Below is an actual executive summary provided by a student team. A commentary on its shortcomings is also given. After that is a rewritten version that is “better.”
In this report, we were given the task to design a medicine dispenser. Our goal was to design with a Human Factors Approach. When considering the design of this medicine dispenser, we made sure to incorporate ergonomics into as many many user groups as possible. Our goal was to solve problems and reduce stress in the manufacturing environment, shipping, retail, end user, and end of life when designing this medicine dispenser.
Our main objective was to create a medication dispenser that was easy to use, ergonomic, and also environmentally friendly. We conducted an human factors investigation on the issues pertaining to common medicine dispensers, and looked for any possible design solutions. We ultimately believe that we have created a successful prototype of the ideal medicine dispenser.
This is, quite frankly, a poor executive summary, for a number of reasons.
Hereunder is a much better version of the executive summary for this particular project.
Tornado Team has designed a medicine dispenser called that CareCaddy. There are many types of medicine dispensers. Our review of existing products via eBay, Amazon, and Consumer Reports shows that medium-sized dispensers intended for stationary use in homes are those with the lowest overall user/consumer ratings. We interpreted this as a general dissatisfaction with this particular type of dispenser, and therefore an opportunity to innovate.
Based on a review of users comments left on those sites, we determined a number of shortcomings with existing mid-range dispensers. The most pervasive one was a strong preference by users for non-electrical (i.e., manual/mechanical) operation. Further research suggested that these users were concerned that dead batteries, blackouts, and other failure modes - and the resultant risk of missing a dose of their medications - concerned them deeply. Thus, manual operation became the cornerstone feature of our design.
The CareCaddy can accommodate a week's worth of medication and up to 10 pills per day. Mostly (recycled) plastic construction makes it both light enough to be moved (and operated generally) by 95% of people between 12 and 85 years of age yet strong enough to survive repeated falls from a height of 1.5m. Our goal is that cost will not be a concern to end-users as it should be covered by universal health care provisions. Parts that contain medication are easily removable and dishwasher safe to facilitate cleaning. The CareCaddy operates by turning a crank; the device can be configured on unboxing to work for both right-handed and left-handed persons; operation of the crank was designed to accommodate. The CareCaddy is expected to sit on a kitchen counter, bureau, or nightstand. It has rubber pads to help hold it in place during operation. The design satisfies all pertinent CSA and EU regulations, and we expect it to be both ISO-9000 and ISO-14000 compliant once in production.
Some notes: