Thesis title: Design for Chronicity in Senior Population. Dimensions of Pharmaceutical Packaging on Long-Term Medical Treatment
This thesis addresses the critical issue of inadequate pharmaceutical packaging design for elderly users despite being the primary consumers of such products. The research investigates the factors contributing to this problem and proposes specific lines of inquiry within the design discipline to improve the situation. Given the increasing relevance of an ageing population, with projections showing a significant rise in the proportion of elderly individuals in the coming decades, the design field must develop strategies tailored to the needs of seniors. The focus on pharmaceutical packaging is particularly pertinent, as the majority of elderly individuals will require daily medication for chronic conditions.
Drawing on related application fields and theoretical foundations that connect the various spheres of the user experience, this thesis aims to create a matrix that serves as a foundation for establishing design inputs at physical, cognitive, and emotional levels for both patients and caregivers. The research explores the key sectors involved in the use of pharmaceutical packaging, from the industry and healthcare sectors to the end-users, employing a reverse engineering approach to identify critical points that require attention.
Additionally, the thesis examines the perspectives of users and professionals closely associated with pharmaceutical packaging: patients, caregivers, nurses, pharmaceutical industry professionals, and designers. By understanding how these viewpoints align, the research suggests a series of inputs that can form a preliminary framework. This framework aims to guide designers in formulating specific questions before beginning the design process of pharmaceutical packaging, ensuring it meets the unique needs of elderly users.