This post falls under the category “When Consumer Devices Start Being Jealous of Medical Aesthetics.” Bridge Design, a Bay Area firm specializing in medical device development, has created a new look, form factor, and added usability ideas for a model portable ultrasound machine. Not yet a product, the Stork has the expectant parents in mind by featuring a second removable screen and the ability to send pictures directly via email.
From Bridge Design:
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. Unlike the average ultrasound machine, the Stork is unintimidating, even playful, with a flip screen and basket-like portability which contains “cup holders” for probe and gel. The Stork’s color, materials, and finishes forgo the clinical white and gray palette for a much more soothing birthing experience.
Bridge’s Director of Industrial Design, Matt Presta, who also happens to be a parent, explains:
"Any mother who has had an ultrasound is familiar with the cart of equipment, probes, gels, screens, printouts, and everything else that comes with it. And although the experience is necessary for clinical reasons, many parents just want to see their baby. For years, Bridge has observed trends clearly pointing towards designing for the patient’s experience. Since we’re still a few years away from seeing the tipping point of the patient-centric trend in health care, we wanted to provide a glimpse into the future based on what we’re seeing happening in the industry.”
Company page: Bridge Design…
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