Respire Bracelet
-Treatment and training programs for patients with chronic respiratory diseases
Chronic respiratory diseases are a persistent global health challenge, causing symptoms like difficulty breathing, cough, and sputum production. They significantly affect patients' quality of life and are usually lifelong. This product combines inhalation therapy with smart wearable devices, offering a new approach to managing common conditions like asthma and COPD by merging traditional mechanics and electronics.
Chronic respiratory diseases are a persistent global health challenge, causing symptoms like difficulty breathing, cough, and sputum production. They significantly affect patients' quality of life and are usually lifelong. This product combines inhalation therapy with smart wearable devices, offering a new approach to managing common conditions like asthma and COPD by merging traditional mechanics and electronics.
Why Respiratory Diseases Matter
Asthma affects approximately 338 million people worldwide, while over 300 million suffer from COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), with developing countries being particularly affected. These chronic conditions are rarely curable, and global efforts focus on raising awareness and improving treatment, especially in managing acute attacks.
Asthma:
Chronic Respiratory Diseases
Persistent airway inflammation
Severe cases lead to airway constriction and spasms
Causes breathing difficulties
High-Risk Group: Children
Due to underdeveloped respiratory and immune systems, asthma attacks in children can be severe and life-threatening.
Typical Symptoms
Coughing
Difficulty Breathing
Difficulty Breathing
COPD:
Includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema
Often triggered by prolonged exposure to harmful gases and particles
Causes airway inflammation and damage
High-Risk Group: Older Adults
Increases mortality in individuals with other underlying conditions
Seniors with poor work environments in their youth are more prone to deterioration
Typical Symptoms
Coughing
Difficulty Breathing
Difficulty Breathing
Common Symptoms
Coughing
Difficulty Breathing
Difficulty Breathing
Difficulty Breathing
PATIENT CHRARCTERISTICS
Children
A . Children with underdeveloped respiratory systems and narrow airways.
B . Children with immature immune systems, prone to respiratory infections or allergic reactions.
Adult
C . Adults who have developed allergies due to familial inheritance or unknown acquired causes.
D . Adults exposed to environmental factors, such as dust and chemical substances.
E . Adult smokers.
F . Adults experiencing respiratory obstruction due to obesity or emotional factors.
The majority of patient profiles exhibit a strong dependency on medication or environmental protective devices.
Desk Research:
Black: Topical application.
Brown: Oral ingestion.
Pink: Long-term use.
Red: Emergency use.
Lavender: prevention & maintain
Purple: Direct treatment.
Personal item list:
Chronic respiratory diseases require long-term treatment, impacting daily life. Patients carry medical supplies, monitoring devices, and allergen control measures. Studying personal item lists helps reveal their lifestyle.
Audience Profile:
This interview group consists of eight individuals aged 20 to 35, with one participant aged 50 or older. Most are working professionals and students who require mobility and follow structured study and work routines.
Summary:
From this list, it's clear that most patients require emergency medications on hand and use various long-term methods to control their conditions in daily life.
" How might we provide patients with a portable solution that offers both immediate relief for acute symptoms and effective long-term management of their condition?"
Research:
Solution Envision:
Acute Relief: Inhaled Medication
Reasons:
Directly targets the respiratory system for fast action
More reliable than oral medication in emergencies
Non-steroidal options have fewer side effects than oral drugs
Pain Point:
Studies show 70-80% of patients struggle with proper inhaler use, reducing effectiveness
Long-Term Management: Smart Watch/Band
Reasons:
Wearable for 24/7 continuous monitoring
Smart features enable real-time tracking of physiological indicators
Innovative Feature Concept: Breath Training
Why is Breath Training Important?
Strengthens respiratory muscles, improving lung function
Helps reduce breathlessness and enhances airway control
How to Implement?
Built-in resistance in the mouthpiece to create controlled airflow resistance
Intelligent guidance system
Air inlet and outlet
Suction nozzle
Sketch
Functions:
Enables electronic control of dosage, reminders, and medication schedules Continuous Monitoring & Alerts
Tracks physiological indicators in real time.
Automatically adjusts emergency medication delivery based on severity.
Guided Inhalation TherapyOn-screen instructions assist patients in correct inhaler usage, improving effectiveness.
Expert Interview
Interviewee: Respiratory rehabilitation specialist from a hospital in Beijing.
Key Insights:
Portability Concern – Integrating an inhaler with a smart device may increase bulkiness.
Hygiene Issue – Exposed mouthpieces could pose sanitation challenges.
User Compliance – Ensuring children correctly follow inhalation guidance.
" Traditional inhalers remain dominant because they are reliable in extreme conditions, without concerns about battery life or electronic failures. "
Why Respiratory Diseases Matter
Asthma affects approximately 338 million people worldwide, while over 300 million suffer from COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), with developing countries being particularly affected. These chronic conditions are rarely curable, and global efforts focus on raising awareness and improving treatment, especially in managing acute attacks.
Asthma:
Chronic Respiratory Diseases
Persistent airway inflammation
Severe cases lead to airway constriction and spasms
Causes breathing difficulties
High-Risk Group: Children
Due to underdeveloped respiratory and immune systems, asthma attacks in children can be severe and life-threatening.
Typical Symptoms
Coughing
Difficulty Breathing
Difficulty Breathing
COPD:
Includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema
Often triggered by prolonged exposure to harmful gases and particles
Causes airway inflammation and damage
High-Risk Group: Older Adults
Increases mortality in individuals with other underlying conditions
Seniors with poor work environments in their youth are more prone to deterioration
Typical Symptoms
Coughing
Difficulty Breathing
Difficulty Breathing
Common Symptoms
Coughing
Difficulty Breathing
Difficulty Breathing
Difficulty Breathing
Desk Research:
PATIENT CHRARCTERISTICS
Children
A . Children with underdeveloped respiratory systems and narrow airways.
B . Children with immature immune systems, prone to respiratory infections or allergic reactions.
Adult
C . Adults who have developed allergies due to familial inheritance or unknown acquired causes.
D . Adults exposed to environmental factors, such as dust and chemical substances.
E . Adult smokers.
F . Adults experiencing respiratory obstruction due to obesity or emotional factors.
The majority of patient profiles exhibit a strong dependency on medication or environmental protective devices.
Low fidelity
Medium fidelity / First Iteration:
Allow users to postpone medication reminders.
Indicate different effects based on rotation direction.
Add a medication refill reminder screen.
Include a pause-medication option.
Display basic doctor information.
Integrate an emergency voice communication feature.
High fidelity / Second Iteration:
Introduce seasonal, weather, and allergen alerts.
Option to contact an emergency contact or call 911.
Explain the reasons for automatic alerts.
Provide detailed medication settings.
Optimize “Set” and “Cancel” options to prevent accidental cancellation.
Use markers to display remaining inhaler medication.
Guide users through medication refills.
Show remaining required inhalation doses.
Display the exact time for scheduled consultations.
Add a reminder for replacing the inhaler mouthpiece.
UI Design & Iteration:
Research:
Pink: Long-term use.
Red: Emergency use.
Black: Topical application.
Brown: Oral ingestion.
Lavender: prevention & maintain
Purple: Direct treatment.
Emergency Medication:
Oral medication for acute symptom relief.
Must be taken while the patient is still conscious.
Inhaler
Provides the fastest relief in emergencies
Mobile Phone
Used to track symptoms and medication intake via apps
Enables emergency calls when needed
Overcoat
Prevents colds that may worsen respiratory symptoms
Mask
Filters harmful air particles
Reduces the risk of allergic reactions
Fruits
Boosts immune function
Notebook
Records symptoms and doctor's recommendations
Thermometer
Monitors body temperature to detect infections early
Breathing Training Device
Strengthens respiratory muscles
Air Purifier
Improves indoor air quality
Reduces allergens in the environment
Water Cup
Helps thin mucus for easier breathing
Electronic Pill Box
Smart reminders for medication intake
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Supports long-term disease management
Personal item list:
Chronic respiratory diseases require long-term treatment, impacting daily life. Patients carry medical supplies, monitoring devices, and allergen control measures. Studying personal item lists helps reveal their lifestyle.
Audience Profile:
This interview group consists of eight individuals aged 20 to 35, with one participant aged 50 or older. Most are working professionals and students who require mobility and follow structured study and work routines.
Summary:
From this list, it's clear that most patients require emergency medications on hand and use various long-term methods to control their conditions in daily life.
" How might we provide patients with a portable solution that offers both immediate relief for acute symptoms and effective long-term management of their condition?"
Solution Envision:
Acute Relief: Inhaled Medication
Reasons:
Directly targets the respiratory system for fast action
More reliable than oral medication in emergencies
Non-steroidal options have fewer side effects than oral drugs
Pain Point:
Studies show 70-80% of patients struggle with proper inhaler use, reducing effectiveness
Long-Term Management: Smart Watch/Band
Reasons:
Wearable for 24/7 continuous monitoring
Smart features enable real-time tracking of physiological indicators
Innovative Feature Concept: Breath Training
Why is Breath Training Important?
Strengthens respiratory muscles, improving lung function
Helps reduce breathlessness and enhances airway control
How to Implement?
Built-in resistance in the mouthpiece to create controlled airflow resistance
Intelligent guidance system
Air inlet and outlet
Suction nozzle
Sketch
Functions:
Enables electronic control of dosage, reminders, and medication schedules Continuous Monitoring & Alerts
Tracks physiological indicators in real time.
Automatically adjusts emergency medication delivery based on severity.
Guided Inhalation TherapyOn-screen instructions assist patients in correct inhaler usage, improving effectiveness.
Expert Interview
Interviewee: Respiratory rehabilitation specialist from a hospital in Beijing.
Key Insights:
Portability Concern – Integrating an inhaler with a smart device may increase bulkiness.
Hygiene Issue – Exposed mouthpieces could pose sanitation challenges.
User Compliance – Ensuring children correctly follow inhalation guidance.
" Traditional inhalers remain dominant because they are reliable in extreme conditions, without concerns about battery life or electronic failures. "
Advancement Location
Drug powders
Applicator
Ensure precise dosing
Drug Storage
Gear
Ratchet
Control unidirectional rotation
Spiral Channel
Disaggregates the drug in its polymer state into inhalable particles, achieving co-micronization
Medication Pathway
Inhaler Nozzle
Notch
Control opening and closing
Transparent Opening Observe the dose on the dial
Casing
Turntable
Spring
Rotatable Base
Contains Desiccant
Sensors and Rear Cover
Mainboard
Battery
Motor
Orange: Physical part
Blue: Digital part
Structural Integration
Maintains Core Smartwatch Structure: Preserves essential components like the screen, battery, and motherboard.
Layered Design: Introduces an intermediate layer between components to accommodate the inhalation system.
Dual Concentric Disks for Drug Delivery:
Upper Disk: Controls drug distribution.
Lower Disk: Guides the powder into designated slots.
Rotating Outer Shell: Ensures smooth powder flow, regulating dosage.
Mouthpiece Design:
Disperses Powder Evenly: Enhances absorption efficiency.
Electronic Control Valve: Adds resistance for guided breathing exercises.
Structural design:
Pill box
Store the drug in partitions and drop it to the lower layer
Ratchet
Brush
Smooth the drug for quantification
Air flow direction
Medicine holes
Store a single inhaled dose
Ratchet
Engage with the upper part
Airway
Change the alignment angle to increase respiratory damping
Venthole
Final Model:
The white model shown here is 3D printed.
Medication Reminder
AI Assistant (Guidance)
AI Assistant (Listening)
Blood Oxygen Monitoring
Heart Rate Monitoring
Emergency SOS
Dosage Adjustment
Doctor Communication
dial
zoom out
zoom in
Medication Assistance
Low fidelity
Medium fidelity / First Iteration:
Allow users to postpone medication reminders.
Indicate different effects based on rotation direction.
Add a medication refill reminder screen.
Include a pause-medication option.
Display basic doctor information.
Integrate an emergency voice communication feature.
High fidelity / Second Iteration:
Introduce seasonal, weather, and allergen alerts.
Option to contact an emergency contact or call 911.
Explain the reasons for automatic alerts.
Provide detailed medication settings.
Optimize “Set” and “Cancel” options to prevent accidental cancellation.
Use markers to display remaining inhaler medication.
Guide users through medication refills.
Show remaining required inhalation doses.
Display the exact time for scheduled consultations.
Add a reminder for replacing the inhaler mouthpiece.
UI Design & Iteration:
1
For years, I have struggled with chronic respiratory disease, relying on inhaled medication for symptom control.
2
Issues like forgetting doses, improper use, and lack of smart features make management difficult.
3
By integrating with a smartwatch, managing my condition becomes effortless and routine.
4
The device tracks my physiological indicators and ensures my safety in emergencies.
5
A pop-up mouthpiece and an electronic screen guide me to take my medication correctly.
Various apps provide health insights and emotional support.
6
With this product, severe asthma or COPD attacks are rare. I have learned to coexist with my condition.
Story Board:
User Flow:
As a patient, would wearing this device make me feel labeled or identified solely by my chronic respiratory condition, potentially leading to psychological stress or social stigma?
“I think this product is really cool! While people with chronic respiratory conditions might be seen through a negative lens, we can also use it to express our community’s identity, support each other, and grow stronger together—freeing ourselves from the weight of others’ biases.”
“Of course, we have a wide variety of customizable watch faces and straps to choose from!”
Due to a lack of awareness about chronic respiratory diseases, patients may face fear and bias from others.
That’s why inclusive design is essential. I want this product to break stereotypes, help patients integrate more comfortably into society, and empower them to express their individuality with confidence.
To achieve this, I incorporated modular, interchangeable wristbands and nozzle, along with customizable watch faces, allowing users to personalize their device to reflect their style.
Consideration for Inclusivity:
Thank you for your patience
Hope Wang, 2023, Beijing
1
1
For years, I have struggled with chronic respiratory disease, relying on inhaled medication for symptom control.
2
2
Issues like forgetting doses, improper use, and lack of smart features make management difficult.
3
3
By integrating with a smartwatch, managing my condition becomes effortless and routine.
4
4
The device tracks my physiological indicators and ensures my safety in emergencies.
5
5
A pop-up mouthpiece and an electronic screen guide me to take my medication correctly.
Various apps provide health insights and emotional support.
6
6
With this product, severe asthma or COPD attacks are rare. I have learned to coexist with my condition.
Story Board:
Structural Design:
Orange: Physical part
Blue: Digital part
Structural Integration
Maintains Core Smartwatch Structure: Preserves essential components like the screen, battery, and motherboard.
Layered Design: Introduces an intermediate layer between components to accommodate the inhalation system.
Dual Concentric Disks for Drug Delivery:
Upper Disk: Controls drug distribution.
Lower Disk: Guides the powder into designated slots.
Rotating Outer Shell: Ensures smooth powder flow, regulating dosage.
Mouthpiece Design:
Disperses Powder Evenly: Enhances absorption efficiency.
Electronic Control Valve: Adds resistance for guided breathing exercises.
Final Model:
The white model shown here is 3D printed.
User Flow:
As a patient, would wearing this device make me feel labeled or identified solely by my chronic respiratory condition, potentially leading to psychological stress or social stigma?
“I think this product is really cool! While people with chronic respiratory conditions might be seen through a negative lens, we can also use it to express our community’s identity, support each other, and grow stronger together—freeing ourselves from the weight of others’ biases.”
“Of course, we have a wide variety of customizable watch faces and straps to choose from!”
Due to a lack of awareness about chronic respiratory diseases, patients may face fear and bias from others.
That’s why inclusive design is essential. I want this product to break stereotypes, help patients integrate more comfortably into society, and empower them to express their individuality with confidence.
To achieve this, I incorporated modular, interchangeable wristbands and nozzle, along with customizable watch faces, allowing users to personalize their device to reflect their style.
Consideration for Inclusivity:
Thank you for your patience
Hope Wang, 2023, Beijing