A ‘less is more’ trend promoting usability and aesthetics is driving the design of modern medical devices, according to new research.
WILDDESIGN has published its first comprehensive research document exploring current trends within the medtech sector, after carrying out intensive research at the 2015 Medica Fair in Dusseldorf.
Entitled Medical Design Trend Review 2016, the report looks at current design problems and the diverse range of solutions that are being brought to market.
It states: “Whether we are aware or not, our surroundings influence our emotions, perception, and decisions.
“This is also true in the medical industry.
More important than ever is the consideration of usability in product design; human factors consideration and user testing are what separate refined products from clumsy and outdated ones
“The medical device market is complex because the technology develops more gradually than in the consumer design sector. There are many stakeholders; not only doctors, but nurses, assistants, regulators, hospital managers, specialists, and even the patients. Each presents a unique perspective and set of demands, resulting in a complex design problem to be solved.
“Aspects of medical product design, such as appearance, the user experience, and ambient qualities are too often belittled and sometimes forgotten.
“Observing design trends in medical technology supports the creator as well as the decision maker and sets a baseline for the design of contemporary products.”
The research probed medical device manufacturers and users from around the world, resulting in an extensive summary of aesthetic and usability trends prevalent in medical device design.
“While it is important to note that medical design, unlike consumer product design, advances slowly, we observed trend progression from past years, and the emergence of new technologies,” the report states.
The top design drivers were found to be: Automation, miniaturisation, 3D and 4K visualisation, and 3D printing and additive manufacturing.
Usability is also vital, with ‘less is more’ an overriding theme – with less noise and less clutter being buzzwords. Easy-to-use devices and single-step wearables are growing in popularity, as are touch-screen interfaces and customisable solutions.
A growing trend not so much in design, but in competition, is the low cost of equipment produced and exported from China
Looks also matter – with appearance playing a key role in the selection of medical devices.
In this case consumer familiarity, contrasting colours – particularly black and white – and minimalism are coming to the forefront.
Self-monitoring equipment and health and wellbeing apps and device, and equipment that aids hygiene and infection prevention and control, are also driving the current and future marketplaces.
The report also warns of price reductions as Chinese firms continue to drive down the cost of manufacture, putting pressure on Western competition.
It states: “A growing trend not so much in design, but in competition, is the low cost of equipment produced and exported from China.
“Until several years ago, Chinese made medical machines had difficulty reaching Western markets because of an inability to meet international quality standards. In recent years, particularly following the 2008 Chinese health care reform, more money has been invested in medical research and development in China.
“With price ceilings in place on the amount hospitals in China can pay for a device, and fierce local competition, manufacturers are driving down prices, some posing competition to western manufacturers.”
It concludes: “In 2015 we saw a greater shift towards user empowerment and taking charge of one’s own health.
“This was observed, not only with the rise of various homecare and self-management tools in the consumer sector, but also the design shifts in traditionally-‘clinical’ tools.
Both casual and professional users demand responsive technology that spans from their homes to the hospital
“We also saw new key players appear in the global market, including companies of Asian origin.
“Overall, though, 2015 was a year of refinement in medical design. Devices are judged against rigorous technical, biological, and ethical standards before they are approved for patient use, which means that the lifecycle of products gradually evolves and continues for years.
“Many trends observed in previous years, such as minimalism, black-and-white aesthetics, and simplicity have been echoed this year, and will continue to be refined in the future.
“More important than ever is the consideration of usability in product design; human factors consideration and user testing are what separate refined products from clumsy and outdated ones.
“For the future, we predict more colorful and atmospheric devices that educate the patient, and guide the professional appropriately. We see an increased influence from consumer products, particularly ‘smart’ electronics. Both casual and professional users demand responsive technology that spans from their homes to the hospital.”
Click here for the full report.