Hi pill : designing medication packaging to encourage adherence : an exegesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Design, Massey University, College of Creative Arts, Wellington, New Zealand

Abstract

Failure to adhere to dosage time frames with prescribed medications is recognized as a global health problem. The World Health Organization (WHO), notes the level of nonadherence to drugs ranges from 30%-50% in developed countries and is even higher in developing countries (Sabate, Santé, Organisation, WHO, & UNAIDS, 2003). Importantly, the design of pillbox packaging has a positive impact on pill adherence (Zedler, Kakad, Colilla, Murrelle, & Shah, 2011). This research project explores how packaging and communication design of a pill organizer can encourage adherence improving potential health outcomes. To investigate the issue, a human-centered design method was implemented. Through the methods of interviews and observation, users' requirements are explored, and analyzed. This information informed the design of the Hi Pill solution. The design was undertaken in stages, the initial investigation was presented in sketches and 3D models for initial usability testing, screened for development potential and then resolved into five key variations of the resolved design. The optimal solution was developed from these final variations and further tested with end users and stakeholders. The results supported the structural packaging concept integrated with communication design considerations as an effective means of promoting medication adherence with prescribed medication.