Human factors product design for a prototype of hair loss prevention machine for cancer patients during chemotherapy treatments

Abstract

Hair loss is one of the most troubling aspects of chemotherapy to cancer patients. Studies indicate that hair loss affects the cancer patients’ quality of life and becomes a growing concern among women during Chemotherapy treatments. This research project applies Human Factors Product Design principles for building a prototype of low-cost hair loss prevention machine for cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy. The five-step product design and development process is used in this research project including (1) identifying customer needs, (2) determining product specifications, (3) creating concept generation, (4) making concept selection, and (5) concept testing. Preliminary results from this research project indicate that the new product design of hair loss prevention machine has a great potential for launching new products to the market. However, this prototype of hair loss prevention machine still needs some technical improvements for a better product budget preparation. Limitations and future work on product design and development of hair loss prevention machine are also presented.