BedSense redesign;
an improved pressure ulcer prevention and patient-monitoring tool
an improved pressure ulcer prevention and patient-monitoring tool
Pressure ulcers are extremely painful for the patient and taking care of them is very intensive and expensive work. Despite this, preventing pressure ulcers is often not prioritized due to more visible problems requiring immediate care.
BedSense focuses on preventing pressure ulcers through monitoring the patient's posture and sending a signal to the caregiver if the patient has been lying in the same position for too long.
BedSense exists out of two main products, the Control Unit and the Sensorplate. The Sensorplate is positioned underneath the patient's matress and houses multiple sensors that monitor posture. The Control Unit signals the caregiver by a visual notification.
Pressure ulcers
Pressure ulcers (also known as pressure sores or bedsores) are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue, primarily caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. They can happen to anyone, but usually affect people confined to bed for long periods of time.
Evaluating the original design
Engaging in in-depth research, I actively participated in the Momo Medical team's installation visits to nursing homes, keenly observing the entire process involved in installing BedSense. The primary objective was to gain critical insights that would serve as a foundation for enhancing the new design. I closely interacted with caregivers, patients, and facility staff, gathering valuable feedback on their experiences and pain points with the existing product.
These firsthand observations and user perspectives became the cornerstone of my redesign approach. Armed with a profound understanding of the product's strengths and weaknesses, I set out to ideate and innovate, aiming to create a new BedSense that addressed the identified flaws and exceeded expectations in functionality, usability, and impact.
After conducting insightful interviews with nurses and thoroughly understanding the challenges posed by the existing BedSense setup, we identified a critical improvement that could revolutionize the product's usability and durability. The frequent damage to the wired connection between the Sensor Plate and the Control Unit in nursing home environments highlighted the need for a more robust and integrated solution. As a result, in close collaboration with the Momo Medical team, we set our sights on a groundbreaking innovation - integrating the Control Unit directly into the Sensor Plate.
By merging the two components into a unified entity, we envisioned a wireless and self-contained system that would eliminate the vulnerability of cables. This redesign would not only enhance the durability of BedSense but also streamline the installation process, reducing setup time and effort for caregivers. The new design aimed to create a seamless and user-friendly experience for both caregivers and patients, empowering healthcare providers with real-time data and alerts, while ensuring optimum patient comfort and pressure ulcer prevention. Through this transformative approach, we aspired to redefine the landscape of pressure ulcer prevention in healthcare, setting new standards of excellence in patient care and safety.
Ideation
The initial ideation has led me to different ways on how I could tackle the main problems of integrating the Control Unit into the Sensorplate; "How does one interact with a product that is out of sight?", "How does one prevent the products from being lost" (when relocating beds in nursing homes), and "How can the strength and usability of the power cable be improved?" During the ideation phase it became clear that in order to have a solid and pleasant user experience, the product would need to communicate with the user's smartphone.
Ideation Sketches exploring solutions on how communicate the Sensor Plate's status to users. As the Sensor Plate is positioned out of sight, under the patient's mattress.
Ideation Sketches exploring solutions on how to prevent the Sensor Plate from falling to slatted bed bases
Ideation Sketches exploring solutions on how to manage the Sensor Plate's excess charging cable.
Ideation Sketches exploring solutions on how to locate the Sensor Plate when it is lost. As beds in nursing homes get moved around constantly.
Through extensive sketching and brainstorming sessions, we consolidated our ideas into a morphological overview—a visual representation of the various potential solutions. This process allowed us to identify three distinct concept directions that showed the most promise for the redesigned BedSense.
Each concept direction presented a unique approach to integrating the Control Unit with the Sensor Plate, addressing the issues identified during our research and aligning with our user-centric design philosophy. We analyzed these directions carefully, evaluating their feasibility, impact on patient care, and practicality in real-world healthcare settings.
The morphological overview served as a valuable guide, enabling the team to visualize and compare the strengths and weaknesses of each concept. It facilitated meaningful discussions and helped us prioritize the most viable options for further development.
As we moved forward with these three clear concept directions, we remained focused on our mission—to create a transformative pressure ulcer prevention tool that would redefine the standards of patient care and positively impact healthcare facilities and the lives of patients and caregivers alike.
After crafting the morphological map and visualizing each component of the solution, I proceeded to transform these ideas into three distinct rough design proposals. Each proposal was a culmination of the concepts and elements that stood out during my ideation and finetuning processes.
The design proposals explored different interpretations of the integrated BedSense, encompassing various aesthetics, material choices, and user interfaces. While all proposals shared the common goal of addressing the identified problems and achieving seamless functionality, they offered unique perspectives on how to approach the final design.
Throughout the creation of these proposals, I remained attentive to my user-centric principles, ensuring that each design would prioritize the needs and preferences of both patients and caregivers. My aim was to deliver an intuitive and reliable pressure ulcer prevention tool that would streamline the caregiving process and enhance patient comfort.
With the three rough design proposals in hand, I eagerly awaited feedback from the Momo Medical team. Their input and insights would be instrumental in shaping the final design direction. By carefully evaluating the feasibility, practicality, and user experience of each proposal, I aspired to converge towards a single design that would set the stage for a groundbreaking and impactful BedSense—one that would revolutionize pressure ulcer prevention and positively impact the lives of those in need.
Look & Feel
In the pursuit of a holistic and seamless redesign, our next crucial step was to fine-tune the design of the Sensor Plate to harmoniously match the Control Unit's aesthetics and functionality. By aligning the two components cohesively, we aimed to create a unified and visually appealing pressure ulcer prevention tool that exuded both elegance and efficiency.
During this finetuning process, we meticulously explored design elements such as form, materials, color schemes, and user interfaces. Our goal was to ensure that the Sensor Plate's appearance complemented the Control Unit's design language, projecting a sense of coherence and professionalism. At the same time, we remained keenly aware of maintaining the utmost functionality and user-friendliness, staying true to our user-centric approach.
By iteratively refining the design, we sought to strike the perfect balance between aesthetics and practicality, leaving no detail unattended. We continuously sought feedback from the team, incorporating diverse perspectives to arrive at the most optimal solution.
As we progressed in the finetuning process, we remained steadfast in our commitment to creating a truly integrated and innovative BedSense. The seamless blend of functionality and design not only enhanced the product's appeal but also elevated its overall usability and reliability. With the final design coming together, we were excited to bring a remarkable pressure ulcer prevention tool to life—one that would set new standards in healthcare and improve the well-being of patients worldwide.
The chosen concept consists of multiple LED indicators to inform the user. A QR code has been integrated to streamline the installation process. Finally, the cable providing the product of power, has been given a bright color to ensure that users know where BedSense is located.
User testing and Prototype
A rough prototype has been built to test the feasibility of notifying the user through LEDs while the product is positioned underneath a matress. This also gave me the opportunity to test wether a patient would actually notice a nurse slightly lifting the matress in order to check the LED indicators. In addition, tests regarding the usefulness of the hot-swappable DC-connectors have been done.
Storyboards
In order to communicate my solutions, I visualized multiple storyboards. These storyboards communicate how to use the integrated LEDs when the Sensorplate is positioned underneath the patient's matress, how to install the device, as well as show how to use the integrated QR codes to improve the installation process.
Final Design
The final design uses a WiFi module to communicate with the user through their smartphone or computer. In addition to this, multiple LEDs have been added to give users the possibility to see BedSense's status when in doubt. This also gave Momo Medical the opportunity to stop manufacturing Control Units, lowering production costs, but also drastically improving installation times, as the amount of products have been lowered from 2 to 1. A QR Code has been implemented to ensure a quick and easy installation process. Finally, a DC connector has been added to the power cable. This gives Momo Medical the opportunity to simply ship out a new power adapter module when the power cable breaks.
The proposed redesign for BedSense has been successfully implemented by Momo Medical, with minor tweaks to avoid additional tooling investments. The improved version of BedSense is now in use across several nursing homes in the Netherlands. This redesigned product showcases the culmination of dedicated efforts in addressing existing flaws and enhancing functionality. Its seamless integration of the Control Unit into the Sensor Plate has resulted in a more robust and user-friendly pressure ulcer prevention tool. As a result, patients' well-being and caregivers' workflow have seen notable improvements. The design's practicality and impact mark a significant step towards redefining healthcare standards and positively influencing patient care in medical facilities.
Reduced installation times from 10- to 2 minutes
and reduced manufacturing costs by 40%
and reduced manufacturing costs by 40%
