Looking for Great Device Design

Discussion of the winning products can be found in the April issue of MD&DI. In the past, sleek design elements, such as those seen in the consumer industry, must take a back seat to practicality.  The doctor's office I went to recently was saddled with 70's-style boxy equipment.

But this morning I was reminded that great design happens all the time in this industry. For example, the Stork Prenatal Ultrasound from Bridge Design isn't yet on the market, but it exemplifies certain trends in devices, such as a patient-centric design and portability. According to the company, "The Stork provides a number of features not yet on the market, including a second display so the mother won't have to strain her neck to look at the screen. It also allows the mother to email electronic images directly to family and friends from the device instead of receiving paper printouts. The Stork's color, materials, and finishes forgo the clinical white and gray palette for a much more soothing birthing experience."