Pimoji: A More Intuitive Pill Design

Redesigning Pills for Better Medication Management

As the population ages, the need for effective medication management becomes increasingly important. Many elderly individuals suffer from chronic diseases and are required to take multiple medications. However, poor eyesight and memory issues often lead to confusion and incorrect medication intake. Additionally, conventional pills are often similar in appearance, making it difficult to distinguish between different medications. Pimoji addresses these challenges by introducing a more intuitive and visually distinctive pill design.

Inspired by the human organs, Pimoji pills feature unique shapes that represent the specific organs or symptoms they can help with. By using organ-shaped pills, individuals can easily identify the medication they need and ensure they are taking the right pills for their symptoms. This innovative design not only benefits the elderly but also provides a solution for the visually impaired who struggle to differentiate between medications.

One of the key considerations in the development of Pimoji was ease of consumption. The pills are designed to be as round as possible, making them easier to swallow. The largest pill, resembling a heart shape, measures 12mm x 12mm, while the smallest, resembling a brain shape, measures 10mm x 10mm.

Pimoji pills offer a unique interaction experience. The organ-inspired shapes not only make the pills visually distinctive but also allow individuals to touch and feel the shape, aiding in identification. This tactile element is particularly beneficial for blind individuals, enabling them to use the pills with ease.

The Pimoji project started in September 2019 in Suwon and was completed in December 2019 in Hwasung. The design was exhibited at the Hypsung University Gallery in December. The concept behind Pimoji was driven by the need to address the medication management challenges faced by the elderly population, not only in Korea but worldwide.

Jong Hun Choi's research revealed that many elderly individuals are taking numerous medications but not always in the correct way. The similarity in the appearance of generic drugs posed a significant problem. By focusing on the form and nature of drugs, Choi arrived at the idea of using human organ shapes as a universal symbol that everyone can abstractly recognize.

The development of Pimoji presented its fair share of challenges. Finding a symbol that could be universally understood and abstracted was a significant hurdle. However, through careful research and design exploration, Choi successfully created a pill design that is both visually distinctive and intuitive.

Pimoji has garnered recognition for its innovative design. In 2020, it was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Idea and Conceptual Design category. This prestigious award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Pimoji's unique form and contribution to medication management make it a deserving recipient of this accolade.

Pimoji is not just a pill design; it is a solution that addresses the challenges faced by the elderly and visually impaired in managing their medications. By providing a visually distinctive and intuitive pill design, Pimoji empowers individuals to take the right medications for their specific symptoms, ultimately improving their overall well-being.