Revolutionizing Hospital Furniture Design: A Story of Innovation and Functionality

Summary

In this article, we delve into the world of hospital furniture design and how one designer’s lack of expertise in numbers led him to create functional and innovative furniture pieces. From designing over bed tables with Stryker to creating a product to help with hospital demonstrations, we explore the importance of organization, ease of use, and aesthetics in hospital furniture design.

The Importance of Functionality in Hospital Furniture Design
The Need for Organization in Over Bed Tables
Designing for Ease of Use and Cleaning
The Little Blue Bucket and Rounded Corners: Aesthetic Choices for Safety
Inspired by the Elderly: Designing Chairs for Comfort and Accessibility

The Importance of Functionality in Hospital Furniture Design

As a designer with a lack of expertise in numbers, the speaker in our story advised a friend to hire an architect to read plans for them. However, this did not stop him from creating functional and innovative furniture pieces. The speaker collaborated with Stryker to design an over bed table that was not only functional but also looked good. The original design was too heavy and cumbersome, so the speaker put it on a diet and made it more practical. This experience led the speaker to notice the need for organization in over bed tables and to design a table with designated areas for different items.

The Need for Organization in Over Bed Tables

The speaker’s experience in the hospital also led him to design a product called R2D to help with demonstrations to hospitals. The product has a lever for easy use and can be shared among patients. The speaker recognized the importance of horizontal surfaces in hospital rooms for nurses to work with patients, put things on, and write notes. The little blue bucket on the side of the bed is the most important thing for nurses, but it’s often hard to find. The designer solved this problem by putting it on the table and adding a lock.

Designing for Ease of Use and Cleaning

The speaker also recognized the dangers of hospital-acquired infections and the need for better cleaning equipment. To address this issue, the speaker designed a table with larger handles and cleaning mechanisms for ease of use. The speaker also designed the product with the goal of making it easier to clean and maintain.

The Little Blue Bucket and Rounded Corners: Aesthetic Choices for Safety

In addition to functionality and ease of use, the speaker also prioritized safety in the design of hospital furniture. The aesthetic choices for the furniture were made with rounded corners to avoid injury during crisis mode. The speaker recognized the importance of safety in hospital furniture design and made it a priority in the design process.

Inspired by the Elderly: Designing Chairs for Comfort and Accessibility

Finally, the speaker’s design process was also inspired by the needs of patients. The chair design was inspired by an elderly man who had trouble sitting down at a restaurant due to his frailty. The speaker recognized the need for chairs that were not only comfortable but also accessible to all patients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hospital furniture design is an important and often overlooked aspect of healthcare. The speaker in our story recognized the need for functionality, organization, ease of use, safety, and accessibility in hospital furniture design. By prioritizing these factors, the speaker created innovative and practical furniture pieces that have the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry.