DESIGN THINKING TO PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: CREATING AN IMPROVED HEALTHCARE POWERED AIR-PURIFYING RESPIRATOR

Abstract

An interprofessional team embarked on the design and prototyping of an improved powered air-purifying respirator for healthcare. They used 3D modeling to move their ideas from a list of key expectations to a virtual prototype. The design thinking concept of rapid prototyping and empathy interviewing ensured this design met the needs of the stakeholders who would use the product. Several significant changes in the design resulted from the rapid prototyping interviews. This process was enhanced by using a virtual reality software to allow the team to “see” the product and comment on the design integrating both VR headsets and videoconferencing for feedback and collaboration. The design project is now ready for physical prototyping and further human factors analysis.