HeartMate 2 Controller
THORATEC | Abbott
USER RESEARCH | INDUSTRIAL DESIGN | CAD | CMF | USER TESTING

Thoratec, a subsidiary of Abbott, is the world's leading developer and manufacturer of mechanical circulatory support for the treatment of heart failure patients worldwide.
HeartMate 2 LVAD is a ventricular assist device (VAD) that can reverse symptoms of heart failure, improve long-term survival, provide independence and quality of life for patients.
The design of the Heartmate 2 was based on deep insights and research into user behaviour. Findings highlighted the difficulty with the current products user adoption, especially acceptance and trust when living full time with such a device. At a time of beige box design for medical products, little thought was being placed on the emotional connection of the user to the device. By elevating the quality of medical device aesthetics, we could improve patients' happiness and acceptance.
The user interface design and product form were driven by user needs and Thoratecs experience of Heart Mate 1. User testing confirmed the design direction, resulting in product acceptance, trust and pride. More importantly, patients implanted with a HeartMate 2LVAD greatly increase the chance of Long-Term survival.
These user testimonials speak for themselves:
“I saw my husband alive again”
Angie, Chris's wife and caregiver
Thoratec.com
“The technology, and the changes that i’ve made, gave me life”
Tyrone
Thoratec.com
Designed by Max whilst working at Insight Product Development.
BRAND abott.com
PHOTO Our Way Studio | Anthony Tran



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