Designing for Psoriasis relief: a patient-centric, specific approach

The 3M Psoriasis Prescription Patch is a medical-grade skin wearable designed by the American Faethm design studio, characterized by its lightweight design, designed to deliver precise pharmaceutical dosages to the skin’s surface, with a specific focus on treating Psoriasis.

In this endeavor, 3M collaborated closely with a pharmaceutical company, customizing the wearable film to match the drug’s chemistry. This collaboration presented an exciting opportunity to embed a distinctive and patient-centric experience within the patch.

Psoriasis sufferers often grapple with a limited arsenal of treatments, from messy topical creams to costly injections. Each person’s experience with the disease is unique, and thus, a new avenue was explored – a wearable medicated patch.

3M Psoriasis Prescription Patch: from Concept to Creation

“The design journey for the 3M Psoriasis Prescription Patch began with extensive rounds of interviews, engaging both patients and dermatologists. These discussions unearthed the profound emotional and physical toll of living with Psoriasis, revealing deep-seated feelings of embarrassment, anxiety, and pain. Dermatologists, the frontline experts, played a pivotal role in validating initial patch concept designs.” says Philip Stankard, principal industrial designer at Faethm Design.

A particular highlight was the “honeycomb” patch, named for its innovative perforated design resembling hexagon-shaped cells. This breakthrough allowed patients to customize the patch size, catering to the specific needs of treating either small or large Psoriasis-affected areas.

Central to the success of this project was the pivotal role of design. It wasn’t merely about engineering and manufacturing; it was about a paradigm shift toward a patient-first mentality. This shift led to the creation of a groundbreaking product that addressed the unique needs of Psoriasis patients, providing dermatologists with additional tools to alleviate their patients’ suffering.

The importance of this achievement was underscored by securing a patent, safeguarding the innovative design against generic drug manufacturers seeking to replicate this human-centered approach.

The project – 3M Psoriasis Prescription Patch – showcases the power of design in healthcare innovation, transcending traditional boundaries and fostering a patient-centric revolution in the treatment of Psoriasis. By deeply understanding the needs and experiences of patients, the team has illuminated a path to relief, providing hope for those who have long battled this challenging condition.