YEAR + TIMELINE

2021 /
2 weeks

TOPIC

Healthcare, Spirometer, Ashtma, Lung diseases, Covid-19

MY ROLE

Ideation,
Visual direction,
Product design

TEAM

Brand designer,
Industrial designer, Motion designer

OUTPUT

Mobile app,
Animated prototype,
Presentation

¶  Kick-off

When a dear friend and colleague – Mitul Lad – asks for my involvment on a project, I rarely say no. I really enjoy designing with people of the same mind and passion. This being our second project together, we were very comfortable.

Since both of us had previous experience designing healthcare products, we combined our knowledge to create a smart spirometer. If you're wondering what the hell that is, it's a simple tool which allows patients with respiratory conditions to complete a lung function test correctly and effectively.

Furthermore, the Covid-19 pandemic has halted spirometry testing due to risk of infections. This backlog of testing has created a greater need to determine the presence and nature of lung damage since the pandemic's beginning.

MY CONTRIBUTION

Once I knew the shape of the spirometer and the matching logo, I set to work designing a complementary digital experience. My aim was to maintain the visual characteristics across digital and physical products. 

BRAND IDENTITY

A round, fluffy penguin as a mascot

Attempting to improve healthcare habits isn't always captivating, but it doesn't have to be boring. First, a strong visual correlation between the logo and the spirometer's shape was mandatory. Second, utilizing the Antarctic's airy visuals and fluffy flightless birds, the playful penguin shape was an obvious choice. Smooth to hold, friendly to see.

VISUAL DIRECTION

Challenging the conventional medical aesthetic

We based the entire visual identity around cheeriness. Therefore organic, round, soft shapes, vibrant but warm coral colors, as well as contemporary typography, are utilized throughout for a playful feel across physical and digital touch points. By implementing this cohesive visual language, we challenged the conventional medical aesthetic – generally flat and somber – by incorporating a light-hearted look and feel that appeals to all age groups.

Color palette

Typography

Visual elements

DIGITAL EXPERIENCE

A paired app to track trends, patterns, and goals 

Within the app, caregivers and patients are able to: plan and execute test sessions during the day, schedule and track medicine intake, analyze trends, review medical history, chat with their medical team, and even switch accounts to manage more people.

THE TEST FLOW

A penguin pal to keep you on track

Training patients in spirometry testing is crucial, as most failures are caused by inaccurate measurements such as strength, speed, duration and lack of breath. Therefore, to achieve behaviour change, patients, particularly children, require comprehensive practice and visual engagement to improve their overall performance. Our penguin buddy keeps users on track and accurate.

STEP 1.

The parent/caregiver or patient logs into the app and begins a test. The test is assigned by a healthcare professional, setting a goal based on their current respiratory health condition. 

STEP 2.

When the test is initiated, the patient blows into the mouthpiece which subsequently projects an emissive light. The harder the patient blows, the brighter the light becomes. 

STEP 3.

During the test, the penguin guides patients so that a correct exhalation technique is performed. The device will beep, and immediate general feedback will be provided.

STEP 4.

The app supports the device by providing a detailed result page, including the outcome as well as trends, patterns, and alerts of any developing or escalating diseases.

Session flow detail screens

PHYSICAL PRODUCT

A curvy, pocket penguin in your hands

The small spirometer compacts wireless technology and an LED matrix display into a device that fits snugly in the palm of one's hand. Combined with a soft form factor, the device has exceptional pocketability, allowing it to be carried anywhere. Also, the design offers a sustainable solution for clinical settings: mouthpieces are re-usable and easily washed, helping to reduce plastic waste and improve overall hygiene. 

FINAL PRESENTATION

Packing and animating Airpen's design 

The presentation material for the "Red Dot Award"'s prize consisted of five A3 boards and a video. Overall, the design is consistent, enhancing the experience pillars described previously: a fluffy penguin is helping us deliver our design concept!