IDC’s User-focused Design Delivers New Mobile Muscle Recovery Device

International product design and development company, IDC (Industrial Design Consultancy), has worked with Chinese medical manufacturer, XFT, to introduce an sEMG (Static and Dynamic Surface Electromyography) muscle stimulation device with rehabilitation programmes based on multimedia biofeedback using an iPad. This means that patients can now be motivated to do muscle recovery exercises using a Functional Electrical Stimulator (FES) with interactive iPad games to make the process more fun and enjoyable. Designing a new device like this presented demanding design challenges, but IDC’s engineering and industrial design teams produced highly creative solutions to overcome design issues.

As well as understanding the patients’ needs for a more motivating therapy device, IDC was keen to explore how doctors and nurses would be using the device. Through a programme of in-depth research, it became clear that existing products were immobile and cumbersome, and were a hindrance to medical staff who needed to remain at hand to monitor settings and patient progress. The team identified a need for a mobile control solution which would free up the time of medical staff.

Focusing on usability, IDC’s team developed concepts around an iPad – with its benefits of mobility, simple user interface, technology for apps, and being small and compact. XFT’s previous models had been trolley-based with a computer used to control the muscle stimulation device. By moving to a solution based on an iPad, IDC saw an opportunity to integrate the FES controls into an app, with the option of detaching the iPad to enable remote monitoring and control by medical staff. The detachable iPad also provided the perfect platform for interactive games and entertainment for patients during rehabilitation.

In designing a solution around the iPad, IDC’s industrial designers were challenged to develop a hard casing that was robust enough to endure a tough, multi-user medical environment, while being secure when mounted, and easy to detach. The iPad took a prominent position on top of the new sEMG unit, as the main user interface to the device.

IDC’s design team devised a unique hinge in the casing which allowed the user to adjust the iPad angle single-handedly for the best position during use, when mounted in the unit. This was a major design challenge, since the weight of the iPad meant that it was top-heavy, so required a mechanical solution to overcome the imbalance. A hidden magnetic clasp ensured that the iPad was securely fastened and delivered aesthetic value, with a high quality feel. The team also integrated a charging point into the casing, so when the iPad was mounted in the unit it would automatically recharge.

IDC ensured that the look and feel of the device was simple and modern with a high quality finish. Supporting the aim for simple, clean lines, only two basic function buttons were left on the main unit and all other control was made through the iPad. This meant that the size of the product could be dramatically reduced while providing a solution for mobility.

YiFei Dai, managing director of IDC China commented, “We’re delighted to have transformed XFT’s sEMG product. By focusing on usability and simplicity, we have developed a product of the utmost quality which will bring numerous benefits to medical staff, at the same time as making the rehabilitation process more enjoyable for patients.”