VITABREATH

VitaBreath is a handheld positive air pressure 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.  Current regiment for relief shortness of breath relies heavily on pharmaceuticals. VitaBreath is a first of its kind product 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 brought this innovative product from research to market in an accelerated effort within one year. It launched in UK launch in 2015.

We started the project by observing and speaking to COPD patients in their home environment to better understand their wants and needs and went through the cards exercise to learn about their priorities for this new product design.

We then translated the in home study learning into user experience flow and personas. Our goal is to enable COPD patient to gain the confidence to live more active lives, provide discrete treatment to them and enable them have the energy they need for daily activities anywhere they go.

To avoid stigma the conventional medical device creates but still speak to the efficacy of this provide, theme boards and sketches were created exploring the theme of discrete, approachable and efficacious.

Design concepts were evolving through 2D sketching and 3D prototypes responding to internal layout and technical constraints. Frequent user testing with COPD patient at clinical settings or at home helped to gather feedback quickly and refine the design.

User Interface design evolves around the simplicity and effortless use. Single button with LED ring address all the modes device is in including device starting, therapy mode, charging mode and error etc.

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 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. 

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. Prototype showcases this removable concept.