and sound, designed for users with hearing or visual impairments.Mobile App
Split into two user flows: one for the patient and one for the caregiver.The patient experience emphasizes clarity and simplicity with large text, calming colors, and minimal interaction.
The caregiver experience includes remote monitoring, missed dose alerts, and a “Caregiver Lock” feature that restricts app access for the user when needed.
We focused on reducing friction, increasing confidence, and ensuring accessibility across all touchpoints — transforming a traditionally clinical task into something that feels intuitive and supportive.
We designed a medication management system that supports both elderly users and their caregivers through a connected experience across three devices:
Smart Pill Dispenser
Automatically unlocks compartments at scheduled times to reduce confusion, with built-in detection to confirm if medication was taken.Wearable Band
Provides multi-sensory reminders using vibration, flashing lights, and sound, designed for users with hearing or visual impairments.Mobile App
Split into two user flows: one for the patient and one for the caregiver.The patient experience emphasizes clarity and simplicity with large text, calming colors, and minimal interaction.
The caregiver experience includes remote monitoring, missed dose alerts, and a “Caregiver Lock” feature that restricts app access for the user when needed.
We focused on reducing friction, increasing confidence, and ensuring accessibility across all touchpoints — transforming a traditionally clinical task into something that feels intuitive and supportive.
We designed a medication management system that supports both elderly users and their caregivers through a connected experience across three devices:
Smart Pill Dispenser
Automatically unlocks compartments at scheduled times to reduce confusion, with built-in detection to confirm if medication was taken.Wearable Band
Provides multi-sensory reminders using vibration, flashing lights, and sound, designed for users with hearing or visual impairments.Mobile App
Split into two user flows: one for the patient and one for the caregiver.The patient experience emphasizes clarity and simplicity with large text, calming colors, and minimal interaction.
The caregiver experience includes remote monitoring, missed dose alerts, and a “Caregiver Lock” feature that restricts app access for the user when needed.
We focused on reducing friction, increasing confidence, and ensuring accessibility across all touchpoints — transforming a traditionally clinical task into something that feels intuitive and supportive.
Design Goals
Design Goals
Design Goals
Build an intuitive system that supports independent living
Ensure accessibility for hearing- or visually-impaired users
Give caregivers tools to monitor and support loved ones remotely
Use non-invasive, friendly interfaces to reduce stress and friction
Prevent accidental user changes by locking sensitive settings
Build an intuitive system that supports independent living
Ensure accessibility for hearing- or visually-impaired users
Give caregivers tools to monitor and support loved ones remotely
Use non-invasive, friendly interfaces to reduce stress and friction
Prevent accidental user changes by locking sensitive settings
Build an intuitive system that supports independent living
Ensure accessibility for hearing- or visually-impaired users
Give caregivers tools to monitor and support loved ones remotely
Use non-invasive, friendly interfaces to reduce stress and friction
Prevent accidental user changes by locking sensitive settings
Meet Linda & Olivia
Meet Linda & Olivia
Meet Linda & Olivia
Key Features
Key Features
Key Features
For Elderly Users
Medication reminders via vibration, sound, or flashing light
High-contrast interface with large text and simplified layout
Emergency contacts one tap away
Wearable band syncs automatically with mobile and dispenser
Only unlocks pills at correct times to prevent confusion or overdose
For Caregivers
Dashboard with medication adherence tracking and vitals monitoring
Missed dose alerts, refill reminders, and device battery warnings
Caregiver Settings Control: ability to remotely lock or adjust patient settings (similar to parental controls) to prevent confusion or accidental changes
Option to personalize reminder types and schedule times
View and manage emergency contact preferences
For Elderly Users
Medication reminders via vibration, sound, or flashing light
High-contrast interface with large text and simplified layout
Emergency contacts one tap away
Wearable band syncs automatically with mobile and dispenser
Only unlocks pills at correct times to prevent confusion or overdose
For Caregivers
Dashboard with medication adherence tracking and vitals monitoring
Missed dose alerts, refill reminders, and device battery warnings
Caregiver Settings Control: ability to remotely lock or adjust patient settings (similar to parental controls) to prevent confusion or accidental changes
Option to personalize reminder types and schedule times
View and manage emergency contact preferences
For Elderly Users
Medication reminders via vibration, sound, or flashing light
High-contrast interface with large text and simplified layout
Emergency contacts one tap away
Wearable band syncs automatically with mobile and dispenser
Only unlocks pills at correct times to prevent confusion or overdose
For Caregivers
Dashboard with medication adherence tracking and vitals monitoring
Missed dose alerts, refill reminders, and device battery warnings
Caregiver Settings Control: ability to remotely lock or adjust patient settings (similar to parental controls) to prevent confusion or accidental changes
Option to personalize reminder types and schedule times
View and manage emergency contact preferences
Patient Side Design Process
Patient Side Design Process
Patient Side Design Process
Wireframe Mockups
Wireframe Mockups
Wireframe Mockups
Mid-Fidelity Mockups
Hi-Fidelity Mockups
Hi-Fidelity Mockups
Mid-Fidelity Mockups
Mid-Fidelity Mockups
Hi-Fidelity Mockups
Slide Descriptions
Slide 1: Patient Dashboard, Slide 2: Emergency Contacts, Slide 3: Smart Band Monitor, Slide 4: Patient Settings
Slide Descriptions
Slide 1: Patient Dashboard, Slide 2: Emergency Contacts, Slide 3: Smart Band Monitor, Slide 4: Patient Settings
Slide Descriptions
Slide 1: Patient Dashboard, Slide 2: Emergency Contacts, Slide 3: Smart Band Monitor, Slide 4: Patient Settings
Caregiver Side Design Process
Wireframe Mockups
Hi-Fidelity Mockups
Slide Descriptions
Slide 1: Caregiver Dashboard, Slide 2: Notifications, Slide 3: Schedule Medication, Slide 4: Caregiver Settings
Product Mockups
Design Constraints
We focused first on the elderly user experience, where accessibility and clarity were critical. I developed mid-fidelity wireframes and high-fidelity mockups for this flow, incorporating feedback from early usability reviews.
Due to time constraints, caregiver-side designs were scoped to wireframes and annotated feature documentation. A key feature added in late-stage iteration was the Caregiver Settings Control, which gives caregivers the ability to lock or manage specific patient app features ensuring safety without overwhelming the user.
Design Constraints
We focused first on the elderly user experience, where accessibility and clarity were critical. I developed mid-fidelity wireframes and high-fidelity mockups for this flow, incorporating feedback from early usability reviews.
Due to time constraints, caregiver-side designs were scoped to wireframes and annotated feature documentation. A key feature added in late-stage iteration was the Caregiver Settings Control, which gives caregivers the ability to lock or manage specific patient app features ensuring safety without overwhelming the user.
Caregiver Side Design Process
Wireframe Mockups
Hi-Fidelity Mockups
Slide Descriptions
Slide 1: Caregiver Dashboard, Slide 2: Notifications, Slide 3: Schedule Medication, Slide 4: Caregiver Settings
Caregiver Side Design Process
Wireframe Mockups
Hi-Fidelity Mockups
Slide Descriptions
Slide 1: Caregiver Dashboard, Slide 2: Notifications, Slide 3: Schedule Medication, Slide 4: Caregiver Settings
Product Mockups
Product Mockups
Design Constraints
Design Constraints
We focused first on the elderly user experience, where accessibility and clarity were critical. I developed mid-fidelity wireframes and high-fidelity mockups for this flow, incorporating feedback from early usability reviews.
Due to time constraints, caregiver-side designs were scoped to wireframes and annotated feature documentation. A key feature added in late-stage iteration was the Caregiver Settings Control, which gives caregivers the ability to lock or manage specific patient app features ensuring safety without overwhelming the user.
We focused first on the elderly user experience, where accessibility and clarity were critical. I developed mid-fidelity wireframes and high-fidelity mockups for this flow, incorporating feedback from early usability reviews.
Due to time constraints, caregiver-side designs were scoped to wireframes and annotated feature documentation. A key feature added in late-stage iteration was the Caregiver Settings Control, which gives caregivers the ability to lock or manage specific patient app features ensuring safety without overwhelming the user.
Testing Process
Testing Process
Testing Process
We conducted iterative usability interviews with elderly participants and caregivers to test:
Clarity of language and icons
Accessibility of font sizes and contrast
Caregiver dashboard readability and response flow
This testing helped simplify flows, increase button visibility, and reduce clutter on the caregiver's end.
We conducted iterative usability interviews with elderly participants and caregivers to test:
Clarity of language and icons
Accessibility of font sizes and contrast
Caregiver dashboard readability and response flow
This testing helped simplify flows, increase button visibility, and reduce clutter on the caregiver's end.
We conducted iterative usability interviews with elderly participants and caregivers to test:
Clarity of language and icons
Accessibility of font sizes and contrast
Caregiver dashboard readability and response flow
This testing helped simplify flows, increase button visibility, and reduce clutter on the caregiver's end.
Challenges
Challenges
Designing for dual users with drastically different tech familiarity
Supporting hearing and vision impairments simultaneously
Creating a reminder system that feels gentle, not jarring
Making sure caregiver control didn’t feel intrusive
Designing for dual users with drastically different tech familiarity
Supporting hearing and vision impairments simultaneously
Creating a reminder system that feels gentle, not jarring
Making sure caregiver control didn’t feel intrusive
Designing for dual users with drastically different tech familiarity
Supporting hearing and vision impairments simultaneously
Creating a reminder system that feels gentle, not jarring
Making sure caregiver control didn’t feel intrusive
What I Learned
What I Learned
What I Learned
Accessible design isn’t just about features, it’s about empathy
Real-world healthcare tools must prioritize clarity, comfort, and safety
Designing for both ends of the user journey leads to better systems
Communication and simplicity are more powerful than complexity
Accessible design isn’t just about features, it’s about empathy
Real-world healthcare tools must prioritize clarity, comfort, and safety
Designing for both ends of the user journey leads to better systems
Communication and simplicity are more powerful than complexity
Accessible design isn’t just about features, it’s about empathy
Real-world healthcare tools must prioritize clarity, comfort, and safety
Designing for both ends of the user journey leads to better systems
Communication and simplicity are more powerful than complexity
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
SSDS blends accessibility and reliability to solve a real-world health problem. By combining physical devices with mobile support, we created a system that helps elderly individuals stay safe, without sacrificing independence, and helps caregivers stay connected without overwhelming involvement.
SSDS blends accessibility and reliability to solve a real-world health problem. By combining physical devices with mobile support, we created a system that helps elderly individuals stay safe, without sacrificing independence, and helps caregivers stay connected without overwhelming involvement.
SSDS blends accessibility and reliability to solve a real-world health problem. By combining physical devices with mobile support, we created a system that helps elderly individuals stay safe, without sacrificing independence, and helps caregivers stay connected without overwhelming involvement.