Pharmaceutical Packaging for the elderly.pdf

Pharmaceutical Packaging

For The Elderly
Design Research
Delina Tejwani

Pradanya Goyal

Aayush Chavan

Table Of Contents
Pharmaceutical Packaging for the Elderly
Mind map
Summar
Key finding
Gap
Research Questions
Target audienc
Stakeholder
Person
Survey & Interview result
Key finding
Gaps
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
INTRODUCTION
PROTOCOL
SECONDARY RESEARCH
2
1
3
4
7
8
14
19
20
15
USER JOURNEY MAP
INSIGHTS
EMPATHY MAP
13
SPECTRUM
PROBLEM STATEMENT
22
APPENDIX
PRIMARY RESEARCH
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Team Members
We want to thank our Design Research module instructors, Dr. Arundhati
Guha Thakurta and Prof. Sneh Hazra for their valuable guidance, support, and
helpful feedback throughout the creation of this report.

Additionally, we are deeply grateful to NMIMS School Of Design for giving us
the opportunity to share our findings. The thorough exploration and
research conducted during this project has expanded our knowledge in
meaningful ways.

We also appreciate the availability of reliable secondary resources, which
played a constructive role in helping us meet our deadlines and finalize this
report.
1
Delina Tejwani Aayush Chavan
Acknowledgement
Pradanya Goyal

Introduction to

Pharmaceutical Packaging
Pharmaceutical packaging plays a crucial role in the healthcare industry by
ensuring the safe storage, distribution, and use of medications. It includes various
types of containers, such as bottles, blister packs, and vials, designed to protect the
medication from contamination, light, moisture, and tampering. Additionally,
pharmaceutical packaging provides essential information, such as dosage
instructions and expiration dates to help patients use their medications safely and
effectively. Overall, pharmaceutical packaging is essential for maintaining the
effectiveness of medications, ultimately contributing to patient safety and health
outcomes.

Our research seeks to identify and understand the specific challenges faced by
elderly individuals when using pharmaceutical packaging. By addressing these
issues, we aim to improve the design of packaging to better meet the needs of

this demographic, ultimately enhancing their medication experience and health
outcomes.

2

3
Problem statements
Interview Preparation
We rephrased our findings to
make insights
We took 33 empathy interviews
of the elderly mostly 65+
We sent out our survey forms
to people aged 60+
Chose to target our research on packaging for
the elderly and made mind maps
We derived problem statements
from our insights
We framed questions specific to
the problems areas we found
Chose pharamaceutical packaging
and looked at many problem areas
We carefully framed questions
to understand our audience
We collected all the data
that we found
Develop Survey
Expert interviews
We sorted out findings under
various domains
Define the objective
We also took interviews of doctors
and pharmacists
Spectrum
Report findings
Identify target audience
Survey Distribution
Senior citizen interviews
Key insights
Protocol followed

Secondary Research
4
Mind Maps

5
Summary
Pharmaceutical packaging design is a critical component of the healthcare sector, ensuring
medications are delivered safely and effectively to patients.

Through our research, we have identified key issues such as difficulties with small
compartment sizes and foil removal, which are common among the elderly population
mostly 65+.

The research revealed that elderly individuals often rely on family members for assistance in
opening and understanding medicine packaging. This reliance can leads to feelings of being
burden. Therefore, enhancing the design of medicine packaging is crucial to simplify their
lives and empower them to manage their medications independently. This highlights the
importance of creating user-friendly packaging that meets the specific needs of this
demographic.
After conducting extensive research, it was discovered that the user experience of the elderly
while interacting with medicine packaging was primarily affected by 3 main aspects:
Identifying product information
Knowing how to open the packaging
Opening the packaging

6
Key Findings
Gaps
Difficulty finding
information on
packaging so memory
or informal methods
used to remember
medicines
There is a need for the
packaging industry to
consider age-related
declines, promoting
inclusivity and
accessibility.
Existing solutions like
colour coded
packaging, single dose
blister packs exist, pill
organizers
1 2 3
Limited studies on
design aspects of
pharmaceutical
packaging
No separate
packaging that
caters to age related
decline in health

Reason: Reason:
Priority is placed on regulatory
compliance and functionality over
aesthetic in pharmaceutical
manufacturing.
Pharmaceutical giants typically
dont allocate capital and research
time to address the unique needs
and challenges faced by elderly
individuals.

Research Objectives
7
To identify the types of packaging that individuals face challenges
within the context of pharmaceutical products
Finding out whether the information on the packaging is

enough and whether the design factors affect readability of the

elderly
To determine the number of individuals seeking assistance

from others to open medicine packaging and the reasons

behind it
To find out whether accidents are common when the

elderly open medicine packaging
To identify if the medicine packaging contributes

to elderly taking the wrong medicine or dose.
Research Questions
What are the current trends and innovations in pharmaceutical packaging
designed for elderly users
What are the specific needs and challenges faced by elderly individuals when it
comes to pharmaceutical packaging
How effective are existing packaging solutions targeted at the elderly population
How do elderly individuals interact with different types of pharmaceutical
packaging
What are the safety and compliance aspects of pharmaceutical packaging for
elderly users
What are the regulatory requirements and guidelines that impact the design and
development of pharmaceutical packaging for elderly individuals
What is the environmental impact of pharmaceutical packaging, and what are
some sustainable packaging alternatives?

Stakeholders
Marketing
Investors
Promotion
Primary Research
8
Target audience
Target audience
When it comes to the elderly population, the importance of pharmaceutical
packaging becomes more significant. Elderly individuals often have multiple health
conditions and take several medications simultaneously, increasing the risk of
medication errors and adverse drug reactions. Proper packaging can help them
manage their medications more effectively, reducing the likelihood of missed doses
or incorrect usage.

Additionally, age-related changes, such as decreased vision and dexterity, can make it
challenging for the elderly to handle medication packaging. Improving medicine
pack design for elders is crucial for independent medication management,
highlighting the importance of user-friendly packaging for this demographic.

Primary
Secondary
Tertiary
Patients
Doctors/

Pharmacists
Packaging

suppliers
Pharmaceutical

companies
Regulatory
authorities
Manufacturers

9
Personas
This is Madhu
“When one
teaches,

two learn”
Retired teacher
Age:

Family:

Location:
Bio/ Backstory
Madhu, a retired teacher, lives in a small apartment with her husband. She takes three medications
daily following knee replacement surgery, and while generally healthy, struggles to manage her
medications effectively.
75

Husband, 2 daughters

Dadar, Mumbai
Talkative
Personality Motivations
Goals
Frustrations
Dependent Curious
Extrovert
Introvert Health & well-being
Wants to take her medications correctly
and on time for effective health
management
Curious about her prescribed medications
and seeks information on their side effects
etc
Looks for packaging that helps her
differentiate between her medications
based on size, shape, and color.
Due to age-related vision changes,
Madhu struggles to read the small print
on medication labels and instructions
Finds blister packs and child-proof caps
difficult to open, leading to frustration
and potential medication errors.
Lazy
Active
Fickle
Loyal
Dependence
Knowledge & understanding
Technology
This is Ramnath
“Engineers
make
history”
Retired engineer
Age:

Family:

Location:
Bio/ Backstory
Ramnath is a retired engineer who lives with his spouse in a suburban home. He leads a relatively
healthy lifestyle but occasionally experiences high blood pressure, for which he takes medication as
needed. Ramnath enjoys spending time with his family and friends.

65

Wife, son, daughter

Versova, Mumbai

Adventurous
Introv
ert
Extrov
ert
Goals
Frustrations
Funny Practical
Extrov
ert
Introv
ert
Introv
ert
Extrov
ert
Extrovert
Wants to control his occasional high blood
pressure for overall health
Prefers managing health and medications
independently
Seeks convenient ways to carry medicine.
Find it's frustrating when tablets pop
out and fly out of the packaging when
he opens blister pac
Gets annoyed when the expiry date on
his medication packaging peels off,
making it hard to know if the
medication is still safe to us
Finds it a task to transfer tablet to a
pouch when have to travel
Lazy
Active
Fickle
Loyal
Dependence
Technology

Extrovert
10
Personas
This is Madhu
“When one
teaches,

two learn”
Retired teacher
Age:

Family:

Location:
Bio/ Backstory
Madhu, a retired teacher, lives in a small apartment with her husband. She takes three medications
daily following knee replacement surgery, and while generally healthy, struggles to manage her
medications effectively.
75

Husband, 2 daughters

Dadar, Mumbai
Talkative
Goals
Frustrations
Dependent Curious
Extrovert
Wants to take her medications correctly
and on time for effective health
management
Curious about her prescribed medications
and seeks information on their side effects
etc
Looks for packaging that helps her
differentiate between her medications
based on size, shape, and color.
Due to age-related vision changes,
Madhu struggles to read the small print
on medication labels and instructions
Finds blister packs and child-proof caps
difficult to open, leading to frustration
and potential medication errors.
Lazy
Active
Fickle
Loyal
Dependence
Technology
This is Ramnath
“Engineers
make
history”
Retired engineer
Age:

Family:

Location:
Bio/ Backstory
Ramnath is a retired engineer who lives with his spouse in a suburban home. He leads a relatively
healthy lifestyle but occasionally experiences high blood pressure, for which he takes medication as
needed. Ramnath enjoys spending time with his family and friends.

65

Wife, son, daughter

Versova, Mumbai

Adventurous
Introv
ert
Extrov
ert
Goals
Frustrations
Funny Practical
Extrov
ert
Introv
ert
Introv
ert
Extrov
ert
Extrovert
Wants to control his occasional high blood
pressure for overall health
Prefers managing health and medications
independently
Seeks convenient ways to carry medicine.
Find it's frustrating when tablets pop
out and fly out of the packaging when
he opens blister pac
Gets annoyed when the expiry date on
his medication packaging peels off,
making it hard to know if the
medication is still safe to us
Finds it a task to transfer tablet to a
pouch when have to travel
Lazy
Active
Fickle
Loyal
Dependence
Technology
This is Suresh
“The
simple act
ofcaring
is heroic”
Fulltime Caretaker
Age:

Family:

Location:
Bio/ Backstory
Suresh is a caretaker who takes care of an elderly woman, who has arthritis. He is responsible for
managing the woman's medications, ensuring she takes them correctly and on time. He is
compassionate and dedicated to providing the best care for her.

36

Wife

Kurla, Mumbai

Caring
Goals
Frustrations
Patient Dedicated
Introvert
Introvert Responsibility
Ensures effective health management
through proper medication
Seeks peace of mind with effective
medication management and providing
best care
Maintains quality of life by ensuring
comfort, activity, and engagement of the
woman.
Struggles with managing similar-
looking medications
Finds it hard to read and understand
text on medicine packaging due to
reflective surface
Gets frustrated by cuts from opening
blister packs
Lazy
Extrovert
Active
Apathy
Empathetic
Love & duty
Technology
This is Dr. Rao

“A healthy
outside
starts from
the inside”
Doctor
Age:

Family:

Location:
Bio/ Backstory
Dr. Deviprasad Rao is a board certified, knowledgeable, and open-minded ayurvedic doctor and general
physician. He values traditional healing practices while also embracing modern medical advancements.

48

Wife, son, daughter

Vile Parle, Mumbai

Kind
Goals
Frustrations
Skilled Dedicated
Extrovert
Introvert Responsibility
To provide comprehensive care blending
Ayurveda and modern medicine
To promote good health through
preventive care and lifestyle changes
To stay updated with latest advancements
in both fields for practice enhancement.
Finds it challenging when patients are
not fully committed to the holistic
treatment plan
Struggles to repeatedly explain
medication names and purposes to the
elderly.
Fickle
Loyal
Apathy
Empathetic
Patient well-being
Technology

11
Survey Form & Empathy Interview Results
Age Range
Type of Packaging
To examine the elements impacting the experience elders have with
pharmaceutical packaging, 95 participants were surveyed using Google forms,
and 44 empathy interviews were conducted to clarify and test preconceived
concepts and conclusions derived from secondary research.
21.5%
18.5% 75+
65-75
55-65
45-55
Bottles Blister
packs
33.8%
26.2%
28.1%
71.9%
All interviewees were 60+
All 33 interviewees used
aluminium blister packs,
with three of them also
incorporating bottles
for syrups and tablets
Reading information
Some manage with glasses
on. Most interviewees
could not read due to small
text size, reflective
covering of blister pack,
colour contrast and
language barriers
Text size
Reflective
surface
Language
68%
26%
6%

12
It was found that most elders 70+ didn’t bother about the date because their blister
pack got over in 10-15 days. Issues faced by people who check the date are : text is not
clear, expiry date peels off, writing expiry date on separate paper andthrowing medicine
if doubtful of date.
95% of them remove medicine from the packaging and store it in a
pouch or box. They rely on the colour or size of the tablet to
remember which one to take. Some choose to skip a dose.
Rarely
Often
Very often
Never
4.6%
4.6%
53.8%
36.9%
Issues finding expiry date
Carrying medicines
Taking wrong
medication
Difficulty opening
packaging
80% interviewees
responded negatively.
Some experienced
confusion with alphabet
names
Interviewees faced issues
like not understanding
opening mechanism, tablet
flying while opening, using
knife to open bottles and
hands shivering
Tight
bottle
caps
Finger
cuts
Spilling

medicine
Cutting
tablets
into half
26.2%
22.8%
24%
27%
Sometimes
Yes
No
36.9%
44.6%
18.5%
Understanding
information on packaging
Majority have to rely on
themselves or ask their
children, neighbours to
Google information for
them or ask the chemist

13
Key Findings
Expert interviews
Elders are given tablets in blister packs, bottles and zip locks
They face difficulty with legibility of information on packaging
Elders with regular medication don’t check expiry date, those who take
medicines irregularly can't find expiry date
Finger cuts, tablet flying and tight caps are main issues while opening
Additional packaging is needed to carry medicines
Elders differentiate medicines looking at the size and color of tablet
1
2
3
4
5
6
General physicians usually give medicines like tablets, oils, syrups in zip lock pouches, plastic
containers and plastic bottles. The prescription is usually given to elders by telling them orally
and by writing medicine name on the pouch and container.

Patients complain about
Keep half tablet back in the blister pack and lose i
Small letters cannot be see
Sometimes they cant open ziplock packets and find it difficult to remove one tablet at a
time

14
Gaps
Reflective covering and small text size limiting readability
Lack of information like side effects
Erased expiry date on packaging leasing to wastage of
medicine
People with chronic conditions like arthritis find it difficult to
open packaging
All medicines look similar
Spectrum

15
Who are we empathizing with? What do they ?
need to do
What do they ?
see
What do they ?
say What do they ?
do
What do they ?
think and feel
Pain Gain
What do they ?
hear
Elderly individuals (age 60+)
Possibly with various health
conditions and limitations
Elders who take medicines on a
daily basis.
Small text and expiry date on packaging
Various types of packaging (bottles,
blister packs)
Instructions and warnings
The size and color of table
Instructions on the
packaging
Talk about the importance of
remembering to take medication
Discuss difficulties in reading small print
Ask for help to cut the tablet into hal
Express annoyance when the tablet pops
out of the blister pack.
Frustration with packaging that is hard to open
Struggling to read text due to the reflective
surface of blister packs
Annoyance due to finger cuts
Anxiety about potential side effects
Fear of making mistakes with medication.
Independence and self-sufficiency
Peace of mind from clear and easy-to-follow
instructions
Confidence of taking the correct medicin
Relief from knowing medicine can be carried
easily.
Use tools (like scissors or pill cutters)
to open packaging
Store medication in different places
Use pill organizers
Seek help from family members or caregivers
Transfer medicine to a pouch while traveling.
Instructions from doctors
Advice from family
members or caregivers
Information about
medication from TV or
social media.
Understand how to use their
medication correctly
Easily access and open their medication
packaging
Store their medication safely
Safely carry the medicine when
traveling.
User Journey
We created three user journeys : for elders who take medicines regularly, for
elders who take medicines once in a while and for caretakers who help elders
take medicines.

Empathy Map

16
Freshening up
Eating breakfast
Finding medicine
Eating medicine
Going to meet
friends
Going back home
Eating medicine
Taking a nap
Actions Thoughts Pain points Opportunities
Stage
Wakes u
Gets out of be
Goes to the
washroom
My body is stiff from
sleepin
I need to freshen u
I’m excited about
meeting friends for
lunch outsid
I need to be careful not
to slip in the bathroom
Mobility issue
Feeling tired especially in
morning
Non-slip mat
Grab bar
Accessible storage for
toiletries
Prepares breakfas
Sits down to eat
What should I have for
breakfast today
I hope I have all the
ingredients I need for
breakfas
I want to eat a healthy meal
since i will be eating outside
for lunch
Difficulty in preparing
meal
Struggles with lifting pots
and standing for long
period
Trouble swallowing certain
foods
Easy-to-use kitchen
tool
Labelled jars to
search for
ingredients easily
Goes to the drawe
Removes medicine
bo
Finds medicine
It's so hard to keep track of
these medications and their
purposes
I hope I am following the
correct dosage amoun
I wish there was a simpler
way to organize my pills.
Small labels and hard-to-
read instruction
Difficulty in identifying
medicatio
Forgetting which
medication to take at
which tim
Reflective surface of blister
pack.
Large text clear
label
Pill organizer
Easy to identify
tablets
Fills a glass of wate
Removes tablet from
packagin
Swallows medicine
I cant find the tablet that
flew out of the blister pac
Its so annoying, I will have to
remove another table
I hope I am taking the right
tablet

Gets ready to go ou
Puts bottle of water
and tablets in ba
Sits in ca
Meets friend
Eats lunch
Looking forward to
meeting my friends
I have to transfer my
medicine in another pouch
so I can carry it in my ba
I hope I dont get traffic
Finding tablet in the
hand ba
Removing tablet
from pouc
Swallowing
medicine with water
from bottle
I hope I didn't forget any of
my afternoon pills.
Sitting in a ca
Reaching hom
Freshening up
It was nice to catch up
with friend
I'm tired from the outin
It’s going to be such a
task to climb up two
floors after eating so
much
Getting into be
Taking a nap
It was a fun get togethe
We should do it ofte
I need to rest and
recharge for the rest of
the day.
Tablet popping out of the
blister pac
Difficulty swallowing large
pill
Medication reminder
User friendly
packagin
Easy-to-swallow pills
Difficulty walking long
distances
Transferring medicines in a
pouch to carr
Finding a cab
Accessible
transportation
option
Medicine packaging
that is easy to carry
Worrying about the
consequences of missing
medication
Difficulty finding medicine
in bag
Timely medication
reminder
Medicine that is easy
to carry around
Finding a ca
Feeling tired from outing
Accessible
transportation
options
Disturbances that prevent
a peaceful nap, such as
noise or discomfort
Elders who take medicines regularly

17
Freshening
up
Going down for
a walk
Din
ner
Finding
medicine
Calling family for
help
Ordering and
taking medicine
Checking expiry
date
Stag
e
Getting dresse
Meeting friend
Socialisin
Walking in garden
I am feeling cold and weak.
I should have stayed home
Getting tired and
breathles
Feeling col
Worried about tripping
while walking
Easy-to-use kitchen
tool
Labelled jars to
search for
ingredients easily
Eating dinne
Checking body
temperature
I will have to eat something
even though I am not
hungry because I have to
take medicine
Feeling exhauste
Feeling col
Can’t read the mercury
level in thermometer
Eating simple non
spicy foo
Use digital
thermometer
Opening medicine dra
Removing medicine for
feve
Looking for the purpose
of medicine
I hope i find the medicine
for fever that the doctor
had given me last time
I have found one
medicine strip but I am
unsure if this was the one

Difficulty reading
due to small text siz
Fear of taking wrong
medicine
Large text clear label
Easy to identify
tablets
Calling so
Asking him to
search the purpose
on google
I hope I am not disturbing
hi
I wish I could find the
purpose on my own
Dependent on other
Don’t know how to use
googl
Can’t understand purpose
of medicin
Can’t find prescription by
docto
medicine
Including purpose of
medicine and side
effects in details
printed on the
medicine packaging
Finding expiry dat
Throwing medicine
The expiry date has peeled
off since i have already
taken four tablets from
this blister pac
I will have to throw this
medicine
Cant check expiry dat
Wastage of medicine
Simpler way to check
expiry date
Ordering a pack of
the same medicin
Eating medicine
I will have to order a new
medicine now what a
pain
Unsure whether to order
medicine online or call the
chemis
Have to wait for medicine
to come
Freshening
up
Going down for
a walk
Din
ner
Finding
medicine
Calling family for
help
Ordering and
taking medicine
Checking expiry
date
Stag
e
Getting dresse
Meeting friend
Socialisin
Walking in garden
Getting tired and
breathles
Feeling col
while walking
Difficulty reading
medicine
Easy to identify
tablets
Calling so
Asking him to
search the purpose
on google
hi
purpose on my own
Dependent on other
googl
of medicin
docto
medicine
medicine and side
effects in details
printed on the
medicine packaging
Ordering a pack of
the same medicin
Eating medicine
medicine now what a
pain
chemis
to come
Freshening
up
Going down for
a walk
Din
ner
Finding
medicine
Calling family for
help
Ordering and
taking medicine
Checking expiry
date
Stag
e
Getting dresse
Meeting friend
Socialisin
Walking in garden
Getting tired and
breathles
Feeling col
while walking
Difficulty reading
medicine
Easy to identify
tablets
Calling so
Asking him to
search the purpose
on google
hi
purpose on my own
Dependent on other
googl
of medicin
docto
medicine
medicine and side
effects in details
printed on the
medicine packaging
Ordering a pack of
the same medicin
Eating medicine
medicine now what a
pain
chemis
to come
Freshening
up
Going down for
a walk
Din
ner
Finding
medicine
Calling family for
help
Ordering and
taking medicine
Checking expiry
date
Stag
e
Getting dresse
Meeting friend
Socialisin
Walking in garden
Getting tired and
breathles
Feeling col
while walking
Difficulty reading
medicine
Easy to identify
tablets
Calling so
Asking him to
search the purpose
on google
hi
purpose on my own
Dependent on other
googl
of medicin
docto
medicine
medicine and side
effects in details
printed on the
medicine packaging
Ordering a pack of
the same medicin
Eating medicine
medicine now what a
pain
chemis
to come
Freshening
up
Going down for
a walk
Din
ner
Finding
medicine
Calling family for
help
Ordering and
taking medicine
Checking expiry
date
Stag
e
Getting dresse
Meeting friend
Socialisin
Walking in garden
Getting tired and
breathles
Feeling col
while walking
Difficulty reading
medicine
Easy to identify
tablets
Calling so
Asking him to
search the purpose
on google
hi
purpose on my own
Dependent on other
googl
of medicin
docto
medicine
medicine and side
effects in details
printed on the
medicine packaging
Ordering a pack of
the same medicin
Eating medicine
medicine now what a
pain
chemis
to come
Freshening
up
Going down for
a walk
Din
ner
Finding
medicine
Calling family for
help
Ordering and
taking medicine
Checking expiry
date
Getting dresse
Meeting friend
Socialisin
Walking in garden
Getting tired and
breathles
Feeling col
while walking
Difficulty reading
medicine
Easy to identify
tablets
Calling so
Asking him to
search the purpose
on google
hi
purpose on my own
Dependent on other
googl
of medicin
docto
medicine
medicine and side
effects in details
printed on the
medicine packaging
Ordering a pack of
the same medicin
Eating medicine
medicine now what a
pain
chemis
to come
Freshening up
Going down for
a walk
Dinner
Finding medicine
Calling family for
help
Ordering and
taking medicine
Checking expiry
date
Getting dresse
Meeting friend
Socialisin
Walking in garden
Getting tired and
breathles
Feeling col
while walking
Difficulty reading
medicine
Easy to identify
tablets
Calling so
Asking him to
search the purpose
on google
hi
purpose on my own
Dependent on other
googl
of medicin
docto
medicine
medicine and side
effects in details
printed on the
medicine packaging
Ordering a pack of
the same medicin
Eating medicine
medicine now what a
pain
chemis
to come
Stage
Getting dresse
Meeting friend
Socialisin
Walking in garden
Getting tired and
breathles
Feeling col
while walking
I will have to eat something
even though I am not
hungry because I have to
take medicine
Feeling exhauste
Feeling col
Can’t read the mercury
level in thermometer
Eating simple non
spicy foo
Use digital
thermometer
Difficulty reading
medicine
Easy to identify
tablets
Calling so
Asking him to
search the purpose
on google
hi
purpose on my own
Dependent on other
googl
of medicin
docto
medicine
medicine and side
effects in details
printed on the
medicine packaging
The expiry date has peeled
off since i have already
taken four tablets from
this blister pac
I will have to throw this
medicine
Cant check expiry dat
Wastage of medicine
Simpler way to check
expiry date
Ordering a pack of
the same medicin
Eating medicine
medicine now what a
pain
chemis
to come
Waking up from na
Washing face
Body is stiff from
sleepin
I am feeling wea
A walk might be nice
Fatigu
Mobility issue
Discomfort
Check body temperature
Elderswhotakemedicinesonceinawhile

18
Going to old age
home
Giving
breakfast
Checking
prescription of
patient
Removing and
giving medicine
Leisure activities
Finding and taking
medicine
Checking bp
Freshening u
Changing clothe
Reaching to old age
home
I hope everyone is okay
and feeling good
Reaching on time Staying near the old age
home
Preparing
breakfast for al
Serving breakfast
to them
I hope the food is tasty
and safe
Keeping everyone food
preferences in mind while
cooking
Keep a list of food
preferences handy
in kitchen
Checking doctor
prescription
It is so difficult to keep a
track of what medicines to
give to who
I cant understand what the
doctor has written
Difficulty understanding
doctors handwritin
Difficulty keeping a track
on prescriptions of
multiple patients
Prescription can be
given digitally so
that reading
handwriting is not
an issue
Finding medicin
Placing medicines
for the week in a pill
organizer
I have so much work to
d
I hope i place all the
medicines for all patients
correctly
Difficulty reading names of
medicine due to small text
size and reflective surface/
Difficulty finding expiry
date on blister pack/
Tablets flying out while
opening blister pack
Larger clear labels on
packaging/ improved
opening mechanism
Playing games with
patients
I hope everyone has fun
playing the games that are
organized for today
Worried if they injure
themselves 
Safe and fun
excercises for elderly
Removing bp
machin
Checking b
Consulting docto
Throwing medicine
I have to deal with this
situation of high/low bp
with precaution
I am worried but i need to
help elderly in correct way
Confused about which
medicine to give for bp/
Difficulty using the blood
pressure monitor, unsure
how to interpret readings.
Utilize user-friendly
blood pressure
monitors/ Provide
clear guidelines on
interpreting readings
Preparedness to
counter abrupt
situations
Finding medicin
Placing medicines
for the week in a pill
organizer
It was confusing to find
the right medicine in
panic .
Emergency situation
Action on foot required
Stage
I hope everyone is okay
and feeling good
I have so much work to
d
I hope i place all the
medicines for all patients
correctly
Difficulty reading names of
medicine due to small text
size and reflective surface/
Difficulty finding expiry
date on blister pack/
Tablets flying out while
opening blister pack
Larger clear labels on
packaging/ improved
opening mechanism
Confused about which
medicine to give for bp/
Difficulty using the blood
pressure monitor, unsure
how to interpret readings.
Utilize user-friendly
blood pressure
monitors/ Provide
clear guidelines on
interpreting readings
Caretaker

19
Key Insights
Elderly face difficulty with legibility of information on packaging.
Those who take medicines irregularly can't find expiry date.
Tablets popping out are the main issues while opening from
blister packs.
Additional packaging is needed to carry medicines
Elders differentiate medicines looking at the size and colour
of tablet
1
2
3
4
5
The elderly mainly 60 plus can’t read the information on the blister packs when
taking tablets due to small text size and reflective surfaces.
Elders taking occasional medicines like painkillers often throw them due to
confusion with expiry date as they are unable to locate the date.
Elderly struggle to retrieve tablets that fall onto the ground when they attempt to
remove them from blister packs, leading to medication loss and potential
contamination.
During travel, the elderly opt to transfer their tablets into a separate pouch or zip
lock bag due to difficulty managing the entire blister pack for each medication,
resulting in them carrying an additional baggage.
Elderly who take medicines regularly look at the size and colour of the tablet to
differentiate between medicines as they get confused due to complicated
medicine names and legibility issues.
Legibility
Expiry Date
Opening Blister Packs
Carrying medicines
Differentiating between tablets

20
How might we improve the design of pharmaceutical packaging
with respect to legibility of information like expiry date so
medicine is not thrown unnecessarily
Change the design of the tablets for the elderly in order to make it
easier for them to differentiate and remember medicines as the
information is confusing for them to understand and read.
1
2
How might we
Problem Statement
“How might we redesign pharmaceutical packaging to make

it easier for the elderly to carry medicines and differentiate

between them while also ensuring easy opening of blister
packs without loss or contamination of tablets”

Appendix
Google Survey Form
https://forms.gle/DXXxb4vKSwoiHcAr9
What is your name?

What is your age?

45-55

55-65

65-75

Yes

No

Bottles

Blister pack

Yes

No

Sometimes

Very often

Often

Rarely

Never

No issues

Finger cuts

Spilling the medicine

Tight bottle caps

Yes

No

Size and colour

Information layout

Opening style

Material

Carrying medicines

Do you take medicines on your own?

What kind of packaging do you find difficult to use?

Do you understand the instructions and information on the packaging?

Have you ever accidentally taken the wrong medication due to confusing

packaging?

What issues do you face while opening the medicine packaging?

Have you ever faced challenges in carrying medicines when you go out?

What improvements do you think are needed in medicine packaging?

21

22
Empathy Interview of Senior Citizen
Interview of Doctor
What's your name
What's your age
How are you feeling today
What do you do in your free time
How many times do you take medicines in a day
Do you take medicines on your own
What type of medicine packaging do you interact with? (show sample/images
Is the information on the packaging readable? (text size, color, font, reflective covering
Do you understand the instructions and information on the packaging
Is it easy to find the expiry date on the medicine packaging? Why? (peel off/ identify medicine
Have you ever accidentally taken the wrong medication due to confusing packaging
Do you ask others for help while opening medicine packaging
Do you use knives or scissors to open medicines? (is it frustrating?
Have you ever cut your fingers or spilled medicines while opening it? Why do you think it happened
Have you ever faced challenges in carrying medicines when you go out
Do you feel your medicines are safe in their packaging
What is your experience storing half of the medicine that you have not taken
Are there any changes or improvements you would like to see in medication packaging to make it easier
for you to use?
What's your age
What do you specialize in
The patients that you get are of what age range
Do you interact with senior citizens often
What kind of medicines do you give to your patients? (tablets/bottles
You obviously must be explaining when to take the medicine and how many times right? When you
prescribe these medicines, do you explain the purpose of the medicine to them?How do you do that
Have you ever come across a situation where inadequate pharmaceutical packaging has led to medication
errors or adverse effects in elderly patient
What do you think are the key factors that should be considered when designing packaging for elders
In your experience, what are the most common challenges or issues elderly patients face with
pharmaceutical packaging
Have you noticed any trends or changes in pharmaceutical packaging specifically aimed at improving
usability for the elderly?

23
References
Mónica Forero Díaz, Mauricio Salas Román, Brayan D. Sanchez Correa 
and Miguel A. Buitrago Casas. 2020. Challenges for the design of peoplecentered pharmaceutical
packaging: Exploration of the interaction of people 
with pharmaceutical packaging https://doi.org/10.1145/3421937.342195
Dang, J.; Shi, D.; Li, X.; Ma, N.; Liu, Y.; Zhong, P.; Yan, X.; Zhang, J.; Lau, P.W.C.; Dong, Y.; et al. 
Artificial Light-at-Night Exposure and Overweight and Obesity across GDP Levels among Chinese Children 
and Adolescents. Nutrients 2023, 15, 939.

https://doi.org/10.3390/nu1504093
Gan, F. (2024). 
Unwrapping the Struggle: Unveiling the 
Packaging Challenges Faced by the Elderly 
through Interviews. Art and Design Review, 
12, 46-62. 
https://doi.org/10.4236/adr.2024.12100
Forero Díaz, M., Román, M. S., Correa, B. D. S., & Casas, M. A. B. (2020, May). Challenges for the design of
people-centered pharmaceutical packaging: Exploration of the interaction of people with pharmaceutical
packaging. In Proceedings of the 14th EAI International Conference on Pervasive Computing Technologies
for Healthcare (PervasiveHealth ’20) (pp. 4-9). Association for Computing Machinery. https://
doi.org/10.1145/3421937.342195
Rusko, E., van der Waarde, K., & Heiniö, R-L. (2012). Challenges to read and understand information on
pharmaceutical packages. In: 18th IAPRI World Packaging Conference 2012 (pp. 79-85). USA: Reprinted
from 18th IAPRI World Packaging Conference 2012
Forero Díaz, M., Román, M. S., Correa, B. D. S., & Casas, M. A. B. (2020, May). Challenges for the design of
people-centered pharmaceutical packaging: Exploration of the interaction of people with pharmaceutical
packaging. In Proceedings of the 14th EAI International Conference on Pervasive Computing Technologies
for Healthcare (PervasiveHealth ’20) (pp. 4-9). Association for Computing Machinery. https://
doi.org/10.1145/3421937.34219
Dang, J., Shi, D., Li, X., Ma, N., Liu, Y., Zhong, P., Yan, X., Zhang, J., Lau, P.W.C., Dong, Y., et al. (2023). Artificial
Light-at-Night Exposure and Overweight and Obesity across GDP Levels among Chinese Children and
Adolescents. Nutrients, 15, 939. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu1504093
Gan, F. (2024). Unwrapping the Struggle: Unveiling the Packaging Challenges Faced by the Elderly through
Interviews. Art and Design Review, 12, 46-62. https://doi.org/10.4236/adr.2024.121004

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