Design thinking is an ideal method for encouraging innovation and uncovering user needs, making it perfect for devising solutions that meet multiple users' requirements. This methodology was chosen because its goal is to create solutions that are desirable, feasible, and viable—essential criteria for developing a minimum viable product for any company.
We continued to develop our concepts, further refining our ideas and considering their integration into a broader ecosystem.
After grouping all of the ideas, we regrouped them four more times to see if we could identify additional patterns among the designs. This iterative process revealed patterns that were not evident in the initial round. The final affinitization resulted in the following groups: Head Attachments, Tube Modifications, Isolette Solutions, Sensors and Tech, Materials and Textures, Lower and Upper Face Attachments, Internal Mouth Attachments, and Movement Control.
Repeating the affinitization process multiple times led us to more refined concept groups. The most prominent categories that emerged were head-securing devices, isolette modifications, organized tube management, the kangaroo care system, ETT modification, and adhesives. These groups helped focus our third round of ideation, with the team breaking into groups to develop each concept further.
For our final concept, we chose to design a system of products aimed at creating a "bubble" of safety around the neonates, reducing unplanned extubations caused by external movements for weight tracking or kangaroo care. This collection of designs not only prioritizes the infant's safety but also supports parents by including a chair that facilitates the transition from the crib to the mother's arms, providing a comfortable place for parents to rest while remaining with their child in the NICU.
After grouping all of the ideas, we regrouped them four more times to see if we could identify additional patterns among the designs. This iterative process revealed patterns that were not evident in the initial round. The final affinitization resulted in the following groups: Head Attachments, Tube Modifications, Isolette Solutions, Sensors and Tech, Materials and Textures, Lower and Upper Face Attachments, Internal Mouth Attachments, and Movement Control.
Repeating the affinitization process multiple times led us to more refined concept groups. The most prominent categories that emerged were head-securing devices, isolette modifications, organized tube management, the kangaroo care system, ETT modification, and adhesives. These groups helped focus our third round of ideation, with the team breaking into groups to develop each concept further.
For our final concept, we chose to design a system of products aimed at creating a "bubble" of safety around the neonates, reducing unplanned extubations caused by external movements for weight tracking or kangaroo care. This collection of designs not only prioritizes the infant's safety but also supports parents by including a chair that facilitates the transition from the crib to the mother's arms, providing a comfortable place for parents to rest while remaining with their child in the NICU.
We established a design language to ensure that our product's aesthetics and usability align with the needs of the NICU environment. To achieve this, we explored various directions for color, materials, finishes, and form, developing a cohesive visual influence for our project’s design language.
We combined elements from historical and contemporary hospital designs while also considering future color trends. We decided on neutral tones with neo-mint as an accent color to create a modern yet calming effect.
For materials, we selected metal and mesh to ensure easy-to-clean, comfortable surfaces.
In terms of form, we drew inspiration from current hospital designs, office interiors, and contemporary artwork to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing product.
We combined elements from historical and contemporary hospital designs while also considering future color trends. We decided on neutral tones with neo-mint as an accent color to create a modern yet calming effect.
For materials, we selected metal and mesh to ensure easy-to-clean, comfortable surfaces.
In terms of form, we drew inspiration from current hospital designs, office interiors, and contemporary artwork to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing product.
In the final ideation phase, as we prepared for prototyping, we refined our designs for the isolette, ETT holder, chair, and kangaroo pouch as part of our NICU ecosystem solution. Through iterative sketching, we developed high-fidelity designs for the selected concepts.
We explored various designs for the ETT holder and finalized one that is both user-friendly for nurses and effective in securing the tube. This design allows for easy tube movement, facilitating the cleaning of the baby’s mouth and breastfeeding.
While designing the harness, we reviewed an existing product, the Zaky Zak, and identified several issues and areas for improvement. We created a list of requirements for our harness, including tube securement, adjustable tension, various material properties, and skin-to-skin contact. We further advanced the design by integrating it into the bed itself.
For the isolette, we drew inspiration from our observations of NICU beds at Children’s Hospital of Atlanta.
In developing the chair, we focused on enhancing the kangaroo care system. We aimed to incorporate more reclined and relaxed angles, secure tube organization, and ensure compatibility with other family-focused products. Its design resembles a rocking chair and also functions as a lounger for visitors.
We explored various designs for the ETT holder and finalized one that is both user-friendly for nurses and effective in securing the tube. This design allows for easy tube movement, facilitating the cleaning of the baby’s mouth and breastfeeding.
While designing the harness, we reviewed an existing product, the Zaky Zak, and identified several issues and areas for improvement. We created a list of requirements for our harness, including tube securement, adjustable tension, various material properties, and skin-to-skin contact. We further advanced the design by integrating it into the bed itself.
For the isolette, we drew inspiration from our observations of NICU beds at Children’s Hospital of Atlanta.
In developing the chair, we focused on enhancing the kangaroo care system. We aimed to incorporate more reclined and relaxed angles, secure tube organization, and ensure compatibility with other family-focused products. Its design resembles a rocking chair and also functions as a lounger for visitors.
Our research and insights led to the development of a strong design solution, which was well-received by ROO's stakeholders. Although not all products could be physically prototyped, the solution met their requirements. At the project's conclusion, ROO requested and acquired the rights to our design.
This project underscored the importance of industry connections for obtaining detailed knowledge. While it would have been beneficial to prototype all products physically, time constraints limited this. In future projects, I would streamline the ideation process to ensure the timely creation of prototypes.
