Neoforma created the industrial design for TUG, the Aethon flagship product designed for automated hospital delivery.
After many years using third party retrofitted carts, Aethon asked Neoforma Design to create a custom cart as part of the TUG product line. We began by reiterating company values and by understanding user insights such as safety, efficiency, and improved patient outcomes. Commercialization of robotics has proven to be one of the most challenging objectives. Because the design evokes values unique to Aethon and addresses the needs of users, this helped lead to divergent thinking and ultimately acceptance at the consumer level. The design language reflects dependability through geometry. This reinforces the brand message and differentiates the product within the market improving loyalty. In addition, requirements included maintenance, security, and working with the existing engineering framework and sensor array. We were able to minimize material by eliminating drawer handles completely, increasing manufacturing efficiencies and security.
As a natural evolution, the design language was extended to other uses across the company's product line. Today, the visual design of the TUG has become undeniably linked to Aethon's identity.
We partnered with FSG Design who provided the extraordinary mechanical design. I've always been impressed with their ability to help integrate the engineering and design during the design process. Thank you Frank Glogowski for a fantastic job. ( fsgdesign.com )
Disciplines practiced:
• understanding values & user needs
• industrial design language
• interface design
• user testing