VitaBreath is a handheld device for COPD(Chronical Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) patients suffering from activity-related shortness of breath.

Severe shortness of breath (dyspnea) is the prime symptom for 210 million people suffering from COPD globally. This chronic lung illness is the 4th leading cause of death and drives an $8.3 billion market for pharmaceutical solutions annually. VitaBreath is a first of its kind medical produc that provides relief from severe shortness of breath without relying on pharmaceuticals. The device uses ambient air and generates intermittent positive airway pressure(PAP) to provide COPD patients relief.  It enables COPD patient to gain the confidence to live more active lives without relying on pharmaceuticals. 

I'm the design lead on this project and helped to bring this innovative product from research to market in an accelerated effort with an EU launch in2015.

The design challenge in this project is to bring this product from research to market in a relatively quick time frame, while ensuring the core needs of the COPD patients are met. We started our involvement with going to COPD patients' homes to build empathy with our users

User Experience Map Creation: Transformed the learning from ethnographic research to personas and experience map.

Intitial Ideation Sketches

Quick Foam Mockups and Architecture Direction Exploration

Architecture Prototypes and Testing with Our Target Users

Engineering Integration and Refinement of the Selected Concept

Design Intent Delivery: The final design intent translated newly developed technology into appropriate form and interaction that address core COPD patients' needs identified by people-centered design research. The development of form and interaction also aligned with the design language of the Philips Home Healthcare product portfolio.

The design embraces mono-volume, controlled and softened form. Only one button on the device allows for effortless interaction. The integrated replaceable fabric strap accent enhances the portability. Technical details are minimized to achieve simplicity. 

Taking a size of 500ml water bottle and weighs about 0.5 kg, It easily fits in a handbag or a jacket pocket and ready at a moment's notice.  The portable and discrete form is designed for use both in home and on-the-go providing COPD patients the confidence to continue their active life. The rechargeable lithium ion battery provides up to three days of use and the single press button provides patients easy access to quick relief.

The replaceable mouthpiece and cap assembly enables hygienic use of the device. Tool free removal of the air intake cover allows users to wipe clean the air inlet filter easily (Photos showing are in development process prototypes).

The product was launched in UK in 2015, following by Australia and India.

VitaBreath has received Core77 Design Awards 2016 Notable Commercial Equipment Award

Core77 Design Awards 2016 Notable Commercial Equipment Award

Other Links:

Philips VitaBreath Website UK