Alaya
Medical Design
The at-home blood pressure monitor redesigned to reduce stigma and stress associated with blood pressure monitoring.
Project Type
Individual, Studio Class
Time
7 weeks
Semester
6, Spring 2023
Nearly 50% of the adult population in the US have high blood pressure
cdc.gov
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Hypertension is often asymptomatic and unless caught early, can lead to heart disease by middle age
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Pre-hypertension typically emerges around early adulthood (18-30), making it crucial to diagnose hypertension during this stage to effectively address its onset.
So why does high blood pressure continue to go unnoticed?
I conducted 8 interviews with individuals aged 18-64 to gain deeper insights into their perspectives and understanding of blood pressure monitoring.
Demographics by Age
37.5%
18-24
25%
45-64
37.5%
25-44
87.5%
Used a BP Monitor Before
37.5%
Get Yearly Checkups
50%
Family Member that Uses a Monitor
Associations With Blood Pressure Monitors
Bad Health
Anxiety
Doctor's Office
Outdated
Elderly
Insights
Young adults (18-35) were significantly less likely to get yearly check ups
0/8 surveyed had a positive association with a blood pressure monitor
7/8 surveyed were unaware of how to take a proper blood pressure measurement
This is a typical at-home blood pressure monitor
(and it's components)
The Measurement Process
Retrieve Monitor
Sit Down, Connect Cuff Hose
Put On / Adjust Arm Cuff
Take Reading
Remove Cuff
Read / Compare Results
Put Device Away
How might we improve the blood pressure monitoring experience and reduce the negative associations tied to it?
Clear UI
Interface that is easy to read and navigate
Track Results
Access to previous measures
Data Interpretation
Easy guides to let the user know their range
Compact
Reduce connection points for ease of use and storage
Ideation
How to Use Alaya
Instruction
Follow each step in the instruction prompt. Progress can be tracked by the circular icon.
Measurement
Start the reading by pressing the green button. Ranges are displayed via a point on the gradient section. Readings can be discarded with the red “x” or saved with the blue “+”
Data
Review past measured in weekly or monthly time frames. Selecting a specific day will show the range and measurement on the graph below.
Internal Components
Hose Connection
Appearance Model
All the hard components- base, housing, screen, connector were 3D printed in PLA
3D printed parts were primed, sanded, and painted
Screen- Glossy finish paper
Tube - Reused from disassembled product
Cuff - Sewed and dyed new outer layer for the cuff from the disassembled product
Blood pressure monitoring doesn't have to be taboo.
Alaya has been thoughtfully designed with a non-medical aesthetic, aiming to diminish negative associations often linked with traditional medical devices. By incorporating intuitive features and a minimalist design, this device strives to make the process of monitoring blood pressure at home stress-free and accessible to all users, regardless of their familiarity with medical equipment.
