A design process that has helped revolutionise medical columns
The innovative medical column redefines industry standards, introducing cutting-edge technology that can completely transform the operating space. It combines functionality with modern design, responding to the real needs of users.
Context
1. Faced with stagnation in the field of medical columns, Inmed S.A., an industry leader, decided to revolutionise standards by approaching us with an open brief.
2. Our aim was to examine and challenge existing standards to create a new category of medical columns that would focus on functionality and usability, rather than, as in most available products, on the number of points of use and increased lifting capacity.
Process
1. The design stages were preceded by extensive preliminary work, including research phases and a thorough analysis of existing columns, as well as community interviews with surgeons, anaesthetists and instrumentalists from across the country. The research was extensive and included column fixings, ergonomics and how they are used by end users.
2. Together with the Inmed S.A. team, we adopted an approach based on design thinking methodology.
3. Our work focused on numerous iterations of use-case scenarios, which enabled us to refine the concept and move to the proof of concept stage.
4. The developed documentation was reviewed during prototyping, which enabled us to quickly make changes and test ideas.
Results
1. The created prototype won recognition from specialists at Poland’s largest medical fair, and its presentation became the main event of the Salmed 2024 fair in Poznań.
2.
Our proof of concept introduces a number of innovations not previously present in this product category. Key elements include:
– Rotating shelf system: Allowing better access to equipment and tools.
– Reduced size and improved ergonomics: Making it easier to manoeuvre in the hospital space.
– Additional features: Such as an integrated interface with radio and clock.
– Hygiene system: An elaborate mechanism for retracting medical gas plugs and electrical sockets into a dedicated pocket, significantly speeding up and facilitating the process of disinfecting equipment after each procedure.
