Bowen Yang
I’m an industrial designer passionate about creating meaningful, human-centred products that enrich lives and foster connection. My work blends function, emotion, and form to turn everyday interactions into experiences of care. As the creator of Mindful Meds, an IoT-based system supporting medication adherence for older adults, I explore how technology can integrate seamlessly into daily life through empathy-driven design. My process combines curiosity and precision — from sketching and 3D modelling to prototyping and visual storytelling. Having worked in Europe as a design intern, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for diverse design philosophies that shape my approach to crafting thoughtful, impactful solutions.

Bowen Yang

PROJECT OVERVIEW

 


Mindful Meds strives to deliver a flawless and intuitive experience in medication adherence for older persons, especially those within vulnerable circumstances such as early stages of dementia. Mindful Meds is an Internet of Things (IoT) based ecosystem of products that become an integral part of an elderly person's life in regard to keeping them in the loop of their medication-taking routines. At its core is a smart medication dispenser linked to everyday household objects such as flower vases and keepsake tables, each fitted with memo-glow technology (glowing ambient lights) that softly change colour to signal medication times. The idea is to guide, not startle, and to make assistive tech feel like part of the home rather than a medical device. This promotes routine building through the subtle visual cues. "Research revealed that existing pill dispensers are often bulky and intimidating," Yang explains. "We wanted to create something gentle and familiar — a design that fits naturally into the home and encourages a comforting daily routine." The dispenser includes a simple touchscreen interface designed with dementia-friendly features like clear icons, light colours and task-based navigation. Carers can also receive Bluetooth notifications, making it easier to support loved ones remotely. By combining thoughtful design with practical technology, I hope Mindful Meds can help restore confidence in daily routines while keeping care discreet and dignified.


Bowen Chang