Dropp Process Book
Objective
This individual assignment was to identify one chronic disease and re-design the system that could provide more comfort for sufferers in their daily lives. I chose dry eye disease because I suffered from it myself at the time of doing the project.
Design Approach
Secondary Research
Society
Stakeholder Map
Coworkers Friends
Family Members
Primary Care Provider
ConsumpCaregivers tionism Dry Eye Sufferer Pharmacy Eye Doctor Medicine
Eye Drop Producers
Insurance Company Healthcare
Medicine Producers
Market
Who I Talked To
Jennifer
Jurek
Dr Goodman
Dr Williamson
Amy
Chemistry PhD Dry Eye since 2010
Architect Dry Eye since 2015
Eye Doctor Dry Eye Speciality
Eye Doctor Kaiser Permanente
Interior Design Student Dry Eye since 2015
Andy
Alex
Kelly
Keith
Jay
Software Engineer Dry Eye since 2012
Software Engineer Dry Eye since 2003
Librarian Dry Eye since 2008
Architecture Student Dry Eye since 2016
Graphic Design Student Dry Eye since 2015
Expert’s Opinion
“One type of Chronic Dry Eye is characterized by decreased tear production due to inflammation of the ocular surface. This ocular surface inflammation is a result of an unstable and exhausted tear film” DANIEL F. GOODMAN, MD
“Punctal plugs are tiny, biocompatible devices that can be inserted into tear ducts to block drainage. This increases the eye's tear film and surface moisture to help relieve certain forms of dry eye. Also known as punctum plugs, lacrimal plugs or occluders, these devices often are no larger than a grain of rice.”
Reasons for developing Dry Eye: Dry eyes can develop for many reasons, including: • Age. Dry eyes are a part of the natural aging process. The majority of people over age 65 experience some symptoms of dry eyes. • Gender. Women are more likely to develop dry eyes due to hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives and menopause. • Medications. Certain medicines, including antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications and antidepressants, can reduce tear production. • Medical conditions. People with rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and thyroid problems are more likely to have symptoms of dry eyes. Also, problems with inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis), inflammation of the surfaces of the eye, or the inward or outward turning of eyelids can cause dry eyes to develop. • Environmental conditions. Exposure to smoke, wind and dry climates can increase tear evaporation resulting in dry eye symptoms. Failure to blink regularly, such as when staring at a computer screen for long periods of time, can also contribute to drying of the eyes. • Other factors. Long-term use of contact lenses can be a factor in the development of dry eyes. Refractive eye surgeries, such as LASIK, can decrease tear production and contribute to dry eyes.
System Map: Current State
Persona “Dry Eyes don’t allow me to function in a normal way. I had to resign from the job that I loved because staring at the computer screen made my eyes extremely dry.” Motivations: “I want to make positive changes in the world. Health is very important for me, I try to eat healthy and exercise regularly.”
John 34 y.o. Single Architect Generally Healthy
Frustrations: “Dry eyes make me tired all the time. I’m not able to go out in the evening because having my eyes open hurts. Applying tear drops every ten minutes is even more frustrating. There are no eye doctors who understand Dry Eye disease.
Findings and Opportunities 1. Habits: Dry Eye Sufferers can take following steps to reduce symptoms of dry eyes: remembering to blink regularly, increasing the humidity in the air, wearing sunglasses outdoors, taking nutritional supplements containing essential fatty acids, avoiding becoming dehydrated by drinking plenty of water (8 to 10 glasses) each day. How might we help Dry Eye sufferers change their habits to prevent developing the disease?
Findings and Opportunities 2. Comfort: Dry eye causes a scratchy sensation or the feeling that something is in the eye. Other symptoms include stinging or burning, episodes of excess tearing that follow periods of dryness, discharge, pain, and redness in the eye. People with dry eye may also feel as if their eyelids are heavy and may experience blurred vision. How might we improve the comfort for Dry Eye sufferers by removing the pain, dryness, and blurred vision?
Findings and Opportunities 3. Doctor’s support: Dry eye sufferers don’t get enough eye doctor support within their insurance. They have to pay for each visit, even when the last prescribed medicine for Dry Eye didn’t work for them. From the doctor’s side, they wish they had more recorded history of their patient’s disease so they can find better solutions. How might we improve the communication between eye doctors and their patients by providing the way for them to communicate and record disease development?
Findings and Opportunities 4. Social Misunderstanding: Dry eye sufferers often are not being understood by the society. Due to the pain and dryness of their eyes they cannot attend many events with their families and friends, and everyday actions such as working in front of a computer screen can also become painful. Not to mention they might be tearing their eyes or excessively blinking which is not understood by all. How might we teach the society about the Dry Eye disease so that Dry Eye Sufferers would be understood better?
Ideation
Dry Eye Book Educational Book for caregivers and friends of Dry Eye Sufferers
Ideation
Dry Eye Journal Journal for writing down symptoms daily for better communication with Eye Doctor
Ideation
Habits: Mobile App Mobile App that would help Dry Eye Sufferers remember to hydrate, regularly take supplements etc.
Ideation
Eye Ointment Eye Ointment wearable helps sufferer take a break while closing their eyes
Ideation
Moisture Tracking App Helps user keep track of their eye comfort daily for better doctor communication
Ideation
External Sources App Dry Eye Sufferers should avoid strong wind, sun, and pollution. The app helps inform them to stay at home when needed.
Ideation
Take a Break App Dry Eye Sufferers should take multiple breaks while working in front of a computer screen. The app helps with it through notifications.
Ideation
Eye Duct Plug Dry Eye Sufferer’s eyes don’t produce enough moisture. Eye Duct Plug manages moisture using moisture sensor
Innovation vs Impact Big Impact
Non Innovative
Innovative
Small Impact
Outcome: Product - Service Ecology
Outcome: System Map
Key Scenario: Managing Moisturization
Information Architecture
Wireframes: Ideation
Wireframes: Key Screens
Mood Board
Avenir Heavy Avenir Light
#6A7EBE
Dropp
User Testing: Findings
Andy Software Engineer Dry Eye since 2012
“I would love to have this app version on my apple watch, then I won’t have to reach for my phone when my eyes feel dry. I think you can also enhance the experience by showing stats for both doctor and the customer. I am also curious how will you solve the setup with pairing device and establishing safety.”
Setup Screens
Stats Screens
Apple Watch Screens