WarmScribe pen warmer

A creative solution for people suffering from Raynauds disease

An Overview

Raynaud’s disease causes some areas of your body (such as your fingers and toes) to feel numb and cold in response to cold temperatures or stress.

The Brief

Design a product which improves the daily quality of life for people who suffer with Raynauds disease.
Focusing on activities that are encouraged by doctors such as exercise and sleep. or within every day tasks like driving and cleaning. It needs to focus on the “keeping warm” activity of self care that is recommended by doctors, making life more manageable through warming up the problem areas Raynauds cause.

The Problem

Raynaud's disease, while not typically debilitating, can still have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life. Unfortunately, there is no specific cure for this condition and it is often not diagnosed by medical professionals, leaving individuals to manage their symptoms on their own. However, many of the existing products available for self-care are not environmentally sustainable, requiring mains power, consuming high levels of energy, and made from non-renewable materials, resulting in a significant amount of waste. This highlights the need for innovative solutions that take into account not only the efficacy of treatment but also the impact on the environment and the potential for long-term sustainability.

The User / Demographic

Raynaud's disease disproportionately affects women and individuals living in colder climates, and while it may not be a disabling condition, it can still significantly impact one's quality of life. The characteristic symptoms of Raynaud's disease, such as a discolouration of the fingers from blue to white, followed by numbness and loss of sensation, can be distressing for sufferers. Furthermore, the condition can also have a detrimental effect on one's mental health, leading to seasonal depression and difficulties in the workplace as individuals begin to dread the onset of winter.

Research

I conducted comprehensive research to gain a deeper understanding of my user's experience , including their daily struggles, activities, and potential solutions for managing their problems. Through this research, I was able to identify the limitations of existing products. By taking a user-centered approach and gathering insights from a variety of sources, including medical professionals and individuals with Raynaud's disease, I was able to gain a nuanced understanding of the complex needs of this community.

Design

Using a human-centered design approach, I developed innovative solutions to address the specific needs of Raynaud's sufferers across a range of activities. Each design was carefully adapted to ensure its sustainability and feasibility in a future with limited resources, taking into account a comprehensive lifecycle assessment to minimise its environmental impact. These solutions were evaluated against stringent design requirements to ensure that they were effective, efficient, and user-friendly, ultimately promoting a better quality of life for individuals with Raynaud's disease.

WarmScribe pen warmer

Research

Design

Prototype