Ventilution UI Design for Respiration
Gründler

User Interface Design for Artificial Respiration

defortec developed the user interface design for controlling the highly innovative medical product Gründler Ventilution® from Gründler GmbH in Freudenstadt, Germany. This unique system stands for the active dead space reduction (ADR). These technique lowers the rebreathing of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and improves alveolar ventilation, that is significantly gentler on the lungs in intensive care units. The device is very easily connected to the existing ventilation circuit and immediately provides significant relief for the patient receiving artificial respiration.

Effective user interface design for medical devices

First, an intuitive interaction concept and an ergonomic interface layout were developed. Based on usecase observations and the team’s extensive experience, a functional yet interesting and appealing interface was created to improve communication between operator, device and the patient. The high complexity of the primary and secondary functions is nevertheless presented in a clear and easily manageable interface design. Clarity in the display of key values, perfect legibility, a clear separation of the control panels and the skilful integration of graphs combine to create an engaging and professional overall impression.

Complex processes and functions made easy to manage

Despite the limited interface dimensions, the device’s diverse and complex functions are clearly structured and visualised. This ensures that key values are clearly highlighted, undergo significant colour changes and, at the same time, display the crucial data immediately and legibly.

 

At the same time, the graphical representation of changes in key values is centrally and neatly integrated. Other elements, such as the currently compensated dead space volume, warning messages, logbook entries and patient settings, are easy to locate and logically embedded.

Development of a bespoke icon set – static and animated

As part of the overall development of the user interface design, we developed a tailor-made icon system for Gründler Medical GmbH. The clear, functional yet elegant character of the icons and pictograms reflects, in every detail, the design philosophy of this user interface. The result is a comprehensive icon library containing all the necessary icons and pictograms. Animated icons were also created to illustrate specific functions. For instance, the giraffe, with its long neck and the associated very large dead space volume, plays an important role. Its walking motion symbolises the continuous process of respiratory monitoring – in other words, the vital ‘Alive’ function of the system. A unique yet endearing idea that approaches the serious situation with a touch of humour. This was an idea from Gründler, which we in the defortec team still think is brilliant.

Integrated videos as operating instructions

To enable this complex technical system to be operated more efficiently, comprehensive animated illustrations were created to visualise the various operating procedures and assembly steps in an easy-to-understand way. These videos can be accessed directly within the interface and provide effective and efficient support to medical staff when using the Gründler Ventilution® System. An important component for the satisfactory and effective operation of this significant medical device.