07. Hamilton Medical - Galileo
Focused design strategy
Continuum was engaged by Hamilton Medical to assist with strategic end-user research and product specifications for the user interface and medical device design for a new generation of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) respiratory ventilators.
After careful analysis of extensive user research, design strategists were able to identify key interaction issues and make a recommendation for both the ideal user interface scenario and the product architecture. Traditional knobs were identified by medical personnel as the ideal mechanism for making adjustments to the machine, so two push-and-turn knobs were chosen as the foundation for the new user interface concept. Continuum developed a user interface menu that allowed appropriate information access for a wide range of healthcare workers, from an ICU nurse to a respiratory physician. Designers also recommended a vertical structure to reduce the product's footprint and to improve the visibility of the color LCD, which serves as the primary point of interaction with the new instrument. This new ventilator's global introduction resulted in initial sales of 20% – 30% beyond expectation and set a new standard for ease-of-use within the product category. Because of the success of this first machine, Hamilton Medical asked Continuum to develop the design of a lower cost ventilator based on the same principles. Related Content |