Cut-N-Cure
Easy Band-Aid Dispenser
Role
Industrial Design
User Research
Year
Industrial Design User Research
Tools
Fusion
Keyshot
Blender
Team
Sam Wang
Emily Willow
Liam Brown
Overview
Cut-N-Cure is a mechanical dispensing system designed to automatically remove external packaging and present a standard-sized bandage for immediate application. The device streamlines the "prep-to-apply" workflow, enabling seamless, one-handed operation.
Context
High Patient Flow
Nurses conduct patient visits and administer dozens of vaccines per day
Usually a one-handed activity
Inefficient Packaging
For efficiency, many nurses stick open band-aids to their glove or their tray
Unsterile → risk of infection
Research
Prior to coming up with a design solution, I conducted multiple site visits to Rochester Regional Health stations located on and off campus to get a better feel of the vaccination environments we were designing for. We noticed that spaces were often cramped, high activity, and required constant sanitation throughout the day.
One of the issues that have been annoying to vaccinators and nurses in busy vaccine clinics is the opening experience of individual Band-Aid packages. More specifically, the paper tears and it is difficult to get the Band-Aid out especially when wearing gloves.
An easier solution is desired and might also be sold as an assistive device.
Problem
Applying a standard bandage is a two-handed task often performed by people who (due to injury, age, or clinical workload) only have one hand available or limited fine motor control.
Current packaging requires precise pinching and peeling, which creates significant barriers for:
Clinicians: Losing valuable seconds and compromising sterility during high-volume shifts (e.g., post-vaccination).
Patients: Individuals with arthritis or motor impairments who face a loss of independence when managing basic self-care.
The result is a workflow that is slow, frustrating, and prone to contamination.
How can we design a device that dispenses standard-sized bandages and aids users in removing external packaging?
Design Requirements
Accessible
Limited dexterity required - for nurses wearing rubber gloves, one-handed uses
Efficient
Faster and easier than other opening methods
Sanitary
Easily cleanable with alcohol wipes or similar hospital-grade cleaning products
Adjustable
Accommodates different band-aid sizes and shapes
Modular
Inner parts can be replaced if damaged.
Identifying Subsystems
By breaking down the process of opening a bandaid, we were able to identify key steps in the process. The actions are noted below.
Ideation
Features
By breaking down the process of opening a bandaid, we were able to identify key steps in the process. The actions are noted below.
Outcome
