Mindray Biomedical

Role: Lead Industrial Design, Research, DFM

Background

The mid-tier segment for anesthesia delivery was a mature market dominated by a few successful companies.  They leveraged strong brand equity in healthcare and a large installed base to control the overwhelming majority of the market.

The Challenge

For Mindray the challenge was this… With patient safety on the line, how to convince clinicians and administrators to consider alternatives to what is tried and true.

The answer was a keen focus on user experience, simplicity, fundamental ergonomics and a clean, robust design that makes the kind of first impression that warrants a second look.

Research

Although the A5 was Mindray North America’s first in-house designed machine, the company had years of experience in the market.  Significant institutional knowledge was brought to bear in developing product requirements.  This was supplemented by observational research conducted at two sites and involving procedures ranging from hip replacements to gunshot wounds.

Research Findings:

• Even in large OR’s an anesthesiologist's space is limited

• Must accommodate a user who may be seated or standing   

• Storage is critical - immediate access to equipment and drugs saves time and reduces stress

• A large workspace is critical for the clean organization of tools and drugs

• Clutter is a persistent problem

Strategic Marketing Requests

• Large work surface

• Central Brake for Casters

• Blind operation for O2 Flush button

Measuring Success

As proud as we were to win an IDEA bronze what really mattered was the increase in sales Mindray experienced with the A5.  The A5 replaced Mindray's troubled AS3000 and in its first two years increased unit sales by 87%.