SteriLux – Affordable sterilization device for developing countries
Based on figures of the WHO, something like 1.4 million human beings at any time suffer from a potentially life-threatening infection which they have contracted in the course of medical treatment. Particularly at risk are patients in undeveloped countries and crisis regions where there is a lack of resources – equipment, clean water and energy – for sterilisation to be reliably carried out. The start-up company SteriLux is responding to this problem. The system, which was developed by scientists and designers working closely together, is technically based on an innovative sterilisation method relying on ultraviolet light and ozone. It consists of just two elements – a plastic box, in which the instruments are not only sterilised but can also be transported and stored for up to six months, and a kind of battery-powered mother station which triggers, monitors and documents the sterilisation process. In comparison with traditional sterilisation methods, SteriLux offers considerable advantages: significantly reduced energy consumption, minimal non-distilled water requirements, mobility and user-friendly operation.
Comments of the nominators
The project impresses with its straightforward semantic design, intuitive functionality and through the incorporation of highly innovative technology. The simplicity and practical usefulness of the design is thoroughly convincing, and guarantees that the system will be capable of being used even in extreme situations.
Comments of the jury
It is a truism that the success of medical operations is dependent on the use of sterile instruments. It is less well known that in some regions of the world there are considerable problems in this connection. So a group of scientists is developing a completely innovative method of sterilisation, which can be used even in difficult external circumstances. They are seeking to involve input from designers at an early stage, with a view to giving the equipment associated with the method a user-friendly form. This is a clever move, which makes a crucial contribution to the success of the project and cannot be rated too highly. Developed by the joint efforts of a team, the SteriLux system has impressed the jury right across the board, and has deserved an award from Design Prize Switzerland if for no other reason than that it helps to save human lives.
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