Designing solutions for healthcare system problems - LUFT incentive spirometer: Study of case

Abstract

This paper has the goal of demonstrating the development of a design process based on the concepts of ergonomics, interdisciplinary and participatory design in order to aid the respiratory physiotherapy treatment of children with acquired and congenital visual disability. This process was conducted in a referential physiotherapy treatment center in Niterói city, Brazil. The public Brazilian healthcare system has several problems to afford medical equipment to public hospitals and physiotherapy centers. Thus, this kind of facilities is hardly accessible for the majority of population, specially failing to attend the needs of the visually disabled. Therefore, providing an affordable product truly efficient to be used in the respiratory treatment for children with visual disability was a significantly relevant goal. Through an ergonomics approach with participation of many specialists from different fields of knowledge and user-centered design concepts, it was possible to design a facilitating tool to stimulate a playful and more active attitude from the blind child patient during the treatment. The process’ development consisted of systematic observation, interview, brainstorming sessions and meetings with experts from several different disciplines such as physiotherapy, physics, engineering, psychology and industrial design. Finally, a respiratory physiotherapy equipment was designed and tested with the final user.