Winner | Product Design | 2023
3Fold
The research project at the ZHdK resulted in «3Fold», a foldable, surgical application instrument that enables the contact-free and rapid application of «Hylomate» in the operating theatre. «Hylomate» is a natural, biosynthetic material in the form of a pouch that prevents complications after the insertion of pacemakers. The main cause of such complications is often scar tissue surrounding the implant. «3Fold» improves ease of use, reduces the application time from five minutes to three seconds and reduces the risk of damaging the material. The project demonstrates how design can add value, generate efficiency and improve the quality of life of patients, even in technically challenging areas.
Comments of the jury
The research project is emblematic of the fact that design also has decisive potential in highly complex development processes. The designers succeeded in applying the innovative material development with the means of the origami technique. The mastery of the highly complex problem with the simplest of solutions is to be emphasised accordingly. The short time in which the research project could be developed from the academic field to market maturity is also particularly noteworthy. The project is thus a statement for the interdisciplinary integration of design in development processes and shows that design has the potential to stimulate and promote innovation in a wide variety of fields.
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