Industrial
Eczema is one of the most common skin abnormalities, affecting over one in three people. Current research into this skin disorder found that there is no formula or science in determining how long the condition may affect an individual - making it one of the most difficult conditions to cure, manage and symptomatically treat.
Skin; our largest organ and our first line of defence. For many people, the basic physiology of the skin cannot function to its full capabilities. Affecting over 1 in 3 people, Eczema is one of the most common forms of dermatological conditions, which has seen little to no development in treatment and management options for sufferers.
With no exact science or method of predicting how long or severely dermatologic conditions may affect each individual, effective treatment and management is often difficult to achieve. Medical professionals and patients involved in this study were able to share their deeply personal experiences with eczema, informing a series of opportunities and areas for improvement with current treatment and management techniques.
Through primary research into the user group, three key findings were established to ideally address through the design solution. One of the major problems faced by the end user were current medication and treatment. Over 80% of interviewees highlighted the need for a shift from short-term treatment to a long-term approach to managing their eczema. These users stated the generic prescription to steroid based medications were simply not enough to treat the disorder. Research was also able to highlight the efficiency to alternative treatment methods such as light treatment, in making symptoms more manageable. Current issues with this however, were accessibility, excessive costs and time required to receive this form of treatment.
The Violet is an at-home UV therapy device designed specifically for UV treatment from the comfort of patients homes. Which is completely controlled through a practitioner controlled application.
The most common areas users recorded eczematous flare ups, were related to the upper parts of the body making the handle system easy for limb access and the mounting system appropriate for the back and behind limbs. *Unlike traditional uv devices the violet is completely modular, fitted with armadillo hinge mechanisms. This allows the user to configure the device to more efficient exposure to UV light.
The structure is created through a body of configured hexagons, embedded with over 200 individual 5w lights. This form creates light emission to cover as much surface area of the affected skin in one therapy session, reducing exposure to UV and session times. An emission angle of 120 degrees means the overall time in comparison to tradition UV treatment is less, creating a safer, more time efficient approach to light therapy.
The device is completely controlled through a practitioner controlled app available for download by the patient. The application allows practitioners and patients to build transparency when undergoing the treatment. This also ensures a safety factor, by limiting the dosage and exposure time to the UV, by a health professional.
The device dosage and time is planned and communicated via the app, in which the patient is able to review and plan therapy sessions to their convenience.
With a passion for design in the medical field, Shweta strives to make a difference to users lives - through products and experiences. Focusing on user research and data analysis in design, these skills have allowed her design work to be refined, informed and effective in the modern world. Her background in Industrial design combined with her Graphic design experience allow for simple yet user-friendly design solutions.