Playful Design Transforms Pediatric Healthcare Devices
Industrial designers are reshaping pediatric healthcare by turning medical devices into playful, interactive objects. Projects like Ringo, a sailboat-inspired IV stand from Hongik University, and the Easy GOOSE inhaler from Chinese universities, transform clinical tools into toys. Peppy, by Irish designer Keith Fitzsimons, makes cystic fibrosis therapy playful. Oneiro, by Jiumo Wang and researchers at ShanghaiTech University and Fudan University, uses a conch-shaped device to calm children before nasal endoscopy. Bubble Braille, by Shenzhen Alpha Industrial Design, reimagines gaming controllers with Braille-inspired tactile buttons for inclusive play. At Penn State, researchers developed a conductive ink that paints electrodes onto skin, allowing children to choose designs like sharks or superheroes. Open Bionics' Hero Arm offers interchangeable Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney covers for prosthetics. These innovations prioritize emotional experience alongside clinical performance, making healthcare feel less intimidating and more personal for children.
Key facts
- Ringo is a pediatric IV stand designed by Dabin Won, Hyunmin Kim, and Jaewoo Seo at Hongik University in Seoul, inspired by a sailboat.
- Easy GOOSE inhaler was developed by students from Sanming University, Hubei University of Technology, and Yanshan University.
- Peppy was designed by Irish designer Keith Fitzsimons for children with cystic fibrosis.
- Oneiro was developed by Jiumo Wang with researchers at ShanghaiTech University and the Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University.
- Bubble Braille was developed by Shenzhen Alpha Industrial Design.
- Penn State researchers created a conductive ink that can be painted onto skin as electrodes.
- Open Bionics' Hero Arm features interchangeable covers inspired by Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney.
- The article is part of designboom's PLAY chapter.
Entities
Artists
- Dabin Won
- Hyunmin Kim
- Jaewoo Seo
- Keith Fitzsimons
- Jiumo Wang
Institutions
- Hongik University
- Sanming University
- Hubei University of Technology
- Yanshan University
- ShanghaiTech University
- Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University
- Shenzhen Alpha Industrial Design
- Penn State
- Open Bionics
- designboom
Locations
- Seoul
- South Korea
- China
- Ireland
- United States