Premise
Using IoT devices to detect UV index and give reminders for sunscreen application
Synopsis
Ultraviolet (UV) light causes dangers to human health, and excessive UV exposure is the leading cause of the rising prevalence of skin cancer. Many studies indicate that frequent sunscreen application effectively protects the skin from UV damage. Yet, limited awareness of UV intensity is the most significant obstacle to sunscreen use; even when people are aware of UV intensity, they frequently forget to apply sunscreen. This prototype uses IoT devices to measure the UV index in real-time and to test visual and audible cues to alert individuals to apply sunscreen. The goal of the prototype is to find out whether people respond to reminders and which types of alert signals are most effective at stimulating behavior.
Substantiation
UV radiation causes various adverse health effects, including sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer (Moan et al., 2015; Williams et al.,2014). Moreover, research indicates that UV exposure can result in eye and immune system disorders (Franco-Belussi et al., 2018). The most severe damage induced by UV rays is skin cancer, the incidence of which is on the rise in the Netherlands (Holstein et al., 2012; Keurentjes et al., 2023), and one out of every six Dutch individuals will develop skin cancer throughout their life (Arnold et al., 2022; De Vries et al., 2009), which places a significant strain on the public healthcare system. Researchers (Olsen et al., 2015; Petersen & Wulf, 2014) prove that the most effective method of sun protection is to apply sunscreen regularly. Unfortunately, people are usually unaware of the UV radiation intensity they are exposed to, especially on overcast days or indoors, and forgetting to apply sunscreen is a commonly cited barrier (Dubas & Adams,2012). Therefore, it is crucial to make individuals aware of the intensity of UV exposure and stimulate them to use sunscreen promptly.
According to a statement from the World Health Organization, the UV index is an indicator of when the sun is most dangerous; therefore, for people to recognize their UV sensitivity and take protective measures, they must be aware of the real-time UV index. There are two methods for obtaining the UV index: weather app API and an ultraviolet sensor. Weather API data reflects the UV index based on location. Still, it does not consider the actual scenario, such as whether you are indoors or outside, in the shade or by the water pond, as the real UV index can vary substantially even in the same location (Tamang & Kiatwattanacharoen, 2020). UV sensors are designed to detect the actual UV index in real-time (Huang & Chalmers, 2021; Zou et al.,2020). This study will use a UV sensor to measure UV intensity. In addition to understanding the UV index, people require physical prompts, such as audible or visual cues, to notify them of the urgent need to apply sunscreen.
In this project, a physical prototype is created using IoT devices to determine if and how IoT devices might aid in reminding users to apply sunscreen.
Project
The prototype is created using the Arduino IoT set, which consists of hardware, software, and codes. The prototype’s Arduino hardware consists of an Arduino UNO R3 board, a buzzer, LED lights, resistors, an LCD screen, a UV sensor, and Jumper wires. Arduino IDE is the software that links the codes and hardware.
Iteration 1 — test the acceptability and usability of the sunscreen application device
In the first iteration, two prototypes are created simultaneously to test user acceptance of the concept and the functionality of the devices. One prototype utilizes a UV sensor to detect real-time UV index and a buzzer (auditory cues) to emit beep alerts when the UV index is above 5, as UV index values above 5 indicate high UV levels. The beep will continue for one second, and if the device remains in a high UV area, it will continue to beep. The second prototype flashes the LED light (visual cues) when the UV index exceeds 5. Each prototype was tested by three users who were informed beforehand that the device detects UV index and alerts users to apply sunscreen. Each tested this device for at least one hour, and I compiled their opinions based on interviews.
Iteration 1 – prototype and user feedback
People’s feedback on the physical prototype to remind them to apply sunscreen is that they find it interesting and that apparently reminders from a separate physical device are more noticeable than notifications from a mobile app. They perceive a higher motivation to act. The beeping buzzer, in particular, prompts them to give a higher priority to sunscreen application. However, the buzzer is generally considered a disturbance when it beeps too frequently. Due to the double-sided nature of the buzzer’s effects (a reminder and a disturbance), in the next iteration it should only be used when the UV index is extremely high (above 10), which is rare, and sunscreen application should be a top priority. Simultaneously, a more precise display of the UV index could enable users to be more precise in their behavior.
Iteration 2 — explore more effective and more specific reminders
The objective of the second iteration is to provide users with specific UV intensity information and to enhance the reminders so that users perceive it as more effective and welcoming. Therefore, based upon the feedback from the first iteration, three different color LED lights and a buzzer are used to indicate different levels of the UV index. When the UV index is below 3, a green light will illuminate, indicating a low UV index level; when the UV index is between 3 and 5, a yellow light will illuminate, indicating a moderate UV index level; and when the UV index is between 6 and 10, a red light will illuminate, indicating a high UV index level; when UV levels exceed 10, the buzzer will begin to sound. First the Arduino circuit was built and Sketch codes were developed based upon the requirement to differentiate reminders between UV intensity levels. Then, three users were recruited for the second iteration, and before they played with the device, they were briefed on its intended purpose and how to operate it. One of the three users also participated in the first iteration.
Iteration 2 – prototype and user feedback
The users asserted that this iteration provides them with more in-depth information on the UV index and different signals based on the UV index level and that this information is quite clear and intriguing, and they were not bothered by the signals. Nonetheless, they are occasionally unsure of which signal corresponds to which UV index level. They desire additional information regarding the correlation between signals and UV index levels. One user mentioned that when he brought the device to seek shade, the UV index decreased, indicating that users are aware of the need to seek sun protection when the UV index is too high, even when they do not have sunscreen on hand. The physical prototype increases users’ awareness of the intensity of UV exposure and their desire to take action. The use of three LED lights to indicate different UV index levels is beneficial. However the visibility of LED lights in harsh sunlight can be a problem. Also relating the different light colors to UV Index numbers can be confusing for people as the three different colors indicate the urgency of sunscreen application.
Iteration 3 — make an appealing prototype
The objective of the third iteration is to address issues raised in previous iterations and make the device appealing to own and use. To reduce potential confusion, in the final prototype, an LCD screen is used to display the real-time UV index. This also provides better visibility in bright light conditions. In addition, the buzzer will now only sound when the UV index is greater than 10, as users benefit from a strong signal to take immediate action. In the final prototype, the visual signals (UV index on LCD screen) are much more apparent and distinct. The Arduino board and Jumper wires are sealed in a LEGO-constructed box; on top of the box, a LEGO minifigure holds the UV sensor, and the LCD displays real-time UV index. The box can also be used to store sunscreen, which can mitigate the problem of people forgetting where they placed it.
Iteration 3 – prototype and user feedback
This iteration was evaluated by two participants, who were both positive about the device’s intuitive interface and the clarity of its signal information.
Conclusion
The prototype achieved its objective of detecting the UV index and increasing people’s awareness of UV exposure; all participants acknowledged that the alert signals influenced their behavior. When they observe or hear the signals from the physical prototype, they perceive a prompt to apply sunscreen. To make the final prototype more attractive, the design includes a holder for a bottle of sunscreen.
However, the system does not take the fact that users have applied sunscreen into account as it just continues to display the UV index. In a further, more complex iteration, a system would have to include a feedback loop on sunscreen re-application as well as include and use the information on sunscreen protection factors and skin type.
In addition, since all the results are self-reported, the current prototype is unable to monitor users’ actual behavior; therefore, in future iterations, a system (including such things as sensors on sunscreen bottles) should be developed that can register user actions and responses to reminders and even register the quantity of sunscreen applied.
References
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