Medi-Life Cards

Market Segmentation

Target Market

Customer Needs

Key Success Factors

Currently, there are no medications that cure food allergies. Strict avoidance is the only way to prevent a reaction. Most people outgrow their food allergies, although peanuts, nuts, fish, and shellfish are often considered lifelong allergies. Some research is being done in this area and it looks promising. Click here for research information.

The needs of customers were examined against the design parameters of Medi-Card. It was found that there are nine key success factors for Medi-Card. The key success factors are listed below along with the specific customer needs that they address, along with design options for each success factor.

Size

Impact On: Easy to Carry on a Keychain, Easy to Carry in a Wallet
Options: Design device to be “Zippo”-sized, pen-sized or credit card-sized.

Form

Impact On: Easy to Carry on a Keychain, Easy to Carry in a Wallet
Options: Design device to be cylindrical, card-like, or “Zippo”-like.

FDA Approval

Impact On: Reliability, Safety of Device, Speed of Relief, Price
Options: Utilize an injection technology currently approved by the FDA

Ease of Manufacturing

Impact On: Reliability, Feel, Durability, Price
Options: Utilize manufacturing technologies that are proven form medical devices.

Needle Safety

Impact On: Control, Fear Factor
Options: Design device to cover needle before and after use.

Injection Mechanism

Impact On: Control, Reliability, Fear Factor, Ease of Use, Durability
Options: The device could be activated by a button, by sudden impact, or by manually pressing the device down on the person.

Sealing Mechanism

Impact On: Control, Needle Safety, Durability
Options: The device could use a plastic seal, a break off tab, or a cover and lock to keep the device secure.

Cost

Impact On: Price
Options: Design device to be attractive to cost effective parts for price sensitive customers.

Medication

Impact On: Duration of Relief, Speed of Relief
Options: Deliver additional medication with the epinephrine