In an MIT + RISD collaboration, we designed, prototyped, and patented an infant pulse oximeter design. The Pelican is a pulse oximeter device designed especially for newborns in the developing world. With Design That Matters, this project raised over $20,000 on IndieGoGo. To kickoff the project, we conducted user experience research to better understand the pain points and frustrations of our primary users.

1. USER EXPERIENCE STUDY
This quick study of the user context for the
Pelican pulse oximeter is intended to inform
the team on the different kinds of scenarios
our device will be used in.

2. WHERE DOES
OUR DEVICE LIVE?
Though the Lifebox is a
life-saving device, some
issues emerge once it is in
use. The awkward
placements of the device as
seen on the left, along with
the long sensor cord
unaccounted for in the user
experience are results we
want to avoid in our process.
We hope to learn from this
example and be more
intentional about where our
product lives and how it is
used in the context of a
low-resource NICU.

3. WHEN THE DEVICE IS CARRIED,
WHERE IS IT KEPT?

4. POSSIBLE OPTIONS
CHEST POCKET
If something as bulky as a pulse oximeter was
stored in the pocket, it could be an
obstruction when handling the baby. It is also
used for a lightweight nametag so this space
may already be in use.
LOWER POCKET
This may accommodate the device
better than a chest pocket but can lead
to staff unintentionally taking things
home. This has been an issue with
doctors and nurses we interviewed.

5. WHAT IF THERE ARE NO POCKETS?
Can we design something that is versatile in how it can be
carried? A hole built in to the end of the device so people can
hang it on a hook, connect it to a lanyard, make a wristlet with it?
What can work for people, pocket or no pocket?

6. DOES THE BASSINET/CRIB
WALL HEIGHT MATTER?
How do we choose the optimal angle at which our
device jaw parts are positioned?
If the baby’s foot is very close to the edge of the
bassinet, does that affect how our device is used?

7. Where does it go? Where does the recharge USB cord
go? Venus razors come in a case that can be attached to
bathroom walls via suction cups. Extra razors are stored
inside as well. It not only considered the single product
but how it would be used within the appropriate context.
Device storage and access within the NICU is a key
consideration we need to make. The packaging for our
device can be the storage case itself with a space for the
recharge cord to live.
WHAT DOES OUR DEVICE LOOK LIKE
WHEN NOT IN USE OR CHARGING?

8. IS THERE A SYSTEM WITHIN
THE NICU? A CENTRAL PLACE
WHERE DEVICES ARE KEPT?
In low resource settings, something like
our spot check pulse oximeter is likely to
be shared with different nurses or
doctors. How can we design an
easy-to-share device that is visible and
accessible for all?