Diagnostic Device

Stroke is the second most common cause of death worldwide. In Sweden alone it costs billions of SEK yearly in addition to the personal suffering it causes. Medfield Diagnostics are currently developing a stroke detection device which will reduce the time to treatment for stroke patients, thus reducing suffering and cost. This master thesis focuses on the further development of this stroke detection device in terms of usability and expression in order for it to be used by paramedics within and outside of the ambulance.

The development of the stroke diagnostics device has been an iterative process following an industrial design engineering process. It started with a thorough background study of stroke, stroke treatment and anthropometric data. This was followed by user studies where several paramedics from different counties and other stakeholders were interviewed and observed in order to explore the needs set by the user and the environment where the device should be used. Four concepts were generated and evaluated from a use perspective by revisits to the paramedics and from a technical perspective by the staff at Medfield Diagnostics. The final concept was refined in a form study, function tested with mock-ups and visualized by a final CAD model.

The final concept is designed to work for a vast majority of the Swedish population in terms of anthropometrics. It consists of eight antennas placed on the head that are adjusted to the patient with three adjustments wheels and is constructed with consideration to the manufacturing. The product expression is that of a robust and professional medical device which reflects Medfield Diagnostics brand values. It has clearly marked interaction areas which enable an intuitive usage and the large and sturdy handle makes it easy to handle and carry. The product has been designed to work in any of the rough environments where the paramedics operate
and considerations have been taken in order to fit it into an ambulance.

The result of this thesis is an intuitive product which if implemented into ambulances has the potential to save both lives and costs for the healthcare by reducing the time to treatment for stroke patients. The thesis also works as a guideline for the design of future Medfield Diagnostics products in terms of brand expression.