I have sports-induced asthma.
I rarely carry my inhaler on me. Too bulky and I feel self-conscious when using it.
“It feels like an invisible force preventing you from breathing… like that scene where Darth Vader is choking someone.”
Jon, 20-year-old asthmatic
300 in-person discovery customer interviews
Participation in Simone Center Start-Up Incubator. Interviews with asthmatics, doctors, and other industry experts.
From our research, we learned others had issues with the form factor. This led to more form refinement.
Emily, Age 19
“I wish my dad would carry his inhaler but he doesn’t like the size.”
Jonah, Age 30
“I know I should bring it with me when I run but it is annoying to jog with.”
Randy, Age 42
“The shape is really uncomfortable, weird, and doesn’t fit in my pocket.”
How might we make asthma inhalers easier to carry around for sports-induced asthmatics?
Many asthma attacks are avoidable with proper treatment and care.
-Center for Disease Control, 2019
Redesign the Actuator
The aerosol medication would be a design constraint because of existing manufacturing.
Develop a more pocket-friendly design.
Proof of Concept
By removing the mouthpiece you make the device 20% smaller.
Is the mouthpiece important?
There are two ways to use an inhaler. You can also hold the inhaler two inches from your face.
The second method is beneficial since more air can be mixed with the medication as the user breathes in.
Mood Board
Environments
Equipment and Other Inspiration
Rugged and Durable
Lightweight
Shock Absorbant Outer Shell
Rubber case to save against big falls.
3rd Place in Pitch Competition
In 2018, Zephair entered into RIT’s Tiger Tank Entrepreneurship Competition where over 60 teams presented elevator pitches and business plans.
RIT Simone Center Tiger Tank Semi Finals, 2018
Grow the team
New members were added to the team to better understand the business landscape.
James Sheeler: Project Lead and Head of Design
Affoue Koffi: Finance and Competitive Analysis
Tiree Walker: Supply Chain and Marketing
Matt Locker: Sales and Human Resources
Demo Day - RIT Student Accelerator
Demonstration of customer interviews, business plan, and financial analyses.
Global Student Entrepreneurship Awards
Pitch competition for Zephair and discussion on why I enjoy entrepreneurship.
Zephair
A breath of fresh air for the inhaler.