Dose*

What it does

Dose is a smart vitamin system that simplifies daily health routines. It solves the confusion of supplement use with a personalized dispenser, refillable cartridges, and app integration to build lasting habits through clarity, consistency, and ease.

Your inspiration

The inspiration for Dose came from my own challenges with staying consistent in taking vitamins. I wanted to be more mindful about my health but found the supplement space confusing and difficult to manage. When I spoke to friends and classmates, I realized this was a shared problem. Many of us struggled to understand what to take, how to keep track, and how to stay motivated. The process felt scattered and uninviting. This led me to explore how design could bring clarity, structure, and simplicity to the experience of taking vitamins and help people build better daily habits around wellness.

How it works

The system uses a rotating knob to dispense one dose at a time from modular, refillable cartridges arranged vertically inside the device. Each cartridge stores a specific supplement and is color-coded to reduce decision fatigue and improve clarity. Cartridges snap into place for easy reloading and personalization. A transparent front panel allows users to quickly check cartridge levels. The compact form is designed for both tabletop use and optional wall mounting. A built-in screen and speaker deliver reminders, feedback, and user prompts. The device connects to a companion app via Bluetooth, which enables tracking, scheduling, and customization. Every interaction is designed to be intuitive and repeatable, supporting long-term habit formation through tactile control, clear organization, and functional aesthetics. The system merges physical simplicity with smart features to create a seamless, health-centered user experience.

Design process

The design process began with interviews and surveys that revealed issues like confusion, forgetfulness, and inconsistent supplement habits. These insights guided early ideation focused on structure, clarity, and daily engagement. Concept sketches explored trays, wearables, and compartment-based systems. Foam mockups were created to test form, ergonomics, and usability. A rotating knob was chosen for its tactile interaction and ability to reinforce habit. Cartridge prototypes were developed to explore refill logic, dose volume, and modularity. 3D printed models helped test the dispensing mechanism, internal layout, and access points. Iterations refined the tray design, knob feedback, and cartridge locking system. The app interface was developed in parallel, focusing on simplicity and personalization. A built-in screen and speaker were added to support reminders and interaction. CMF choices were guided by a desire for clarity, hygiene, and visual calm. Peer feedback and critiques informed refinements in proportions and usability. The final design merges analog interaction with smart features to support long-term engagement and consistent health routines.

How it is different

Dose stands out by combining physical interaction with smart features in a way that feels intuitive and habit-forming. Unlike typical pill organizers or supplement packs, it uses a rotating knob and modular cartridges to create a personalized, tactile experience that reinforces daily use. Most existing solutions focus on convenience or automation, while Dose focuses on behavior change through design. The color-coded cartridge system reduces decision fatigue, and the built-in screen and speaker provide real-time prompts and feedback. Its compact, modular form is designed to live comfortably in the home, bridging the gap between health tech and thoughtful industrial design.

Future plans

Dose began as a student project, but the goal is to develop it into a real, functional product. The next steps include refining the internal mechanics, improving the cartridge system, and building a working prototype for testing. While the concept has been developed in detail, I do not currently have the means or technical skillset to bring it into full-scale production on my own. I hope to collaborate with engineers, manufacturers, or a company interested in wellness technology to help take the design forward. The long-term goal is to make vitamin routines more intuitive, accessible, and sustainable for everyday users.

Awards

While this project has not won an individual award, I was honored with the Circular Design Award for my full body of work in the BFA Product Design program at Parsons. This recognition reflects my continued focus on sustainable, systems-oriented thinking across all my projects, including Dose.