Thermal Imaging Technology in TCM: An Innovative Moxibustion Box Design

This study aims to investigate the use of a moxibustion box and propose a new design concept that offers users an easier but safer moxibustion experience. User research, including focus group interviews, user journey maps, user personas, and literature reviews, identified middle-aged and elderly women as the target users of moxibustion. They often struggle with accurately locating treatment acupoints. Expert research, comprising expert interviews and a literature review, highlighted the strength of heat-sensitive moxibustion in locating acupoints. Market research, involving market segmentation, competitor analysis, and target market, identifies that existing products are limited to the demonstration and introduction of acupoints. Through technical testing, mood boards, idea iteration, prototyping, and material selection, the new concept evolved into an integrated moxibustion box design, named 'Shan Jiu'. In the new moxibustion box design, the locator uses thermal imaging technology to help users find heat-sensitive points, while the box employs aerogel materials to estimate the remaining treatment time. The product employs mountain semantics, providing a sense of calm and tranquility, aiding in relaxation. Modular combinations of the product allow for simultaneous moxibustion on multiple points. This study does not only contribute to a better understanding of the user behavior with moxibustion box, but also explores the novel way to integrate cutting-edge technology to Traditional Chinese Medicine.