What Is NXT Strainer?

An arm pillow that is meant for students to nap comfortably at school.

Summary

NXT Strainer was done for my Medical Devices university class. It is designed to replace the kidney stone strainer kit that current patients use. This product considers the before and during of the straining process.

Topics Covered

The Problem | The Solution | The Research | Design Details | Final Product | Looking Back

Date
2019

My Roles
Industrial Designer

Tools Used
Tablet, Photoshop, Solidworks, Keyshot, 3D Printer, Woodshop Equipment

Deliverables
Sketches, Physical Model, 3D Model, Ideation, Persona, User Interviews, Mockups

Sector
Medical Device

Time Period
1 Month

The Problem

How might we reduce the hassle of catching arbitrary kidney stones?

Current kidney stone strainers consist of 3 products that users must be cautious about whenever they urinate to take the stone to the doctor for analysis.

Statistics Of The Problem

• More than half a million people go to emergency rooms because of kidney stones.

• It is estimated that in 1 in every 10 people will have a kidney stone in their life.

• Both male and females can get kidney stones.

The Solution

An arm pillow that raises the user's head to nap comfortably.

NXT Strainer is designed to be forgotten in the toilet yet points of interaction are clean.

When patients have the urge to urinate, they won't have to think about taking their strainer kit out like before. 

The Research

This research consists of information regarding participants, market research, and design exploration.

Contextual Observations

I visited the library and witnessed students napping either:

• on their backpack or jacket while laying down on the floor.

• in the cross arm position with their head on their arms or a jacket.

Participants

Recruited diverse university students from multiple majors with heavy course work that they frequently pull late nights at school. 

Interview Style

1 on 1 interviews in-person

Observed verbal and physical behaviors.

Persona - Marc Jensen

Marc, a 27-year-old software engineer with a penchant for processed snacks and meat, went to the doctor for right-sided pain and was diagnosed with a kidney stone. The doctor prescribed a water diet and provided a 3-piece kit. At home, he often rushes to the bathroom to urinate but forgets to use the kit in his haste.

"The 3 piece kit is not designed for human bladders."

"I don't plan my bathroom visits."

About Him

• His diet consists of processed, heavy foods and drinks.

• Lack of exercise
  

• Sits in front of the computer all day.

Pain Points

• The 3 piece kit is a hassle to use.

• Frequently visits the bathroom per day and night due to the doctor's water diet.

• Constantly forgets to use his kit during his night bathroom visits.
  

Market Research

Overall, in the market...

• The majority of the products are meant for travel purposes.

• None of the products are tailored to students.

Design Details

Details that matter.

Combination Of Materials

Each material were carefully chosen to ensure the best overall experience for students.

Cotton Material

Cotton is highly breathable, preventing sweat and ensuring prolonged coolness.

Final Product

These contents demonstrate the final product and it's features.

Recieved Feedback

What are the participants thoughts?

"So small, yet so comfy."

Participant M

Overall Score

4/5

"Perfect size for my backpack."

Participant S

Adjectives Used

Cute | So Soft | Fun | Comfy

Looking Back

Looking back is the roadmap for the next steps.

What I Did Well

Crafted a unique product.

Craftmanship quality.

Designed according to the students immediate environment. 

What I Can Do Later

Introduce different patterns to the pillow.

Research a more silent material than velcro.

Research scents that are known to promote sleep.

Recieve long term feedback on the product from students. 

What I Would Do  Differently

Conduct research on colors that promote sleep.

Try testing lavendar oil on the fabric to see if participants would like it.

Test the durability of the product with a laundry machine wash cycle.