UV made simple.
the v olet.
scroll to explore.
.
eczema.
Atopic dermatitis can be recognised as one of the largest and most common medical conditions; affecting one in three people. With no exact science or method of predicting how long or severely dermatologic conditions may affect each individual, effective treatment and management is often difficult to achieve . Atopic diseases are among some of the most prevalent health problems of our time.
Among these, the most common (affecting approximately in three people), is Atopic Eczema. Atopic diseases can be defined as those allergies which react and appear on parts of the body, not directly in contact with the allergen.
With these conditions showing drastic upward trends in last few decades, more efficient treatment and therapy options are required. The aim of this project is to explore the environmental causes and treatment options for those who suffer from atopic dermatitis - traditionally known as eczema.
Causes of Eczema
Percentage of Participants
Five most commonly explored causes for Eczema (Primary Research, 2020)
Over one in three people are affected by Eczema, with genetics and DNA playing vital role in determining ones predispositions to disease. When looking at the gene variations in eczema, studies and writings all come back to the same gene card mutation. The CARD11 gene turns on pathways which are involved in the development and functionality of the human immune system cells (Abuabara, 2017). When a mutation in this gene card occurs, individuals are more susceptible to disease and bacteria, due to a weakened immune system. Although links can be made between genetics and higher diagnosis rates, this is not the case in 100% of patients, making treatment and management methods completely different between each individual.
our mission
Skin - Our largest organ and our first line of defence. For many people, the basic physiology of the skin cannot function to its full capabilities. Affecting over 1 in 3 people, Eczema is one of the most common forms of dermatological conditions, which has seen little to no development in treatment and management options for sufferers.
With no exact science or method of predicting how long or severely dermatologic conditions may affect each individual, effective treatment and management is often difficult to achieve.
Our mission is to explore cause-based and symptom-based treatments, to help treat patient eczema from its root cause.
Primary User Research.
Primary research across a wide demographic, were able to identify the most common strategies used in managing patient eczema.
Patients within the interviews unanimously agreed that a topical or steroid alternative would be a positive step in improving current treatment and management options. Participant interviews gave a large insight into how sufferers managed their symptoms through self-management techniques. As stated previously understanding ones individual journey is key, in providing the appropriate treatment for each patient; something practitioners are currently failing to do.
"..steroid medicines usually work for a short period of time (when I'm using it), and once I'm off it, the eczema just comes back even worse... Doctors gave me the perspective that as long as I keep medicating, you can suppress it but you can never heal it." - Participant 2.
Design Criteria
Initial scaffolding of design criteria are based on design publishings, such as The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman (2013). To support the aims and objectives highlighted in our mission statement, all further design development processes and decisions were guided by a series of key criteria.
The following criteria were developed and based upon primary and secondary research conducted throughout this project.
[4] Exploration
The final design should understand a broad range of symptomatic or emotional connotations in regards to eczema. Both the physical and technical aspects of the solution should encourage use by all user groups. User testing and constant feedback on improvement of the tangible and intangible aspects of each iteration should be noted.
[5] Sustainability
The final design must take into consideration sustainable materials, practices and sourcing of components. If the final design incorporates electronic components - the consideration of using technology which can be updated accordingly rather than disposing at each update will be highly effective. Consideration of the End of Life of the product must also be considered. If the device can be used by more than one patient at a time, ensure components of the device which are in direct contact with the user, can be removed and replaced as required.
[6] Function
The final design should enhance the overall QoL of the eczema patient or carer, but considering all objectives outlined previously.
C
[1] Accessibility
The final design solution must be inclusive to all demographics of users within the context of eczema. Creating a product, service or system which is accessible by all, regardless of their cultural, geographic and financial background.
[2] Context
Context at this point of the design project is still fairly broad. However, the final solution should be applicable to all ages, genders and severity of eczema, within patients.
[3] Environment
The final solution should maintain the ability to be used in various environments - unrestricted to the location, scenario or time of day when the solution can be utilised.
implications:
In response to users needs and objectives, the following aims for the design solution were established:
[1] increased accessibility
[2] long term treatment and management solutions
The exploration of UV Light therapy as a viable application into this field held the most potential, forming the basis of the design solution.
V olet
.
The Violet is a completely modular, at-home UV therapy device designed for patients suffering from eczema. The device allows for patients to undergo UV treatment from the comfort of their homes, transitioning traditional therapy to a more efficient, accessible and personalised form of therapy.
Compromising of a series of UV plates, the Violet is assembled through armadillo hinge mechanisms between each plate, making the entire device adaptable to the users bodies. This allows the form of the entire device to be moulded and shaped to the patients target region and body, as required. Unlike orthodox UV stations, the Violet is more compact and lighter allowing users to even travel with the device.
The technology within this device focuses primarily on UV technology. Through both primary and secondary research within the initial stages of this project, it was found that the ability to treat eczema through simulating terrestrial sunlight, was able to treat the deficiency in vitamin D, most patients had which led to their cases of eczema. The spectrum of light emitted through the device ensure patient safety, while also being strong enough to treat specific layers of the skin.
A range of 400 - 700 nm are emitted through the device, translating to red and cyan light being used for the treatment.
Context & Systems
The intended context of use will be within users’ homes. The key aim of this device is to increase accessibility to a form of therapy that has proven to be effective and successful in treating eczema. By creating a safe UV device which can be used without direct practitioner supervision, is a great advancement in this field.
Key stakeholders within the use of the product ecosystem can be seen in the beside diagram.
The primary users intended to interact with the Violet and My Violet application are [a] the practitioner and [b] the patient.
Secondary users are (but not limited to) clinics and distributors who choose to use/ sell the Violet as a viable therapy option for their patients and buyers. Designers, and Maintenance specialists may also be considered secondary users in this ecosystem.
Primary (P) and Secondary (S) stakeholders within the Violet product ecosystem.
product ecosystem
[1] Practitioner Application
A key feature of the Violet is the practitioner supported application. Traditional home UV devices have no safety or transparency features which allow the practitioner and patient to be connected via the device. This lack of transparency has led to many safety and communication problems, costing the success of eczema treatment for the individual. The Violet application allows the practitioner to plan each patients’ therapy based on initial consolations. From this point, a treatment plan is created highlighting different session lengths, dosages and parts of the body to be treated. This information is documented on the app and ready for use by the patient.
[2] 'My Violet' Patient Application
The patient application is created through a simple interface. Planned sessions appear in calendar form for the current month. A more specific weekly plan is also created to inform the patient which days their UV therapy is scheduled. Patients have the freedom to undergo their treatment sessions at any time of the planned day. Instructions on which body part will be targeted and the length of the sessions are all specified by practitioner instructions via the app. Once the configuration of the device is set for the the body part undergoing treatment (and to the comfort of the patient), the patient can begin their therapy. All specifications are already input by the practitioner, the patient simply clicks ‘begin’ on the app, and the therapy session begins.
[3] Violet Device
The violet device compromises of the hexagonal light device and charging + docking system. The dock can be mounted for hands-free use, or stored on top of surfaces for hand use.
download full research + design report here: