Yangxi Huang

University of Nottingham > Engineering > Departments > Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering > PDM Exhibitions > 2025 > BEng students > Yangxi Huang

The high accessibility injection pen for the elderly is an automatic insulin injector designed specifically to meet the needs of senior users.

Hi, I’m Yangxi. The motivation for me to choose Product Design and Manufacture as my university major is that well-designed products truly help people in their daily lives when facing problems. Moreover, I have a strong interest in sketching and creating. During my university time, the skills of CAD and rendering helped me turn my sketches into more realistic visuals, making my ideas easier to understand and communicate.

During my past summer internships, I had the chance to work in the production team, and I realized that a good design not only provides the best solutions for users but is also suitable for manufacturing, so it can benefit more people in need. This experience sparked my deeper interest in manufacturing, and I gained valuable knowledge from related courses.

Additionally, the complete journey of a product—from concept to mass production—made me appreciate the importance of cross-functional thinking in design. I hope to continue exploring how thoughtful design and efficient manufacturing can come together to create sustainable and user-friendly solutions that truly make a difference.

Yangxi Huang, BEng Product Design and Manufacture

High Accessibility Injection Pen for the Elderly

The high accessibility injection pen for the elderly is an automatic insulin injector designed specifically to meet the needs of senior users. Traditional insulin pens often present challenges for older adults, such as poor ergonomics, weak tactile feedback, inadequate visual guides, complex operations, and fear of needles can pain can lead to incorrect or missed injections.

To address these issues, this high accessibility injection pen incorporates several user-centered improvements. A speaker positioned on the top surface provides clear audio guidance, helping users follow instructions more easily. A larger screen offers a more visible interface for dosage and operation steps, improving clarity during use.

For safety, an injection lock has been added to the injection button. Users must slide a knob to unlock it before injecting, reducing the risk of accidental activation. Additionally, a double-layered protective needle design keeps users shielded from the sharp tip. Upon unlocking, needle stoppers retract, and the outer needle cover slides back to reveal the needle only at the moment of injection.

The cartridge holder features cutouts that allow users to easily view the remaining insulin dosage. The pen’s rounded shape and ergonomic handle reduce the effort needed to grab and operate it, especially beneficial for users with arthritis or limited hand strength.

To enhance functionality, the pen connects to a phone application that records dosage history and allows for personalized injection plans. The outer shell is made from ABS plastic, chosen for its durability, ease of cleaning with alcohol, and smooth surface finish. Bright, high-contrast colors are used throughout the design to accommodate users with declining vision.

Overall, this high accessibility injection pen prioritizes ease of use, safety, and accessibility, making daily injections less intimidating and more manageable for elderly users.