Smarthaler Smart pMDI Inhaler by Jacek Mikosz is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2024 Bronze A' Design Award in Medical Devices and Medical Equipment Design Competition Category.
BronzeMedical Product· 2024
Smarthaler Smart pMDI Inhaler
by Jacek Mikosz
Client: FindAir
Bronze A' Design Award Winner in Medical Product Category
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #159899The Design
About Smarthaler Smart pMDI Inhaler
Smarthaler is a digital pMDI Inhaler, that uses real-time AI analysis and data collection to guide asthma and COPD patients toward correct inhalation technique and enhanced drug deposition. Its modular design incorporates advanced flow sensing algorithms, allowing it to operate like a standard inhaler while offering the added benefit of a reusable electronic module attached to the back of the aerosol dispenser. After each usage, it provides instant feedback on inhalation quality. This data is sent to an app for immediate sharing with doctors or care teams, facilitating better care.
The Recognition
About the Bronze A' Design Award
Smarthaler Smart pMDI Inhaler is a Bronze A' Design Award winner, a highly prestigious recognition granted to outstanding designs distinguished by creativity, ingenuity, and astuteness. Bronze winners are amply skillful and strikingly creative artifacts that authenticate the vast experience, imagination, and resourcefulness of their designers. Smarthaler Smart pMDI Inhaler is expected to be a highly regarded, admired, and cherished object that is notably professional and innovative. This Bronze A' Design Award-winning design incorporates best practices in art, science, design, and technology, and is excellent for its attention to detail. Smarthaler Smart pMDI Inhaler splendidly satisfies needs, touches desires, charms feelings, and appeals to curiosity.
Interviews
Design Interview
What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
Learning a new technique, especially one that changes behavior, takes time. It’s all about feedback and visualization. Inhalation techniques are tough to master, so the device focuses on giving immediate feedback to help users get better. The tools for process of constant improvement is at the core of what we do.
What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
Our main focus in designing this inhaler was to create a device that’s both highly functional and user-friendly. We wanted to achieve two key goals: first, to ensure the effective delivery of medication, and second, to help users develop proper inhalation techniques. By integrating an optional electronic module, we provide immediate feedback, making it easier for users to improve their technique. This dual functionality aims to enhance the overall user experience and improve health outcomes.
What are your future plans for this award winning design?
Ourplans include expanding its market presence and establishing collaborations with pharmaceutical companies. We also aim to promote inhaler training education, helping more users develop proper techniques for better health outcomes.
Behind the Design
Press Kit
Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.
- Unique Properties
- The modular smart inhaler device features a measurement system that enables real-time identification and correction of inhalation errors, enhancing the effectiveness of drug delivery without disrupting the inhalation process. Integrating a verification system directly into the actuator's design, ensures patients can more efficiently and effectively adhere to prescribed therapies while developing correct inhalation techniques habits. Information is sent to an app, where it can also be shared.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Device Dimensions: 29,7 mm x 57 mm x 93 mm
Packaging Dimension: 107 mm x 40 mm x 140 mm
Material: PP/ABS
Battery: Rechargeable
Port type: USB-C
Connection: Bluetooth Low Energy
Compatible Apps: FindAir Smarthaler (Android/iOS), FindAir Doctor Web App
Accessories:
USB Hub that enables using it without the phone
HFA Placebo Bottles
Additional Actuators - Tags
- smart inhaler, iot, medical device, modular, digital health, telemedicine, education, pMDI, inhaler, inhaler technique
- Production Technology
- The solution results from extensive user research, clinical trials, and data collection from patients and medical professionals. It represents a multidisciplinary collaboration, combining expertise from design, medical, IT, artificial intelligence, and pharmacokinetics fields. The device's electronics integration within a medical-grade plastic enclosure employs precision injection molding rigorously tested and validated through lab-based pharmacokinetic studies to ensure durability and safety.
- Design Challenge
- The primary challenge was integrating advanced technology into a design as familiar as a traditional pMDI inhaler, ensuring it was approachable yet innovative. Our objective was for users to adopt this advanced inhaler as naturally as they would their standard one, but with added functionalities for a richer experience. Developing a modular design was crucial to allow for the sustainable use of electronic components, enabling users to update or replace parts without discarding the entire device.
- Research
- Research aimed to refine pmdi inhaler experience, employing a mixed-method approach. We conducted medical experiments, and observational studies complemented by desk research to gather base data and validate it in clinical trials, and lab tests. Using custom measurement setups and digital tools, we gathered data from a diverse group of patients and healthcare professionals. The findings emphasized the need for modular, intuitive inhalers that improve user inhaler technique and treatment efficacy.
- Inspiration
- The inspiration for the device emerged from observing close relatives struggle with conventional inhalers during asthma attacks, leading to insufficient relief despite multiple inhaler usage attempts. This prompted a deeper investigation into inhalation techniques research, revealing that 83,7% of users exhibit incorrect usage, primarily due to the complex coordination required by inhalers. The sequential motion set (precise timing, strength, and duration) presents a significant challenge.
- Project Duration
- Project started May 2021 in (Kraków, Poland) and finished in December 2023 (Kraków, Poland) as part of FindAir research supported by a grant received from The National Centre for Research and Development.
- Operation Flow
- The inhaler functions like a regular inhaler but with an added feature: an electronic module that fits onto the back. This module is optional, allowing the inhaler to be used in its basic form or enhanced with digital feedback. After using the inhaler, users receive immediate feedback on how well they inhaled the medication. This information is sent directly to an app, where it can also be shared instantly with a doctor. The device serves dual purposes: delivering medication, or training tool.
- Patents
- Copyrights belong to FindAir Sp. z o.o, 2024.
Smarthaler® - Registred EUIPO trademark
EU patent filling:
EP22461546.8 – AN ACTUATOR FOR AN INHALER
EP22461592.2 – A DEVICE FOR MONITORING USE OF AN INHALER
EP3856305 – METHOD FOR MONITORING DRUG INTAKE - Team Members
- Jacek Mikosz
Michał Czyż
Tomasz Mikosz
Katarzyna Skowronek
Paweł Słapek
Michał Bobrowski
Konrad Gryboś
Szymon Walasik
Marek Nowak
Hubert Tacik
Radosław Sotwin - Image Credits
- FindAir Sp. z o.o. Internal Materials
Sponsored
Explore Beyond Designers.org
Discover products, services and opportunities from our advertising partners.
More to Explore
Related Designs
Explore more award-winning designs from the same category, selected by merit.
