Getinge’s GUIDE system gets prestigious design award
Getinge has received the prestigious IF Design Award for GUIDE – a new system for making acute care devices with different interfaces look, feel and behave the same way. Meet some members of the team behind the solution that allows clinicians to focus less on devices and more on patients.
Since its creation in 1954, the IF Design Award has moved to the position as one of the most important design prizes in the world – and Getinge’s GUIDE system was selected as one of the winners among almost 11,000 entries from 57 countries to this year’s competition.
“The award is a demonstration of the power of cross-functional cooperation,” says Viktor Sandkvist, who works with product and interaction design at Getinge. “A design that creates smoother interaction between the user, the software and all mechanical features requires a systematic approach in the entire organization, and the GUIDE development has involved a wide range of competences, from designers and product teams to our clinical experts.”
GUIDE is designed for acute care environments where clinicians are working with an increasing number of advanced devices. It is based on the assumption that if all Getinge devices used in intensive care units (ICUs) and operating rooms (ORs) look, feel and behave the same, it becomes easier for clinicians to learn how to use them.
“This may sound like a no-brainer. However, the challenge is anything but simple as each present user interface has a long legacy and is highly specialized for the particular treatment the device provides. In addition, requirements and regulations must be fulfilled,” says Mattias Rodehed, Visual Designer at Getinge.
Per-Magnus Holtmo, who works with software development, continues:
“To tackle this challenge, we created a system that is flexible in functionality while being intuitive and consistent when it comes to interaction and look. It is not a matter of removing things, but about bringing order to complexity and delivering the same rich information in a clearer way.”
The hardware and software has been designed together to create a complete toolbox with three physical touch screens (13, 15 and 18 inches) with the same internal hardware and a comprehensive user interface system with guidelines and coded components.
“Large buttons and controls reduce the risk of accidental taps on neighboring buttons. This is especially important in surroundings with multiple distractions, “Mattias says. “Visual cues help users anticipate the interaction before touching the screen, and elements with similar functions look and behave in the same way. This results in fewer surprises and a predictable and calm user experience.”
Viktor explains further:
“Clinicians in our field tests have expressed that they appreciate a consistent design that makes their job easier. Solutions reducing the cognitive load in environments where up to four devices may be used simultaneously also improve patient safety.”
The first product with the GUIDE system is currently being prepared for launch – a launch that will pave the way for a streamlined design and development process within Getinge.
“Moving forward, all our accumulated development power can be focused on refining one single system. Another big advantage is that products with GUIDE can be updated with new software generations over time if this is beneficial for the user,” Per-Magnus explains.