The Pill: Time for a New Look

Based on the popularity of the birth control pill (“The Pill”), its economic importance, and its role as a daily component of the modern woman's environment and lifestyle, we decided to study pill usage habits and the cognitive and behavioral causes of noncompliance. Our findings led us to sugg...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ergonomics in design 2008-04, Vol.16 (2), p.24-27
Main Authors: Spillinger, Avishag, Auerbach-Shpak, Yael, Bitterman, Noemi
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Based on the popularity of the birth control pill (“The Pill”), its economic importance, and its role as a daily component of the modern woman's environment and lifestyle, we decided to study pill usage habits and the cognitive and behavioral causes of noncompliance. Our findings led us to suggest design solutions to promote consistency of use and improve attitudes toward the pill. We conducted a field study of birth control pill dispensers, performed a task analysis of pill taking, and distributed a detailed questionnaire among 380 Israeli women. Our suggestions for improving compliance include incorporating memory aids, creating better packaging design, and reducing the medical stigma of the pill by positioning it as a designed, daily lifestyle item.
ISSN:1064-8046
2169-5083
DOI:10.1518/106480407X312400