GE Design Challenge: Designing the Future of Healthcare Devices

At GE, we design and build solutions that address some of the biggest challenges across the world, from healthcare to clean drinking water. One great example of this is the Vscan—a hand-held ultrasound device that brings rapid diagnosis opportunities to doctors everywhere.

But what if this device did more? What other applications would benefit from mobile healthcare devices and software? Could this become a platform for a variety of healthcare professions in completely new situations?

Our workshop is an opportunity for GE to share the experience of designing a medical device with some of the world’s best interaction designers (you!). But, more importantly, it’s a chance for you have a direct impact on the well-being of children, mothers and people in need of medical care. Through a series of exercises, we’ll brainstorm and sketch new applications for the Vscan device while solving real-world needs. Each team will have a product engineer at their table, access to the device itself and a chance to compete for fabulous prizes.

As designers, we all look for opportunities to use our skills to improve the world we live in. We hope you’ll join us in this workshop to explore new opportunities for mobile healthcare and work hands-on with fellow interaction designers and engineers. The winning team presents their work to the rest of the Interaction12 Conference at the Opening Night Party as we award some great prizes.

In this workshop, you will:

Work in teams to design new applications for the Vscan
Engage directly with the product’s engineering team
Compete with other teams for a prize (awarded at the opening party)
Learn how to navigate the challenges of interaction design for medical devices
Stretch beyond web and mobile phone platforms to see how that experience can be used in other fields
This workshop is suited for designers, developers, and UX professionals interested in exploring new mobile and portable platforms.