Hydration is essential to life.  In terms of my specialty, bariatric surgery, patients are unable to drink fluids quickly and have to take very small sips at a time in the immediate weeks and months after surgery.  Therefore, they are at very high risk for dehydration and may need to return to the hospital for IV fluids to restore their bodies.

Do you see yourself using this product? 

I'm constantly trying to find creative ways to keep track of patients’ water consumption. This seems like a good option.

Do you think this would improve someone’s hydration? 

This prototype appears to be an overall efficient and convenient way for all people to adequately consume clean water ensuring they are meeting appropriate individual fluid needs.

What do you like about this product? 

 The prototype created is an excellent means to help people at high risk for dehydration to monitor their fluid intake and ensure they are meeting their needs.  It would also be effective for those who are on a medical fluid restriction to monitor that they do not exceed their prescribed intake. Being able to accurately track how much water someone is drinking automatically with an app is great because a lot of people just don’t like water and don’t care about watching how much of it they are drinking. 

Does it address our problem statement? 

Yes, I do think it is a problem. I see it in at least 50% of athletes – but I don’t have specific data. Their hydration level also depends on factors such as sweat rate. Some people now recognize the symptoms of dehydration (lightheadedness, headache, etc.). I see mainly the short-term impact of dehydration.

Do you see yourself using this product? 

At first, I was curious and skeptical, but as you explained it, I thought it was brilliant. Connecting it with Apple and Garmin watches could be very useful. Traditional athletes – soccer, basketball, and football can definitely benefit from this, but I think more particular athletes such as swimmers, runners, and triathletes would eat this up. They tend to track more of their data in training and performance and this could add another data point for them to track.

How much would you be willing to pay for this? 

I would pay about $50-$60. If there were models of a bigger volume, that could also be better and in the higher price range.

Do you think this would improve someone’s hydration? 

Yes, it could, if they use it properly. Some people may experiment and determine what level of water helps them, and some go the extra step to specifically calculate how much they require.

What do you like about this product? 

I like the idea. If you are able to make it sleek, fit in the profile of a typical bottle, fit in your car, and the weight isn’t excessive – it shows promise. I think it’s awesome.

What do you think needs improvement? 

You could have the app/bottle connect to other existing apps and things such as smart watches.

What are your questions and concerns? 

What type of top would the bottle have? 

Does it address our problem statement? 

Yes, it affects your cardiovascular system, heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. There are different severity levels, but you can end up in the hospital if it is bad. Your body is made up of about 70% water, so it is always needing to be replenished.

Do you see yourself using this product? 

Yes, in a more marketable design. It is usable and it could be great for camping or hiking, where there are more dangerous bacteria to kill and it is more important to track water consumption.

How much would you be willing to pay for this? 

Somewhere from $50-$100; maybe on the more expensive side would be for the hikers.

Do you think this would improve someone’s hydration? 

I think so, more than just outdoors people - there is definitely a market for it.

What do you like about this product? 

I like the idea of the light reminder, many times I forget to drink my water even though I intended to. Seeing something with a light on my desk would remind me that I need to drink.

What do you think needs improvement? 

Based on being involved in athletics, being an athlete myself, and seeing a lot of cases of dehydration - my wife is actually pregnant right now and we had to take her to the hospital because she was dehydrated - I do think it's a problem, especially in Florida when it's so hot outside.

Do you see yourself using this product? 

Looking at the product, it's a smart idea. I would certainly use it. right now, I try to drink half my body weight in ounces a day. Instead of trying to guess how much I've drunk so far, it would be beneficial to me to have an app tell me how much more water I need.

How much would you be willing to pay for this? 

Given that it is helping me with my daily intake of water or other fluids, I would pay $75.

Do you think this would improve someone’s hydration? 

Definitely. It would definitely improve someone's hydration because it would let them know that they are either doing a very good job with their hydration for the day or they're doing a very bad job. Sometimes people think they are drinking more than they really are and the app would help remind them to stay on track.

What do you like about this product? 

I like the tracking aspect the most. There are plenty of bottles that can keep stuff cold and you'll find bottles of all different types out there. The fact that this helps you stay hydrated and be consistent throughout the day, people will be more aware and proactive in drinking water.

What do you think needs improvement? 

The aesthetics are the main thing. If you guys can make it more durable and look better, it is definitely worth that $75 price.

What are your questions and concerns?