Smart pill dispenser designed to support safer opioid use
MMXXI
Pilleve is a smart pill dispenser developed to support safer opioid use and improve adherence to prescribed treatment. The project responds to a broader need for better control and monitoring of medication in a sensitive healthcare context.
I led the industrial design of the device, with a focus on clarity, discretion, and ease of use. The intention was to create a product that feels approachable for patients, while remaining practical for medical staff and viable from a manufacturing standpoint.
A key decision early on was to build the system around a standard pill cup. This simplified the refill process, reduced the need for custom components, and helped keep tooling and production costs under control. It also made the product easier to integrate into existing workflows.
The development required close collaboration with engineering, particularly around internal layout and component integration. Together we worked through constraints related to PCB placement, dispensing mechanism, and assembly, aiming to keep the device compact and straightforward to manufacture. Externally, the design avoids a clinical appearance, leaning towards a more neutral and unobtrusive form while still communicating reliability.
The device connects to a mobile app, allowing patients to track usage and follow prescribed routines, while providing doctors with data to monitor adherence and adjust treatment if needed.Overall, the project focused on balancing technical constraints, usability, and cost, resulting in a product designed to fit into everyday use without adding friction.
