Pill Pack Plus
Pill Pack Plus
Pill Pack Plus turns Amazon Pharmacy’s PillPack into a smart, connected experience, helping seniors take the right meds at the right time while giving caregivers peace of mind.
Year:
2025
Industry:
Health-Tech
Project Type:
Strategy Project
Project Duration:
16 Weeks
Project Overview
Project Overview
PillPack Plus is a smart medication-management concept designed to support seniors and give peace of mind to their caregivers. The project builds on Amazon Pharmacy’s PillPack service by adding a connected smart pill box that tracks pill intake, sends reminders, and provides real-time insights through a shared dashboard for seniors, caregivers, and healthcare providers. By combining intelligent tracking with gentle, AI-driven encouragement, PillPack Plus aims to make managing multiple medications simpler, safer, and more human.
Full Case Study COMING soon
Full Case Study COMING soon
10 interviews and 60 survey responses, shaped my initial winning aspiration
Project pathway &
my contribution
Insights from 10 in-depth interviews and 60 survey responses revealed that medication management is a high-stress, high-risk part of caregiving. Over 60% of caregivers reported worrying about missed or incorrect doses, and more than half lacked real-time visibility into whether medications were taken as prescribed.
This graduate project involved working with external stakeholders on a real-world design challenge. Our team of 16 designers split into focused sub-teams to address different problem areas, as shown in the map below. I contributed primarily during the research phase by conducting user interviews and synthesizing insights through data analysis. I then carried these insights into the ideation phase, where I helped generate and develop concepts grounded in real user needs.
0.0%
0.0%
Worried about missed doses
0.0%
0.0%
Adult children manag parent's medications
0.0%
0.0%
Express concern about parents medications
An Aging Population, Millions of Daily Doses, and a Lack of Safe Medication Tracking
Project pathway &
my contribution
An aging population now takes millions of medication doses each day, yet many seniors and caregivers still rely on memory and manual checks. This lack of reliable tracking increases stress, risk, and uncertainty for both seniors and their families.
This graduate project involved working with external stakeholders on a real-world design challenge. Our team of 16 designers split into focused sub-teams to address different problem areas, as shown in the map below. I contributed primarily during the research phase by conducting user interviews and synthesizing insights through data analysis. I then carried these insights into the ideation phase, where I helped generate and develop concepts grounded in real user needs.
0.0%
0.0%
adults are not fully medication adherenc
0.0%
0.0%
Seniors miss pills because they forget
0.0M
0.0M
Visit emergency yearly due to adverse drug events
Do current smart dispensers truly reduce risk and make medication routines easier?
Project pathway &
my contribution
This competitive analysis showed that existing solutions each solve only part of medication management; none provide portable, real-time dose confirmation with caregiver visibility altogether. That gap directly shaped PillPack Plus: a smart, portable dispenser that tracks actual consumption and shares clear updates, reducing missed doses with three notification and alarm systems.
This graduate project involved working with external stakeholders on a real-world design challenge. Our team of 16 designers split into focused sub-teams to address different problem areas, as shown in the map below. I contributed primarily during the research phase by conducting user interviews and synthesizing insights through data analysis. I then carried these insights into the ideation phase, where I helped generate and develop concepts grounded in real user needs.
Do current smart dispensers truly reduce risk and make medication routines easier?
Project pathway &
my contribution
This competitive analysis showed that existing solutions each solve only part of medication management; none provide portable, real-time dose confirmation with caregiver visibility altogether. That gap directly shaped PillPack Plus: a smart, portable dispenser that tracks actual consumption and shares clear updates, reducing missed doses with three notification and alarm systems.
This graduate project involved working with external stakeholders on a real-world design challenge. Our team of 16 designers split into focused sub-teams to address different problem areas, as shown in the map below. I contributed primarily during the research phase by conducting user interviews and synthesizing insights through data analysis. I then carried these insights into the ideation phase, where I helped generate and develop concepts grounded in real user needs.
Do current smart dispensers truly reduce risk and make medication routines easier?
Project pathway &
my contribution
This competitive analysis showed that existing solutions each solve only part of medication management; none provide portable, real-time dose confirmation with caregiver visibility altogether. That gap directly shaped PillPack Plus: a smart, portable dispenser that tracks actual consumption and shares clear updates, reducing missed doses with three notification and alarm systems.
This graduate project involved working with external stakeholders on a real-world design challenge. Our team of 16 designers split into focused sub-teams to address different problem areas, as shown in the map below. I contributed primarily during the research phase by conducting user interviews and synthesizing insights through data analysis. I then carried these insights into the ideation phase, where I helped generate and develop concepts grounded in real user needs.
01.
Device size
Finding the right form factor: Explored and tested different box sizes to balance portability, readability, and ease of use for seniors.
02.
Device Screen
Simplifying the device interface: Redesign the screen UI and validated it through testing to ensure large, clear instructions and low-friction confirmations.
03.
PRIVACY & TRUST
Privacy-first access for caregivers and providers: Designed privacy-first sharing so seniors stay in control, while caregivers and providers only see what they need.
03.
PRIVACY & TRUST
Privacy-first access for caregivers and providers: Designed privacy-first sharing so seniors stay in control, while caregivers and providers only see what they need.
04.
Pill Package Design
Improving the Pill Package experience with clear visual cues (e.g., color coding and labeling) to reduce confusion and support daily routines.
04.
Pill Package Design
Improving the Pill Package experience with clear visual cues (e.g., color coding and labeling) to reduce confusion and support daily routines.
05.
SYSTEM SETUP
Making onboarding senior-friendly: Streamlining setup and the caregiver dashboard so seniors can start quickly,and caregivers can get clear, real-time visibility.
Introducing pill pack plus
Project pathway &
my contribution
I conducted a brainstorming session with eight UX designers and a senior designer from the Baylor Scott & White hospital team. Building on their expert insights, I synthesized the input into four key improvement directions for the next iteration.
This graduate project involved working with external stakeholders on a real-world design challenge. Our team of 16 designers split into focused sub-teams to address different problem areas, as shown in the map below. I contributed primarily during the research phase by conducting user interviews and synthesizing insights through data analysis. I then carried these insights into the ideation phase, where I helped generate and develop concepts grounded in real user needs.
what is pill pack?
PillPack (Amazon Pharmacy) delivers medications pre-sorted into clearly labeled packets by date and time, eliminating the need to organize pills manually. It’s portable and convenient, but it doesn’t include a smart container, provide dose-tracking to confirm consumption, or offer built-in reminders and alerts.
Introducing pill pack plus?
Who is the primary customer?
PillPack Plus is a smart box designed to hold PillPack rolls and confirm dose-taking. It pairs with a companion app to track medication use and share clear updates with seniors and caregivers.
This graduate project involved working with external stakeholders on a real-world design challenge. Our team of 16 designers split into focused sub-teams to address different problem areas, as shown in the map below. I contributed primarily during the research phase by conducting user interviews and synthesizing insights through data analysis. I then carried these insights into the ideation phase, where I helped generate and develop concepts grounded in real user needs.
Who is the primary customer?
Based on my research, PillPack Plus serves four key customer groups:
Seniors managing multiple daily medications
Primary caregivers supporting aging family members
Nurses overseeing medication adherence
Healthcare providers monitoring patient outcomes
Due to project time constraints, this work primarily focuses on seniors and their primary caregivers, who experience the greatest day-to-day burden and benefit most directly from improved medication tracking and reassurance.
How Pill Pack Plus device Works?
Pill Pack Plus is a smart medication device that supports seniors while keeping caregivers connected. It uses color-coded lighting and real-time notifications to guide safe medication use: yellow for dose reminders, red for missed doses (with caregiver alerts), blue for Lock Mode to keep medication secure, and teal for Dispensed Mode when users need doses on the go. You can explore all of these features in the video below.
Validating the Concept Through Real-World Testing
The hypotheses were developed from key ideas explored in the storyboards and early concepts. To validate these assumptions, I conducted four in-person usability experiments. Insights from these experiments directly informed the final feature set and design decisions.
Smart reminders for Reduced missed doses
Advance notifications for upcoming doses
Personalized settings for individual routines
Compact, portable form for daily and travel use
Personalized packaging to minimize confusion
Color-coded package for quick recognition
Pill-dispense button for clear dose confirmation
Smart reminders for Reduced missed doses
Advance notifications for upcoming doses
Personalized settings for individual routines
Compact, portable form for daily and travel use
Personalized packaging to minimize confusion
Color-coded package for quick recognition
Pill-dispense button for clear dose confirmation
Validating the Concept Through Real-World Testing
The hypotheses were developed from key ideas explored in the storyboards and early concepts. To validate these assumptions, I conducted four in-person usability experiments. Insights from these experiments directly informed the final feature set and design decisions.
HOW pill pack plus app works?
After finalizing the physical device, I moved into designing the connected mobile application to extend its intelligence beyond the pill box. Based on insights gathered from senior users and caregivers during earlier research and testing, the app was designed to support real-time monitoring, personalized reminders, and caregiver communication.
I began by synthesizing research findings into key application Information Architecture, then translated them into low-fidelity sketches. These early concepts were reviewed and validated in the first round with peers to refine usability, and clarity before moving into high-fidelity design.
The Pill Pack Plus app extends the intelligence of the device into a connected care ecosystem
In the application users can easily set up the device, manage daily pill schedules, pre-dispense doses when needed, and activate secure Lock Mode for safety. The app enables real-time medication tracking, adherence monitoring, refill management, and shared caregiver access, ensuring both seniors and caregivers stay informed, connected, and in control.
Pill pack packaging redesigned to enhance clarity and engagement.
Based on insights gathered during user research, I redesigned the Pill Pack packaging to improve clarity, engagement, and confidence. Each packet uses color coding and time-of-day icons to create stronger visual cues, along with enlarged date and time labels for instant recognition. Personalized greetings and clear pill-count icons were added to transform medication from a stressful task into a more supportive daily routine.
How Pill Pack Plus Sustains Itself?
Pill Pack Plus was designed with long-term sustainability in mind. Beyond improving medication adherence, the concept explores multiple revenue streams that align with existing pharmacy ecosystems and user value.
One-time purchase of a smart pill box
Ongoing revenue through prescription fulfillment
Premium subscription for advanced features
Selling health insights to insurer and wellness companies
Why This Problem Is Worth Solving?
Why This Problem Is Worth Solving?
The market opportunity for Pill Pack Plus is significant. Online pharmacies are projected to reach $240 billion by 2032. Even with a conservative 5% market share, Amazon Pharmacy could generate approximately $12 billion in annual revenue. Within that same share, Pill Pack Plus alone has the potential to generate around $600 million by 2030. This demonstrates that even a small portion of the market creates substantial and sustainable revenue potential.
The market opportunity for Pill Pack Plus is significant. Online pharmacies are projected to reach $240 billion by 2032. Even with a conservative 5% market share, Amazon Pharmacy could generate approximately $12 billion in annual revenue. Within that same share, Pill Pack Plus alone has the potential to generate around $600 million by 2030. This demonstrates that even a small portion of the market creates substantial and sustainable revenue potential.
Pill Pack Plus is designed to evolve beyond medication reminders into a proactive health support system
Pill Pack Plus is designed to evolve beyond medication reminders into a proactive health support system
Future developments include predictive health alerts that analyze medication and behavior patterns to identify risks early, a Travel Mode that automatically adjusts dosing across time zones, AI-driven personalized health content to encourage positive daily habits, and enhanced accessibility features to ensure inclusive use for people of diverse abilities.
Future developments include predictive health alerts that analyze medication and behavior patterns to identify risks early, a Travel Mode that automatically adjusts dosing across time zones, AI-driven personalized health content to encourage positive daily habits, and enhanced accessibility features to ensure inclusive use for people of diverse abilities.
Pill Pack Plus
Pill Pack Plus
Pill Pack Plus turns Amazon Pharmacy’s PillPack into a smart, connected experience, helping seniors take the right meds at the right time while giving caregivers peace of mind.
Year:
2025
Industry:
Health-Tech
Project Type:
Strategy Project
Project Duration:
16 Weeks
Project Overview
Project Overview
PillPack Plus is a smart medication-management concept designed to support seniors and give peace of mind to their caregivers. The project builds on Amazon Pharmacy’s PillPack service by adding a connected smart pill box that tracks pill intake, sends reminders, and provides real-time insights through a shared dashboard for seniors, caregivers, and healthcare providers. By combining intelligent tracking with gentle, AI-driven encouragement, PillPack Plus aims to make managing multiple medications simpler, safer, and more human.
Full Case Study COMING soon
Full Case Study COMING soon
10 interviews and 60 survey responses, shaped my initial winning aspiration
Project pathway &
my contribution
Insights from 10 in-depth interviews and 60 survey responses revealed that medication management is a high-stress, high-risk part of caregiving. Over 60% of caregivers reported worrying about missed or incorrect doses, and more than half lacked real-time visibility into whether medications were taken as prescribed.
This graduate project involved working with external stakeholders on a real-world design challenge. Our team of 16 designers split into focused sub-teams to address different problem areas, as shown in the map below. I contributed primarily during the research phase by conducting user interviews and synthesizing insights through data analysis. I then carried these insights into the ideation phase, where I helped generate and develop concepts grounded in real user needs.
0.0%
0.0%
Worried about missed doses
0.0%
0.0%
Adult children manag parent's medications
0.0%
0.0%
Express concern about parents medications
An Aging Population, Millions of Daily Doses, and a Lack of Safe Medication Tracking
Project pathway &
my contribution
An aging population now takes millions of medication doses each day, yet many seniors and caregivers still rely on memory and manual checks. This lack of reliable tracking increases stress, risk, and uncertainty for both seniors and their families.
This graduate project involved working with external stakeholders on a real-world design challenge. Our team of 16 designers split into focused sub-teams to address different problem areas, as shown in the map below. I contributed primarily during the research phase by conducting user interviews and synthesizing insights through data analysis. I then carried these insights into the ideation phase, where I helped generate and develop concepts grounded in real user needs.
0.0%
0.0%
adults are not fully medication adherenc
0.0%
0.0%
Seniors miss pills because they forget
0.0M
0.0M
Visit emergency yearly due to adverse drug events
Do current smart dispensers truly reduce risk and make medication routines easier?
Project pathway &
my contribution
This competitive analysis showed that existing solutions each solve only part of medication management; none provide portable, real-time dose confirmation with caregiver visibility altogether. That gap directly shaped PillPack Plus: a smart, portable dispenser that tracks actual consumption and shares clear updates, reducing missed doses with three notification and alarm systems.
This graduate project involved working with external stakeholders on a real-world design challenge. Our team of 16 designers split into focused sub-teams to address different problem areas, as shown in the map below. I contributed primarily during the research phase by conducting user interviews and synthesizing insights through data analysis. I then carried these insights into the ideation phase, where I helped generate and develop concepts grounded in real user needs.
Do current smart dispensers truly reduce risk and make medication routines easier?
Project pathway &
my contribution
This competitive analysis showed that existing solutions each solve only part of medication management; none provide portable, real-time dose confirmation with caregiver visibility altogether. That gap directly shaped PillPack Plus: a smart, portable dispenser that tracks actual consumption and shares clear updates, reducing missed doses with three notification and alarm systems.
This graduate project involved working with external stakeholders on a real-world design challenge. Our team of 16 designers split into focused sub-teams to address different problem areas, as shown in the map below. I contributed primarily during the research phase by conducting user interviews and synthesizing insights through data analysis. I then carried these insights into the ideation phase, where I helped generate and develop concepts grounded in real user needs.
Do current smart dispensers truly reduce risk and make medication routines easier?
Project pathway &
my contribution
This competitive analysis showed that existing solutions each solve only part of medication management; none provide portable, real-time dose confirmation with caregiver visibility altogether. That gap directly shaped PillPack Plus: a smart, portable dispenser that tracks actual consumption and shares clear updates, reducing missed doses with three notification and alarm systems.
This graduate project involved working with external stakeholders on a real-world design challenge. Our team of 16 designers split into focused sub-teams to address different problem areas, as shown in the map below. I contributed primarily during the research phase by conducting user interviews and synthesizing insights through data analysis. I then carried these insights into the ideation phase, where I helped generate and develop concepts grounded in real user needs.
01.
Device size
Finding the right form factor: Explored and tested different box sizes to balance portability, readability, and ease of use for seniors.
02.
Device Screen
Simplifying the device interface: Redesign the screen UI and validated it through testing to ensure large, clear instructions and low-friction confirmations.
03.
PRIVACY & TRUST
Privacy-first access for caregivers and providers: Designed privacy-first sharing so seniors stay in control, while caregivers and providers only see what they need.
03.
PRIVACY & TRUST
Privacy-first access for caregivers and providers: Designed privacy-first sharing so seniors stay in control, while caregivers and providers only see what they need.
04.
Pill Package Design
Improving the Pill Package experience with clear visual cues (e.g., color coding and labeling) to reduce confusion and support daily routines.
04.
Pill Package Design
Improving the Pill Package experience with clear visual cues (e.g., color coding and labeling) to reduce confusion and support daily routines.
05.
SYSTEM SETUP
Making onboarding senior-friendly: Streamlining setup and the caregiver dashboard so seniors can start quickly,and caregivers can get clear, real-time visibility.
Introducing pill pack plus
Project pathway &
my contribution
I conducted a brainstorming session with eight UX designers and a senior designer from the Baylor Scott & White hospital team. Building on their expert insights, I synthesized the input into four key improvement directions for the next iteration.
This graduate project involved working with external stakeholders on a real-world design challenge. Our team of 16 designers split into focused sub-teams to address different problem areas, as shown in the map below. I contributed primarily during the research phase by conducting user interviews and synthesizing insights through data analysis. I then carried these insights into the ideation phase, where I helped generate and develop concepts grounded in real user needs.
what is pill pack?
PillPack (Amazon Pharmacy) delivers medications pre-sorted into clearly labeled packets by date and time, eliminating the need to organize pills manually. It’s portable and convenient, but it doesn’t include a smart container, provide dose-tracking to confirm consumption, or offer built-in reminders and alerts.
Introducing pill pack plus?
Who is the primary customer?
PillPack Plus is a smart box designed to hold PillPack rolls and confirm dose-taking. It pairs with a companion app to track medication use and share clear updates with seniors and caregivers.
This graduate project involved working with external stakeholders on a real-world design challenge. Our team of 16 designers split into focused sub-teams to address different problem areas, as shown in the map below. I contributed primarily during the research phase by conducting user interviews and synthesizing insights through data analysis. I then carried these insights into the ideation phase, where I helped generate and develop concepts grounded in real user needs.
Who is the primary customer?
Based on my research, PillPack Plus serves four key customer groups:
Seniors managing multiple daily medications
Primary caregivers supporting aging family members
Nurses overseeing medication adherence
Healthcare providers monitoring patient outcomes
Due to project time constraints, this work primarily focuses on seniors and their primary caregivers, who experience the greatest day-to-day burden and benefit most directly from improved medication tracking and reassurance.
How Pill Pack Plus device Works?
Pill Pack Plus is a smart medication device that supports seniors while keeping caregivers connected. It uses color-coded lighting and real-time notifications to guide safe medication use: yellow for dose reminders, red for missed doses (with caregiver alerts), blue for Lock Mode to keep medication secure, and teal for Dispensed Mode when users need doses on the go. You can explore all of these features in the video below.
Validating the Concept Through Real-World Testing
The hypotheses were developed from key ideas explored in the storyboards and early concepts. To validate these assumptions, I conducted four in-person usability experiments. Insights from these experiments directly informed the final feature set and design decisions.
Smart reminders for Reduced missed doses
Advance notifications for upcoming doses
Personalized settings for individual routines
Compact, portable form for daily and travel use
Personalized packaging to minimize confusion
Color-coded package for quick recognition
Pill-dispense button for clear dose confirmation
Smart reminders for Reduced missed doses
Advance notifications for upcoming doses
Personalized settings for individual routines
Compact, portable form for daily and travel use
Personalized packaging to minimize confusion
Color-coded package for quick recognition
Pill-dispense button for clear dose confirmation
Validating the Concept Through Real-World Testing
The hypotheses were developed from key ideas explored in the storyboards and early concepts. To validate these assumptions, I conducted four in-person usability experiments. Insights from these experiments directly informed the final feature set and design decisions.
HOW pill pack plus app works?
After finalizing the physical device, I moved into designing the connected mobile application to extend its intelligence beyond the pill box. Based on insights gathered from senior users and caregivers during earlier research and testing, the app was designed to support real-time monitoring, personalized reminders, and caregiver communication.
I began by synthesizing research findings into key application Information Architecture, then translated them into low-fidelity sketches. These early concepts were reviewed and validated in the first round with peers to refine usability, and clarity before moving into high-fidelity design.
The Pill Pack Plus app extends the intelligence of the device into a connected care ecosystem
In the application users can easily set up the device, manage daily pill schedules, pre-dispense doses when needed, and activate secure Lock Mode for safety. The app enables real-time medication tracking, adherence monitoring, refill management, and shared caregiver access, ensuring both seniors and caregivers stay informed, connected, and in control.
Pill pack packaging redesigned to enhance clarity and engagement.
Based on insights gathered during user research, I redesigned the Pill Pack packaging to improve clarity, engagement, and confidence. Each packet uses color coding and time-of-day icons to create stronger visual cues, along with enlarged date and time labels for instant recognition. Personalized greetings and clear pill-count icons were added to transform medication from a stressful task into a more supportive daily routine.
How Pill Pack Plus Sustains Itself?
Pill Pack Plus was designed with long-term sustainability in mind. Beyond improving medication adherence, the concept explores multiple revenue streams that align with existing pharmacy ecosystems and user value.
One-time purchase of a smart pill box
Ongoing revenue through prescription fulfillment
Premium subscription for advanced features
Selling health insights to insurer and wellness companies
Why This Problem Is Worth Solving?
Why This Problem Is Worth Solving?
The market opportunity for Pill Pack Plus is significant. Online pharmacies are projected to reach $240 billion by 2032. Even with a conservative 5% market share, Amazon Pharmacy could generate approximately $12 billion in annual revenue. Within that same share, Pill Pack Plus alone has the potential to generate around $600 million by 2030. This demonstrates that even a small portion of the market creates substantial and sustainable revenue potential.
The market opportunity for Pill Pack Plus is significant. Online pharmacies are projected to reach $240 billion by 2032. Even with a conservative 5% market share, Amazon Pharmacy could generate approximately $12 billion in annual revenue. Within that same share, Pill Pack Plus alone has the potential to generate around $600 million by 2030. This demonstrates that even a small portion of the market creates substantial and sustainable revenue potential.
Pill Pack Plus is designed to evolve beyond medication reminders into a proactive health support system
Pill Pack Plus is designed to evolve beyond medication reminders into a proactive health support system
Future developments include predictive health alerts that analyze medication and behavior patterns to identify risks early, a Travel Mode that automatically adjusts dosing across time zones, AI-driven personalized health content to encourage positive daily habits, and enhanced accessibility features to ensure inclusive use for people of diverse abilities.
Future developments include predictive health alerts that analyze medication and behavior patterns to identify risks early, a Travel Mode that automatically adjusts dosing across time zones, AI-driven personalized health content to encourage positive daily habits, and enhanced accessibility features to ensure inclusive use for people of diverse abilities.
Pill Pack Plus
Pill Pack Plus
Pill Pack Plus turns Amazon Pharmacy’s PillPack into a smart, connected experience, helping seniors take the right meds at the right time while giving caregivers peace of mind.
Year:
2025
Industry:
Health-Tech
Project Type:
Strategy Project
Project Duration:
16 Weeks
Project Overview
Project Overview
PillPack Plus is a smart medication-management concept designed to support seniors and give peace of mind to their caregivers. The project builds on Amazon Pharmacy’s PillPack service by adding a connected smart pill box that tracks pill intake, sends reminders, and provides real-time insights through a shared dashboard for seniors, caregivers, and healthcare providers. By combining intelligent tracking with gentle, AI-driven encouragement, PillPack Plus aims to make managing multiple medications simpler, safer, and more human.
Full Case Study COMING soon
Full Case Study COMING soon
10 interviews and 60 survey responses, shaped my initial winning aspiration
Project pathway &
my contribution
Insights from 10 in-depth interviews and 60 survey responses revealed that medication management is a high-stress, high-risk part of caregiving. Over 60% of caregivers reported worrying about missed or incorrect doses, and more than half lacked real-time visibility into whether medications were taken as prescribed.
This graduate project involved working with external stakeholders on a real-world design challenge. Our team of 16 designers split into focused sub-teams to address different problem areas, as shown in the map below. I contributed primarily during the research phase by conducting user interviews and synthesizing insights through data analysis. I then carried these insights into the ideation phase, where I helped generate and develop concepts grounded in real user needs.
0.0%
0.0%
Worried about missed doses
0.0%
0.0%
Adult children manag parent's medications
0.0%
0.0%
Express concern about parents medications
An Aging Population, Millions of Daily Doses, and a Lack of Safe Medication Tracking
Project pathway &
my contribution
An aging population now takes millions of medication doses each day, yet many seniors and caregivers still rely on memory and manual checks. This lack of reliable tracking increases stress, risk, and uncertainty for both seniors and their families.
This graduate project involved working with external stakeholders on a real-world design challenge. Our team of 16 designers split into focused sub-teams to address different problem areas, as shown in the map below. I contributed primarily during the research phase by conducting user interviews and synthesizing insights through data analysis. I then carried these insights into the ideation phase, where I helped generate and develop concepts grounded in real user needs.
0.0%
0.0%
adults are not fully medication adherenc
0.0%
0.0%
Seniors miss pills because they forget
0.0M
0.0M
Visit emergency yearly due to adverse drug events
Do current smart dispensers truly reduce risk and make medication routines easier?
Project pathway &
my contribution
This competitive analysis showed that existing solutions each solve only part of medication management; none provide portable, real-time dose confirmation with caregiver visibility altogether. That gap directly shaped PillPack Plus: a smart, portable dispenser that tracks actual consumption and shares clear updates, reducing missed doses with three notification and alarm systems.
This graduate project involved working with external stakeholders on a real-world design challenge. Our team of 16 designers split into focused sub-teams to address different problem areas, as shown in the map below. I contributed primarily during the research phase by conducting user interviews and synthesizing insights through data analysis. I then carried these insights into the ideation phase, where I helped generate and develop concepts grounded in real user needs.
Do current smart dispensers truly reduce risk and make medication routines easier?
Project pathway &
my contribution
This competitive analysis showed that existing solutions each solve only part of medication management; none provide portable, real-time dose confirmation with caregiver visibility altogether. That gap directly shaped PillPack Plus: a smart, portable dispenser that tracks actual consumption and shares clear updates, reducing missed doses with three notification and alarm systems.
This graduate project involved working with external stakeholders on a real-world design challenge. Our team of 16 designers split into focused sub-teams to address different problem areas, as shown in the map below. I contributed primarily during the research phase by conducting user interviews and synthesizing insights through data analysis. I then carried these insights into the ideation phase, where I helped generate and develop concepts grounded in real user needs.
Do current smart dispensers truly reduce risk and make medication routines easier?
Project pathway &
my contribution
This competitive analysis showed that existing solutions each solve only part of medication management; none provide portable, real-time dose confirmation with caregiver visibility altogether. That gap directly shaped PillPack Plus: a smart, portable dispenser that tracks actual consumption and shares clear updates, reducing missed doses with three notification and alarm systems.
This graduate project involved working with external stakeholders on a real-world design challenge. Our team of 16 designers split into focused sub-teams to address different problem areas, as shown in the map below. I contributed primarily during the research phase by conducting user interviews and synthesizing insights through data analysis. I then carried these insights into the ideation phase, where I helped generate and develop concepts grounded in real user needs.
01.
Device size
Finding the right form factor: Explored and tested different box sizes to balance portability, readability, and ease of use for seniors.
02.
Device Screen
Simplifying the device interface: Redesign the screen UI and validated it through testing to ensure large, clear instructions and low-friction confirmations.
03.
PRIVACY & TRUST
Privacy-first access for caregivers and providers: Designed privacy-first sharing so seniors stay in control, while caregivers and providers only see what they need.
03.
PRIVACY & TRUST
Privacy-first access for caregivers and providers: Designed privacy-first sharing so seniors stay in control, while caregivers and providers only see what they need.
04.
Pill Package Design
Improving the Pill Package experience with clear visual cues (e.g., color coding and labeling) to reduce confusion and support daily routines.
04.
Pill Package Design
Improving the Pill Package experience with clear visual cues (e.g., color coding and labeling) to reduce confusion and support daily routines.
05.
SYSTEM SETUP
Making onboarding senior-friendly: Streamlining setup and the caregiver dashboard so seniors can start quickly,and caregivers can get clear, real-time visibility.
Introducing pill pack plus
Project pathway &
my contribution
I conducted a brainstorming session with eight UX designers and a senior designer from the Baylor Scott & White hospital team. Building on their expert insights, I synthesized the input into four key improvement directions for the next iteration.
This graduate project involved working with external stakeholders on a real-world design challenge. Our team of 16 designers split into focused sub-teams to address different problem areas, as shown in the map below. I contributed primarily during the research phase by conducting user interviews and synthesizing insights through data analysis. I then carried these insights into the ideation phase, where I helped generate and develop concepts grounded in real user needs.
what is pill pack?
PillPack (Amazon Pharmacy) delivers medications pre-sorted into clearly labeled packets by date and time, eliminating the need to organize pills manually. It’s portable and convenient, but it doesn’t include a smart container, provide dose-tracking to confirm consumption, or offer built-in reminders and alerts.
Introducing pill pack plus?
Who is the primary customer?
PillPack Plus is a smart box designed to hold PillPack rolls and confirm dose-taking. It pairs with a companion app to track medication use and share clear updates with seniors and caregivers.
This graduate project involved working with external stakeholders on a real-world design challenge. Our team of 16 designers split into focused sub-teams to address different problem areas, as shown in the map below. I contributed primarily during the research phase by conducting user interviews and synthesizing insights through data analysis. I then carried these insights into the ideation phase, where I helped generate and develop concepts grounded in real user needs.
Who is the primary customer?
Based on my research, PillPack Plus serves four key customer groups:
Seniors managing multiple daily medications
Primary caregivers supporting aging family members
Nurses overseeing medication adherence
Healthcare providers monitoring patient outcomes
Due to project time constraints, this work primarily focuses on seniors and their primary caregivers, who experience the greatest day-to-day burden and benefit most directly from improved medication tracking and reassurance.
How Pill Pack Plus device Works?
Pill Pack Plus is a smart medication device that supports seniors while keeping caregivers connected. It uses color-coded lighting and real-time notifications to guide safe medication use: yellow for dose reminders, red for missed doses (with caregiver alerts), blue for Lock Mode to keep medication secure, and teal for Dispensed Mode when users need doses on the go. You can explore all of these features in the video below.
Validating the Concept Through Real-World Testing
The hypotheses were developed from key ideas explored in the storyboards and early concepts. To validate these assumptions, I conducted four in-person usability experiments. Insights from these experiments directly informed the final feature set and design decisions.
Smart reminders for Reduced missed doses
Advance notifications for upcoming doses
Personalized settings for individual routines
Compact, portable form for daily and travel use
Personalized packaging to minimize confusion
Color-coded package for quick recognition
Pill-dispense button for clear dose confirmation
Smart reminders for Reduced missed doses
Advance notifications for upcoming doses
Personalized settings for individual routines
Compact, portable form for daily and travel use
Personalized packaging to minimize confusion
Color-coded package for quick recognition
Pill-dispense button for clear dose confirmation
Validating the Concept Through Real-World Testing
The hypotheses were developed from key ideas explored in the storyboards and early concepts. To validate these assumptions, I conducted four in-person usability experiments. Insights from these experiments directly informed the final feature set and design decisions.
HOW pill pack plus app works?
After finalizing the physical device, I moved into designing the connected mobile application to extend its intelligence beyond the pill box. Based on insights gathered from senior users and caregivers during earlier research and testing, the app was designed to support real-time monitoring, personalized reminders, and caregiver communication.
I began by synthesizing research findings into key application Information Architecture, then translated them into low-fidelity sketches. These early concepts were reviewed and validated in the first round with peers to refine usability, and clarity before moving into high-fidelity design.
The Pill Pack Plus app extends the intelligence of the device into a connected care ecosystem
In the application users can easily set up the device, manage daily pill schedules, pre-dispense doses when needed, and activate secure Lock Mode for safety. The app enables real-time medication tracking, adherence monitoring, refill management, and shared caregiver access, ensuring both seniors and caregivers stay informed, connected, and in control.
Pill pack packaging redesigned to enhance clarity and engagement.
Based on insights gathered during user research, I redesigned the Pill Pack packaging to improve clarity, engagement, and confidence. Each packet uses color coding and time-of-day icons to create stronger visual cues, along with enlarged date and time labels for instant recognition. Personalized greetings and clear pill-count icons were added to transform medication from a stressful task into a more supportive daily routine.
How Pill Pack Plus Sustains Itself?
Pill Pack Plus was designed with long-term sustainability in mind. Beyond improving medication adherence, the concept explores multiple revenue streams that align with existing pharmacy ecosystems and user value.
One-time purchase of a smart pill box
Ongoing revenue through prescription fulfillment
Premium subscription for advanced features
Selling health insights to insurer and wellness companies
Why This Problem Is Worth Solving?
Why This Problem Is Worth Solving?
The market opportunity for Pill Pack Plus is significant. Online pharmacies are projected to reach $240 billion by 2032. Even with a conservative 5% market share, Amazon Pharmacy could generate approximately $12 billion in annual revenue. Within that same share, Pill Pack Plus alone has the potential to generate around $600 million by 2030. This demonstrates that even a small portion of the market creates substantial and sustainable revenue potential.
The market opportunity for Pill Pack Plus is significant. Online pharmacies are projected to reach $240 billion by 2032. Even with a conservative 5% market share, Amazon Pharmacy could generate approximately $12 billion in annual revenue. Within that same share, Pill Pack Plus alone has the potential to generate around $600 million by 2030. This demonstrates that even a small portion of the market creates substantial and sustainable revenue potential.
Pill Pack Plus is designed to evolve beyond medication reminders into a proactive health support system
Pill Pack Plus is designed to evolve beyond medication reminders into a proactive health support system
Future developments include predictive health alerts that analyze medication and behavior patterns to identify risks early, a Travel Mode that automatically adjusts dosing across time zones, AI-driven personalized health content to encourage positive daily habits, and enhanced accessibility features to ensure inclusive use for people of diverse abilities.
Future developments include predictive health alerts that analyze medication and behavior patterns to identify risks early, a Travel Mode that automatically adjusts dosing across time zones, AI-driven personalized health content to encourage positive daily habits, and enhanced accessibility features to ensure inclusive use for people of diverse abilities.