AIU
AIU is a portable smart ventilator that is a compact, lightweight, and intelligent respiratory support device designed to help patients breathe when they are unable to do so effectively on their own. Unlike traditional hospital ventilators, this smart version is designed for mobility, ease of use, and real-time monitoring, making it ideal for use in emergencies, ambulances, home care, field hospitals, or remote areas.
This portable smart ventilator is a battery-powered device designed for flexible use outside traditional hospital settings. Key features include multiple ventilation modes (such as CPAP and BiPAP, as well as both invasive and non-invasive options), real-time monitoring of vital signs like respiratory rate and oxygen levels, and smart alarms that automatically adjust to meet patient needs. It often features Bluetooth or WiFi connectivity for remote control or cloud-based data sharing, along with a touchscreen or app-based interface, and pre-set programs tailored for adults, children, and infants. Built-in safety checks and emergency alerts enhance reliability in critical situations.
These ventilators are ideal for a wide range of settings. They’re essential in emergency response and ambulances, where portability and quick setup are critical. In-home and palliative care help patients with chronic respiratory conditions manage treatment safely. They also serve as vital tools in rural or field hospitals lacking full ICU infrastructure, and are well-suited for military or expedition use where mobility and durability are key.
Key Aspects & Design Solutions
Ventilators are traditionally complex medical devices meant for trained professionals in controlled environments. With AIU, the challenge was to reimagine a user interface that could:
• Be operated quickly by non-specialist users (like caregivers or paramedics).
• Offer real-time patient monitoring without overwhelming the user.
• Ensure fail-proof operation in high-stress, mobile environments (ambulances, rural hospitals).
• Enable remote access and data sharing securely via mobile or cloud.
The Visual design is centred on three principles: clarity, hierarchy, and consistency. A dark background reduced glare and kept focus on the most important vitals, while a high-contrast colour system improved legibility:
• Red for alerts and critical conditions
• Blue/Teal for active data and highlights
• White/ Grey for labels and secondary information
Typography reinforced hierarchy. Large, bold numerals emphasised key vitals such as respiratory rate and oxygen levels, while smaller, lighter text supported labels and less critical metrics
Layout decisions were made to ensure fast comprehension
• Waveforms for volume, pressure, and flow were placed centrally
• Target vs Actual values were positioned side by side for instant comparison
• Quick-action buttons were designed with large, high-contrast blocks to minimise errors
