Redesigning Health Devices for the Circular Economy: A Case Study on Smart Pillboxes

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

Abstract

Like many health devices, smart pill boxes designed to enhance medication adherence often incorporate electronic components and smart sensors. However, the production and disposal of these rising numbers of electronics contribute significantly to the global e-waste crisis, exacerbating the negative climate impact of the healthcare industry. To minimize the impact of such electronic health devices, redesign based on circular economy principles is crucial. However, currently no clear circular design methodology exists to apply those principles in the healthcare domain. This paper discusses a case study in which we propose conceptual redesigns that aim to mitigate the environmental impact of smart pill boxes and help align them with circular economy principles. We employ a research-through-design approach in which we attempt to apply the well-known “10R strategies” (i.e. refuse, rethink, reduce, reuse, repair, refurbish, remanufacture, repurpose, recycle, and recover) as a design method. While doing this, we assessed their applicability in a design process and added value in making the device circular through reflective journalling, and their estimated effectiveness on minimizing environmental impacts by comparing fast-track LCAs for each design decision. In this way, we were able to provide insights into the intricacies of designing a more sustainable and circular device in this manner, and subsequently formulate recommendations for designing similar devices in the future.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInternational Conference Electronics Goes Green 2024+
Subtitle of host publicationFrom Silicon to Sustainability, EGG 2024 - Proceedings
PublisherIEEE
Number of pages12
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-00-079330-1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024
Event2024 International Conference on Electronics Goes Green 2024+, EGG 2024 - Berlin, Germany
Duration: 18 Jun 202420 Jun 2024

Conference

Conference2024 International Conference on Electronics Goes Green 2024+, EGG 2024
Country/TerritoryGermany
CityBerlin
Period18/06/2420/06/24

Bibliographical note

Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository 'You share, we take care!' - Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care
Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public.

Keywords

  • Circular Economy
  • Life Cycle Assessment
  • Medication Adherence
  • Sustainable Design

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