Age-appropriate design of domestic intelligent medical products: An example of smart blood glucose detector for the elderly with AHP-QFD Joint KE

BackgroundIn response to the rise of intelligent products and the increasing prevalence of urban "empty nesters," we have developed a product specifically tailored for elderly diabetic patients. This product fulfils functional requirements and addresses stylistic preferences, contributing to the age-friendly evolution of home intelligent medical devices, particularly in intelligent blood glucose monitoring.MethodsOur approach commenced with a comprehensive user experience analysis to ascertain the needs of elderly users regarding home blood glucose meters. This involved constructing a hierarchy of user demands, followed by analysing and prioritising these needs. Utilizing Quality Function Deployment (QFD), we aligned user requirements with design specifications, identifying specific product functionalities and service design elements. Further, we employed Kansei Engineering (KE) to select sample designs that resonate with the concept of sensual imagery, leading to the derivation of specific modelling intentions. Combining these design elements, we proposed product design strategies and conducted practical case studies. The effectiveness of these designs was then assessed through fuzzy evaluation methods, allowing for user feedback.ResultsEmploying the Analytic Hierarchy Process for goal analysis, along with Quality Function Deployment theory and Kansei Engineering, we developed a home intelligent blood glucose meter catered to the elderly. This device not only meets its users' physiological and psychological needs but also provides an operationally convenient, health-conscious, and aesthetically pleasing experience.ConclusionsThis methodology enhances the age-appropriate design of home-based smart glucose monitors for the elderly, offering innovative insights and optimization strategies for designing elderly-centric smart medical products.