Downplaying its inherent medical nature to avoid the stigma often directed at assistive devices
Philips Healthcare
Lico Compressor
Despite being one of its more popular compressors, the Lico compressor was in need of a facelift. A new, more streamlined internal mechanism provided the opportunity to dramatically reduce the device’s overall footprint while updating the interface, not to mention reducing its operational noise. Compressor concepts focused on downplaying its inherent medical nature to avoid the stigma often directed at assistive devices in favor of a more subdued and elegant aesthetic. The compressor is often paired with another Humanfactors-developed Philips product, the SideStream Nebulizer.
Concept Development
Typically, a concept ideation exercise such as the exploration of this compressor results in some combination of forms and features and interface and textures pulled from a variety of the concepts presented. Unusually, the development team selected and adhered to a single design, that of a more efficient, streamlined, modern compressor.
Engineering
Each concept was based on laying out the motor in one of three different positions, none of which offered any inherent advantages, so the layout was driven by user needs and aesthetics. The new compressor motor enabled a more streamlined footprint and reduced running volumes.
Industrial Design
The relatively simple aesthetic - the cleanliness of form, the uncomplicated interface, the lack of ornament - was intended to downplay the medical nature of the device and seamlessly blend into its surroundings so that it could reside on a nightstand, a desk, the kitchen table, and avoid the scrutiny often directed at assistive products.
