User-Centred Design of an Anaesthesia device
Challenge
An Anaesthesia device is a crucial device in an operation room. Its design needs to be functional, easy to use and – most importantly – reliable in all circumstances. Medec wanted to develop their new anaesthesia device and consulted Achilles Design to guide them through the development process.
We started our design project by analysing the actual usage patterns of the device. Various observations, stakeholder interviews and user scenario explorations therefore resulted in a system design that optimally fulfilled the user needs. Multiple loops of design, prototyping, testing and optimisation led to a functional, affordable, and aesthetic device design.
User-centred design
Getting insights in the process flows of anaesthesia
In order to start the design process, we first needed to get a solid and thorough understanding of the various stakeholder needs, predominantly the needs of the user itself. Being required to analyse, specify, develop, and evaluate the usability of this medical device in accordance with the ISO62366 standard, we focused on designing the product based on actual user feedback.
System design
Hands-on design approach
We mobilised all the creative ability of our engineers and designers and then combined the best ideas into a series of design concepts. From the overall product layout to different functional subsystems such as the valves, our engineers generated multiple functional prototypes that were intensely tested with respect to durability and reliability.
Engineering
Defining every bolt and nut
Extensive experience with multiple manufacturing techniques and assembly principles enabled us to develop a robust and reliable device, while keeping the cost of ownership to a strict minimum. We detailed and designed all mechanical parts for serial production. In close co-operation with the Medec team, we verified that all parts and (sub)systems would fulfil the required quality standards.
The result
Caelus is a compact anaesthesia ventilator with a surprisingly large working surface. The ergonomically designed trolley with plenty of working space and storage room enhances the comfort, while an 18.5” capacitive touchscreen shows all crucial information at a single glance.
Its smaller brother, the Aeolus ventilator, is another device that was designed by Achilles Design. It reduces the cost of ownership to a strict minimum without any compromise on usability.
