IDC Designs Low Cost AED Trainer
Extensive market and user research by IDC product designers combined with lean manufacturing techniques to create a much more user friendly, robust and durable XFT AED Trainer with an equally friendly price tag.
The XFT AED Trainer follows the recent launch of the XFT CPR Assistant, the first product to couple spoken life-saving instructions with a cleverly sculpted head and neck support for optimum CPR positioning. Both product designs were completed by IDC, who has recently opened an office in China. Tasked by Chinese company XFT Shenzhen Xunfengtong, IDC has been focusing on developing a family of products for export that meet international standards and competition, with a clear brand identity.
Managing director of IDC, Stephen Knowles, explains, “The AED Trainer was all about redesigning a product to make it a very affordable, quality alternative to existing higher cost options in the U.S. market. We had to start by listening hard to U.S. customers for feedback on the current product and its competitors. Finding solutions to the issues raised fed the design concept and changes. Only then could we examine the way the product was being made and look at reducing its cost.”
The team of in-house designers, engineers and model makers worked together to redesign the product and project manage manufacture within a three month timeframe. Following intensive concept and market research, a new remote control was designed by product developers to allow a greater range of choices, clear programming and longevity. The redesign also acknowledges software upgrades to work alongside changes to First Aid guidelines, as well as a bilingual button to choose another language.
“To make any product competitively low cost, we look at the parts and manufacturing. Our project managers introduced a lean tooling process that cut manufacture costs without compromising on standards. The result is a product with the look, feel and usability of a high end Western competitor, for a great deal less,” concluded Knowles.
As with the XFT CPR Assistant, the AED is voice-activated with a simple user interface including a button which simulates shock delivery. The trainer can programme the AED voice prompt to talk a trainee through a choice of ten different scenarios in which the heart might be restarted, simulating a shockable and non-shockable heart rhythm. The AED also analyses the heart rhythm when pads are attached to an adult or child patient, and is complete with audio output for training purposes.
For further information, please contact Stephen Knowles at IDC on 01753 590922 or stephen.knowles@idc.uk.com.
