Hamilton Medical, a leading brand in respiratory ventilators and medical devices, collaborated with RKS to develop a new category of mobile ventilators that are optimized for first responders. The challenge was to incorporate the mission-critical features found on full-sized, static ventilators and repackage them into a portable unit that can be transported to the place of need, such as the scene of an accident or natural disaster. These highly mobile respiratory instruments had to be optimized for transport, often for harsh, rugged environments. The final physical design and user interface had to be caregiver-centric and include the vital, life-saving components to optimize the patient's outcome. To make the biggest impact on caregivers and patients alike, the product would have to be ergonomically refined, intuitive, and affordable.
Our approach to the design and development of the Hamilton T1 mobile ventilator involved delving into Hamilton's technology while maintaining the flexibility to explore different usability and human factors configurations. We conducted interviews with clinicians, respiratory therapists, and doctors, gaining valuable insights into their needs and preferences regarding controls, connections, and overall usability. Addressing key pain points, such as accessibility, visibility, and robustness, became paramount. Designing holistically, we incorporated aesthetics, exceptional ergonomics, and intuitive controls, ensuring that users can navigate the ventilator seamlessly, even in high-pressure emergency situations.
We embarked on a comprehensive research journey, immersing ourselves in hospitals across Europe and the US, engaging with emergency rescue teams, transport professionals, and medical experts. This allowed us to gather diverse perspectives and understand the complex requirements of designing a versatile platform that encompasses transport ventilator, ICU ventilator, and MRI-compatible ventilator functionalities. The Hamilton T1 Ventilator was a result of extensive research and collaboration with Hamilton.
The Hamilton T1s high level of capability, combined with user-centric design and cutting-edge technology, enables its use in diverse medical settings. From user testimonials to industry recommendations, the Hamilton T1 Ventilator exemplifies the pinnacle of medical technology, delivering unmatched performance required in critical care settings. Our team's focus on reinventing the user experience and ensuring robustness has led to a product that exceeds expectations.
One of the key attributes that differentiates the Hamilton T1 is its unparalleled level of functionality, usability, and robustness. Through meticulous design decisions, such as the integration of soft-touch rubber bumpers and well-thought-out connection points, we have created a ventilator that sets a new benchmark. The T1 strikes the perfect balance between a transport ventilator and an ICU or in-hospital ventilator, offering a comprehensive range of vital functions in a mobile package.
