Service System Design of a Community-Shared Medicine Station

Abstract

Increasing health awareness has led to a rise in household medication storage, but problems of medication waste and expired medication contamination have been highlighted. We conducted in-depth interviews and developed user personas to comprehensively analyse users’ drug storage behaviours and motivations. Using a semiotic approach to product architecture design and the analytic hierarchy process (SAPAD-AHP) model, we explored core user needs. Additionally, we identified improper disposal of expired medication at home as a significant environmental issue. We propose a community-shared medicine service model aimed at reducing medication waste and pollution through sharing and recycling resources. This model enhances the utilisation of medical equipment, offers users convenient and eco-friendly health services, and promotes sustainable development.