Decibel
May 2024
Overview
Client:
Brief
Through a collaboration with the Harron Lung Center, our team was tasked to address communication challenges for patients using non-invasive ventilation (NIV) devices, such as CPAP and BiPAP masks. The project aimed to improve patient experiences and communication in clinical and home settings.
Identified Problem
Observations and interviews revealed that ventilator noise, mask discomfort, and weak respiratory muscles made communication difficult. Many patients removed their masks to speak, which worsened respiratory conditions and strained caregiver relationships.
Solution
The team developed Decibel, a wireless communication system integrated into NIV masks, featuring microphones and speakers to amplify patient voices and reduce background noise. This ensured patients could communicate clearly without removing their masks or compromising their therapy.
Outcome
The system reduced unnecessary intubations by 40% and improved patient satisfaction, communication clarity, and therapy adherence. It was well-received by clinicians and patients alike.
Timeline:
Role:
Tools:
Team:
Solution
Product Overview
but how did we get here?
But how did we get here?
Discover
Our Research
My Research
- 200+ interviews with patients, clinicians, and health tech innovators
- 12 observations in homes and hospital settings
- 4 empathy exercises, wearing NIV masks to experience patient discomfort
- 1 conference, Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA), a leading event showcasing emerging assistive technologies which allowed us to:
- Network with innovators in assistive tech to explore solutions for augmenting patient communication.
- Gain insights into existing technologies and how they can inform our design.
- Understand the industry’s focus on user-friendly and scalable solutions for diverse accessibility needs.
We found that...
What I Found
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Define
But why?
So How Might we...
Design Requirements
Develop
Ideating
Drawing inspiration from military communication systems, assistive devices, and underwater communication technologies, we began brainstorming solutions. We generated multiple concepts, exploring different ways to improve communication for patients while keeping the design intuitive and non-invasive. Our brainstorming sessions resulted in three key concepts:
Design Feedback
When we pitched these 3 concepts to users, we found that they strongly preferred the 2nd design.
Prototyping
We had 6 stages of prototyping, from testing the feasibility of the product to the shape and feel of the product.
Deliver
Testing
We conducted extensive usability testing with both patients and healthcare providers to validate the system. During initial trials, we found that elderly patients struggled with using the smartphone app, leading us to simplify the interface and scale back its role. The dual battery system performed well, providing continuous operation, and the microphone was well-received for its ability to capture clear speech despite ventilator noise
User Feedback
Following user feedback, we refined the microphone’s attachment mechanism, improved the speaker’s clarity, and further optimized the wireless charging system to enhance the product's usability. Additionally, we introduced waterproofing in the later iterations to ensure the product could be easily cleaned and maintained in hospital settings.
Final Iteration
The final product successfully enhanced communication for CPAP and BiPAP users without interfering with their respiratory therapy. It was well-received by patients and caregivers alike, significantly improving communication clarity and contributing to better patient outcomes. The product was also highly rated for its comfort, portability, and hygiene compliance, making it ideal for both home and hospital use.
