Vectura Fox Inhaler
Portable Nebulization treatment
The Fox inhalation system is a portable, handheld, breath-activated inhalation system that delivers nebulised liquid medication via a vibrating mesh technology. The device is in use for the treatment of adult patients with primary pulmonary hypertension.
Intuitive, robust and stable
The Fox incorporates both reusable and disposable parts. We tested various configurations to enable the patient to understand the device quickly and landed on a layering method inside the main housing. Intuitive assembly and disassembly make for easy daily post-use cleaning.
Subtle feedback
To humanise the technology, we focused on softening its appearance to make it feel more welcoming and comforting to support patients in their daily medication use. LED indicator lights are softly diffused through thin-walled plastic parts, allowing them to be invisible when the device is off, or functions are not required. We used the polypropylene mouthpiece as a light guide for providing patient feedback regarding inhalation effort compliance during use.
Building blocks
The main project constraints in the product architecture included the minimum volume capacity for the liquid medication, the vibrating mesh mechanism that turns the liquid medication into an inhalation mist and the flow channel geometry from mesh to mouth.
Understanding
Our research was conducted with potential target patients with varying conditions and demographics. ‘Probe kits’ comprising of an activity booklet and a one-time camera helped us better understand the patient’s lifestyles, needs and problems before being interviewed and conducting observational research.
Use flow
Iterative testing on user steps from assembly to use and disassembly to cleaning helped define details in device robustness, patient ergonomics, semantics, and device feedback.
Recognition
Award: Red Dot award winner 2014
Award: Medical Design Excellence Awards: Finalist 2014
