Five projects of the Master in Product Design, carried out with Hospital Clínic Barcelona, nominated at the James Dyson Awards

This year, five projects from the Master in Product Design and Development and one Bachelor Final Project by a student of Simultaneous Studies, carried out in collaboration with Hospital Clínic Barcelona, have been nominated for the James Dyson Award. The projects seek to apply industrial design engineering to the healthcare field and contribute to improving the devices used in hospitals.

These awards recognize the work of the next generation of design engineers, highlighting innovative projects that offer viable and sustainable solutions. Designs that use intelligent but simple engineering principles and address everyday problems are particularly valued. The jury evaluates the students’ proposals, which begin with a national phase and then move on to an international level.

These are the projects by Elisava students, in collaboration with Hospital Clínic, nominated for this year’s James Dyson Award:

Numa is a motorized anti-chocking device that allows the airways to be cleared quickly and safely without medical training. It consists of a suction system and a mask. Unlike current solutions for choking, this device allows anyone to save a life without the use of force, medical training, or external assistance. Numa has a single button to activate it, which instantly provides strong suction. The mask is ergonomic and can be used with one hand, ensuring a good fit, safety, and transparency.

Authors: Malen Deniz, Albert Montalvo, Marc Piñol, Óscar Sánchez, Maria Gasulla

Aira is a wearable device that analyzes the quality of the air breathed by the person wearing it and alerts them to any particles or gases that may be harmful to their health. It aims to prevent respiratory diseases and improve daily health habits by turning invisible dangers into clear information for the user, enabling them to make informed decisions about their health. Current air analysis devices are usually large central units with generalized data or monitors that can only be used at home. Aira, therefore, provides a much more accurate and individualized solution for each user.

Authors: Sara Aramburu, Blanca Santacruz, Naira Berrueta Cancelo, Nora Atristain, Iu Rubau

An innovative urine collection container that can be adapted to any body type to improve hygiene. Recognizing that current methods for collecting urine for analysis are uncomfortable and unhygienic, the project’s authors have designed a simple, more comfortable, and cleaner device. It consists of two parts: the container in which the urine is collected, which prevents contamination of the liquid with external elements and spillage, and the upper part, which has different models that can be adapted to different body types. The entire device is made of PET plastic, which is more environmentally friendly.

Authors: Anna Serra Colomer, Virginia Falcon Gomes, Arcadi Rion, Lucas Gutiérrez Dolado

3D-printed wrist orthosis, customized using patient scanning, to improve wrist alignment in people with spasticity. It comfortably corrects posture and adapts to each body with a functional, user-centered design. Unlike traditional orthoses, it does not seek a standard solution but offers a unique product for each patient. As a result, the device not only effectively aligns the wrist, but also improves the user’s emotional experience and eliminates the feeling of wearing a clinical device, transforming it into a functional and comfortable accessory for everyday use.

Authors: Paul Avertin, Marc Sospedra, Javier Santos

Neurocom enables fluid communication with just two buttons, using light and voice, without screens. It is designed for patients with speech difficulties, often due to neurological causes, to overcome barriers and restore their communicative autonomy. The device has two methods of communication: between the patient and the device, using artificial intelligence and yes/no questions, and between the patient and an external person, via a wearable device. Seeking a simple solution, far from complex technological options such as apps or eye-tracking systems, a binary communication system has been designed that is accessible to anyone, even those with very limited mobility.

Authors: Marc Sospedra, Paul Avertin, Javier Santos

Varia is a modular hospital table that adapts to different clinical environments and offers customized configurations for storage, mobility, and accessibility. It optimizes space and provides greater comfort for patients while improving the efficiency of their care. It has a mobile base with wheels, a central column for height adjustment, and a folding table. In addition, depending on usage needs, it can be customized with other modules, such as drawers, baskets, or other storage systems. The materials are durable and lightweight, offering a hygienic and stable solution that improves comfort for patients and healthcare staff.

Author: Blanca Martínez