MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY INNOVATORS: DESIGN + INDUSTRY
The Australian medical technologies sector has a reputation for innovation and quality. The Australian
companies in this industry are at the forefront of developing ground-breaking products to improve the
health and well-being of global communities. With significant investment in research and development
and high-value manufacturing – the industry is situated perfectly to take advantage of Australia’s
competitive strengths to export niche products to the global market.
Design + Industry (D+I) develops innovative product design solutions. D+I has a team of designers
and engineers with capabilities in medical and scientific products. The company routinely collaborates
with domestic and international medical technology companies to develop compliant product solutions in
this highly regulated market.
Using creative design to enhance the functionality of medical devices
Industrial design is not all about aesthetics. It also plays a vital role in improving the usability of products.
Product design is particularly important for medical devices as it can affect patient outcomes. D+I
collaborated with Chattanooga Group USA, a world leading manufacturer of physiotherapy rehabilitation
equipment, to improve the design, usability and operability of its products.
For 25 years not much had changed in the world of physiotherapy devices. Chattanooga engaged D+I to
redesign its devices with the central goal of improving physician and patient experience. By listening to
patients and physicians, D+I saw the need to shift towards a more welcoming, ultra-flexible, mobile
platform of devices. D+I focused on creating smaller, modularised components, so more patients could
be treated in diverse locations. The new designs broadened the appeal of the Chattanooga brand. By
streamlining the product line and improving portability, D+I contributed significantly to Chattanooga’s
successful expansion into foreign markets.
Benefits of collaboration
D+I has highlighted three key factors which have contributed to its success.
Working with clients and their customers to inform and validate projects:
The project for Chattanooga was led by extensive "Voice of the Customer" surveys within industry.
These surveys validated the feature sets, useability and design intent of the proposed designs. D+I
undertook the mechanical design and engineering from concept into production. Chattanooga undertook
the electronic design and engineering, and manufacture. This model has been used to successfully
develop 10 products over a 15 year relationship.
Collaboration to succeed globally:
D+I’s collaborative approach and diverse design capability was a major factor in opening up new market
sectors for Chattanooga. The key was the team’s ability to understand and appeal to both the US and
European markets through what was considered to be a “Universal Design” aesthetic. The strategic
move to engage D+I, and using D+I's knowledge on designing for the global marketplace, led to
Chattanooga's successful expansion in both the US and European markets.
Working with partners to help build their brand:
Over the 15 year relationship with Chattanooga Group, D+I has developed 10 successful projects and
have established a strong visual design language which has been progressively carried across the
product range. As a result, the Chattanooga brand is recognised and respected for world leading
rehabilitation equipment.
Pictured: The Chattanooga Intelect Neo physical
rehabilitation device.
This case study is based on information from the Design
+Industry and was developed with the assistance of
AusBiotech.
For further information, visit www.design-industry.com.au