Design Visions for the ICU 2034

Process

The project began with a study trip to Getinge in Solna, Stockholm, where students were introduced to the company and had the chance to examine their product lineup firsthand. Upon returning to Umeå, the students visited six different ICU wards at Umeå University Hospital in smaller groups to gain a broad understanding of current ICU environments, treatment procedures, and the aspirations of healthcare providers for the future. The gathered insights were compiled, analyzed, and shared internally and with Getinge. These findings formed the basis for creating four group constellations, each focusing on the design opportunities identified by the students.

Outcome

The project resulted in four innovative concepts exploring diverse approaches to the future of ICU environments, contexts, and product solutions:

AORA – Family-centered care in the NICU.

AORA redesigns the care environment for premature infants, their parents, and caregivers. It integrates essential devices into a modular incubator system that reduces clutter, organizes cables, and streamlines infant transfers. Its non-invasive monitoring and transport-friendly design empower earlier parent-infant bonding while supporting healthcare professionals in delivering seamless, family-centered care.

In 2020, 13.4 million premature babies were born, with rates steadily rising—12% in the U.S. from 2014 to 2022. Family-centered care, as promoted by the WHO, reduces infant mortality by 25% and improves long-term outcomes. However, healthcare professionals face challenges such as limited space, complex device arrangements, and early parent-infant separation, which hinder critical skin-to-skin contact. AORA addresses these issues with an efficient and holistic design.

MIRA – Making room for recovery.

Over time, ICUs have become dominated by machines focused on survival rather than human needs. MIRA reimagines the ICU as a space for recovery, connection, and care. A centralized hub organizes devices and cables, improving workflows for nurses while welcoming furniture fosters family participation in care. Features such as privacy, visibility, and personalization transform the ICU into a healing space that feels more like home, supporting patients in their journey back to health.

Hive – ICU care outside the hospital.

The Getinge Hive is a compact, versatile system that integrates essential ICU recovery machines into an intuitive device. Designed for use in various settings, it simplifies post-ICU care by creating a consistent experience that empowers nurses and relieves patients. Acting as a bridge between doctors, nurses, patients, and their families, it facilitates smoother transitions and improved recovery outcomes.

STEA-35 – Early sepsis assessment and mobile treatment.

STEA-35 is an innovative diagnostic and treatment device for ambulance paramedics managing sepsis patients en route to the hospital. It features a diagnostic pen and a disposable cassette with blood-cleaning technology, enabling early intervention and improving patient outcomes.