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.
Selected Works
