Midcare
MidCare is a handheld medical laser used to reduce pain, inflammation and promote healing. The treatment is non-invasive, as the laser is applied exclusively to the surface of the skin.
Irradia had previously only offered advanced and powerful medical lasers for clinics, to be used by professionals. But they saw an opportunity in creating a handheld consumer laser. Irradia asked us to design a easy-to-use, ergonomic and consumer friendly handheld laser with an unobtrusive appearance.
Midcare is easy to understand and use thanks to its simple interface: the laser is activated when the front is pressed against the skin, whereupon the front ring lights up as feedback. The concave grip is comfortable, and the angled front provides good reach and a natural direction.
The design of MidCare expresses reduction in a perfect shape that is as comfortable to hold as it is functional.
Design process
We explored a wide range of ideas for the shape of MidCare. It had to be comfortable to hold and provide good reach when treating different parts of the body.
Combining sketches with physical clay mockups we were able to find the right grip, aesthetical expression and function. Using 3D-printed prototypes we could do quick iterations and evaluate the ergonomic aspects.
With the shape of the outside defined, we set out to design the insides; supports for PCBs, movable parts, battery compartment and other structural features. In close collaboration with the manufacturer we then optimized the design for the different manufacturing processes and delivered the final drawings.
