Brief
Design and build a children's toy with a intended purpose.
Tools
Fusion 360, illustrator, keyshot.
Timeline
5 weeks
Overview
My Why
I was inspired by a mother documenting her experience navigating her 5 year old sons early diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.
"I often have to administer nebulizer treatments while my child is sleeping due to uncontrollable crying".
The Problem
The medical device’s lack of child-friendly design leads to severe distress during use.
Contributing to a 1 in 7 children having a 0% daily inhalation score.
Outcome
I framed the treatment as a space mission, giving the child a sense of purpose as breathing into the mask becomes a part of their role as an astronaut, turning an otherwise confusing medical routine into something empowering.
Storytelling Reduced Distress
Provided Education
Enhanced Performance
Process
Form Development
Form inspired by a space ship, providing users with a immersive experience. Control panel size increased in response to user testing. A flatpack design was developed for ease of sanitation and replacement of parts.
Key Learnings from User Testing
The experience was too gamified, prioritizing play over supporting proper breathing rhythm.
I redesigned the front interface. Through a coded sequence, children could set a timer through an interactive toggle, triggering space ships that would light up in 5 intervals. This acted as visual cues, helping children pace their breathing and track progress.
Outcome
Nebupal is an interactive toy designed to transform nebulizer treatments into a space adventure. Through storytelling and syncing play with breathing patterns, Nebupal reduces fear and turns a confusing medical process into an empowering experience.
User testing led to a better balance between the space mission narrative and the breathing requirements of the treatment.
