Med-Tech Innovation Design


Contrary to belief, industrial design involves far more


than mere styling. Many companies are only now waking up to the strategic importance of using design and the fact that it is not just a case of “slapping lipstick on a pig.” Industrial designers can often get involved in part of the design process or in its entirety from market research all the way through to production. They can advise on a variety of aspects such as materials, suppliers, legislation, moulding, tooling, production processes and manufacturing. Most have the facilities and technologies in-house to see a product through from concept, computer models, prototypes to finished item. There are some recent examples of manufacturers who have worked with design consultancies to develop innovative medical devices that have been successful due to the fact that they are centred around user needs. For example, hearing aid manufacturer Starkey Laboratories (www.starkey.com) worked with US-based product innovation consultancy Stuart Karten Design on the creation of a new range of hearing aids called Zon (Figure 2). Hearing aids have a stigma attached to them, but by understanding the physical and emotional needs of users with hearing impairment the designers were able to create a product that better met their needs. Small and discreet, the device has won numerous design awards and has been heralded as an object of beauty. Another example includes transforming the design of insulin pens. Ypsomed (www.ypsomed.com), an international independent manufacturer of injection systems, worked with Swiss design consultancy Process Design on the ServoPen Insulinpen injection device (Figure 3). The pen stands out due to its user- oriented design and improved functionality. Technical advantages such as spring-assisted delivery, trouble- free cartridge exchange through a bayonet closure, a comfortable push-back thread rod, as well as durability and scratch resistance all simplify daily usage. Moreover, the favourable ergonomics of the dosage knob and the resulting ease with which the dosage can be adjusted, together with the exchangeable coloured rings, are additional features that contribute towards user- friendliness in usage and give customers the necessary assurance of safety.


Figure 3: Insulin pen with spring assisted delivery


Design consultancy Smallfry has worked on


numerous products in the healthcare sector including an ear thermometer for Nurofen (www.nurofen.co.uk) (Figure 4) and a range of medical products for Lloyds pharmacy, which include a body fat monitor and a forehead thermometer. More recently it has designed the Powerbreathe (Figure 5), the world’s first portable precision electronic inspiratory-muscle training system for HaB International (www.habinternational.co.uk). Described as a “gym for your lungs” this device helps to strengthen the breathing muscles, reduce breathlessness and improve stamina. It can be used by athletes, but is also of great benefit to those with conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema. Patented auto-optimising inspiratory muscle training technology automatically selects the most effective training load based on respiratory muscle strength. Training results, progress and physiological respiratory measurements are continuously monitored and displayed on the high contrast LCD display. The company worked with the client from the early


prototype stage all the way through to manufacture. The challenge was how to integrate complex technology and mechanical requirements into a design that was appealing and user-friendly. When launched, not only did


Figure 4: An ear thermometer


Figure 5: Powerbreathe gym for the lungs


28 ¦ November/December 2011 www.med-techinnovation.com


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