Conceptual Design

On the day of the demonstration, our team received insightful feedback from the guests that could be used as potential enhancements for this project. The enhancements include: 

• Adding sensors to determine the weight of pills to improve medication adherence. 

The original product and our prototype consider that the medication has been taken when the cap is opened and closed. With that being the only measurement of adherence, it is very easy to cheat the bottle and make it seem like an individual is taking their daily dose, but they aren't. A weight or pressure sensor can be added to the bottom of the bottle that only counts the pill as taken if the weight of the bottle decreases. 

• Adding the light component in the houses of friends and family so they can also remind their family members to take their medication. 

If an individual is outside and is not pending on their GlowCap components, they can miss their dosage. Perhaps multiple hubs can be obtained with the original product so friends and families can also be notified that their relative or friend needs to take their medication. This component can be beneficial for individuals prone to forgetfulness. 

• Since our prototype included a neopixel that only lit solid colors, our team received feedback that we could perhaps light one pixel at a time, representing a different day of the week. 

There is so much one can do with the output of light. Currently, our prototype lights up two solid colors to indicate whether the bottle is opened or closed. To make our concept more interesting, after the bottle is opened and closed, one neopixel can shine to display the individual has taken their medication that day of the week. Some individuals get motivated by ticking things off their list, and this enhancement could provide that element. 

Additionally, we received feedback on exploring different use cases since the product did not do well on an individual level. We were perhaps considering how this product would help in a hospital or care environment. This product has the potential to be beneficial for nurses to determine which of their patients need to take their medication. 

Our team was very grateful for the feedback because it truly opened our eyes to a whole world of possibilities to make a product with an impact.