Wearable & Carriable Medical Device

Insight

The hospital encourages post-surgery patients to be mobile, but the characteristics of an IV set make it a huge hindrance on their mobility.

Opportunity

Design a new form for the IV set, that empowers and encourages patients’ mobility both physically and mentally. Any factors that disturb patients' mobility should be eliminated.

Proposal

Create a wearable & carriable IV set that provides the patient with a complete freedom of movement.

Mechanism Mockup

Messy and uncontrollable IV tubings are the priority pain point listed for both nurses and patients. They provoke both physical disturbances and psychological anxiety.

Inventing a new mechanism that can organise these messy tubings was challenging. Simply shortening the length of the tubings was not the solution. Allowing users full flexibility of movement while wearing the IV is the ultimate goal.

Wearable Mockup

Imagine an IV without any of the IV equipment we already know. What if there was no IV pole? What if there was no IV bag hanging on top? What about the bulky IV pumps? All of these factors in the current IV set up hinder patients’ mobility.

Making the IV wearable and also ergonomically comfortable was challenging. The entire mechanism is not heavy but the various sizes of IV bags may be a hindrance. Finding the right spot for the users to wear the IV was a key attribute.

Final Working Mockup

The image above is the final working mockup. The mockup size is bigger than the actual calculation, due to the many technological limitations in school. However, it is undeniable that the size is still too big to carry around. To identify the problem and discover a solution has become the next crucial task.

The Fundamental Problem

Currently, there are 4 types of IV bags, 100, 250, 500 and 1,000ml. They are manufactured cheap by and poorly, and the weight and size distributions are not properly calculated.

The new designed IV bag eliminates the size problem. It holds the fluid with better space efficiency. Now the size of the IV bag can shrink down into a wearable form.

Additionally, the readability of the IV bag cover is also redesigned, as the original IV bag's legibility made it likely for the nurses to make mistakes.

Smart Mechanism with Clean Design

Many users have been struggling with the form and characteristics of the device. The poor arrangement of the long tubings and weight distribution cause stress to both patients and nurses.

This new design resolves these issues. The workability of the mechanism is proven by the several failures of the mockups. It is a rather complex device but is hidden under a simple intuitive design. Its obtusely large size is now condensed within a smooth and slim design.

Eliminating the Look of a Medical Device

The current look of the IV exudes a distinct aesthetic of medical products. This causes anxiety in the users as well as, unwanted attention by signifying their medical condition. As a result, the IV, which should empower the patient, has become the symbol of weakness. CLOVER eliminates the look and feel of a medical device and rebrands itself with a warm feeling. The various material options with friendly CMF provide users with an added aesthetic pleasure.

Two Options on Wearable

The IV is mandatory for all post-surgery patients. However, wearing a medical device can act as an obstacle to those with restrictive body conditions. For example, wearing it as a backpack will not work for those with a back or shoulder surgery. Users can choose their preferred wearable style based on the specificity of their condition.