Unveiling Medical Design Innovations at UID25 | Design Talks & Degree Show

We are thrilled to invite you to the UID25 | Design Talks & Degree Show, where Umeå Institute of Design (UID) will showcase groundbreaking projects from our graduating students on June 3. For nine consecutive years, UID has secured the top spot on the global Red Dot Design Ranking, underscoring our leading position in design education on the international stage.

This year's projects include revolutionary medical devices, healthcare solutions, and virtual reality tools for surgical training.

Explore the project teasers already today in the UID25 | Project Gallery.

Tune in to the UID25 | Live Stream on June 3 (times below) to witness these cutting-edge projects. We also provide embargoed information on any project of interest before the event and can arrange interviews with students and industry partners. Below, you will find a selection of projects about to be unveiled at UID25, and you will find all of them here: https://www.umu.se/en/umea-ins...

June 3 – Student Project Presentations

🕐 13:00–17:00 (CET) in Umeå, Sweden

• 04:00–08:00 (PDT – Los Angeles)
• 07:00–11:00 (EDT – New York)
• 12:00–16:00 (BST – London)
• 13:00–17:00 (CEST – Stockholm, Berlin, Paris)
• 16:30–20:30 (IST – New Delhi)
• 19:00–23:00 (CST – Beijing)
• 20:00–00:00 (JST – Tokyo)
• 21:00–01:00 (AEST – Sydney)

We look forward to your participation in exploring the future of medical design.

You can also watch the show afterwards using the same link: https://www.umu.se/en/umea-ins...

Or visit the UID25 | Project Gallery for a preview already today: https://www.umu.se/en/umea-ins...

Best regards, Jens Persson Communications Officer, Umeå Institute of Design, Email: jens.persson@umu.se

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Sneak Peek: Inspirational Medical Projects from UID Graduates

Tactile XR surgical training
Rethinking input systems in XR surgical training for enhanced immersion and greater accessibility - Niklas Andreasen (MFA Advanced Product Design)

This project aims to improve surgical training using Extended Reality (XR) technology to create a more immersive and accessible learning environment. It addresses the challenges of traditional training, which often lacks hands-on experience and realism. The final concept proposes a system combining physical interaction and XR to enhance skill development, confidence, and preparedness in a controlled setting. It includes designing realistic, modular input tools and tactile environments. The goal is to unify mechanical, visual, and cognitive training layers, benefiting not only surgical education but any field requiring precision and skill. Interestingly, Logitech sees potential for future development.

Aveo
Beyond Limits: Unlocking the full potential of wellbeing by bridging modern science with ancient wisdom - Corinna Diestel (MFA Advanced Product Design)

This design concept addresses the rise in chronic illnesses and mental health disorders by exploring a holistic approach to wellbeing that combines modern science with ancient wisdom. It investigates mindfulness practices, frequency therapies, and biofeedback to make healing principles tangible and measurable. The final design concept includes tools that use biofeedback and health tracking to show the positive effects of meditation, breathwork, and journaling. It integrates elements from medicine, psychology, spirituality, and advanced technology to help individuals manage their health proactively and foster self-awareness. This approach aims to offer lasting relief from chronic conditions and improve overall wellbeing.

Safe and sustainable airway cleaning
Design solutions for the future of (pre-) hospital airway cleaning - Adrian Heymann (MFA Advanced Product Design)

This project aims to develop a next-generation, battery-powered suction unit for emergency medical services (EMS) to improve airway stabilization during critical situations like cardiac arrest. The design focuses on enhancing hardware and user experience, addressing the specific challenges faced by paramedics. The final concept rethinks the entire workflow, aiming for a seamless, integrated experience that improves deployment speed, usability, and continuity of care. It also explores ways to minimize environmental impact by reducing waste from disposable canisters. The goal is to inspire manufacturers to create a more intuitive, efficient, and user-friendly device that saves time and lives in emergencies.

Pioneering heart disease diagnostics
Accessible diagnostics for proactive heart care and failure prevention - Luisa Ebeling (MFA Advanced Product Design)

This thesis aims to improve early detection of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) by making ultrasound screenings more accessible to non-experts in places like Health Care Centers. The project uses ultrasound technology to scan the carotid arteries in the neck, detecting early signs of CVD such as plaque buildup and blood flow issues, complemented by ECG measurements. The scans take about a minute per side and are recommended once a month for proactive prevention. The ultrasound images are processed by AI software to assist healthcare professionals. This approach empowers patients to make informed lifestyle changes, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes and promoting a preventive healthcare culture.

Encouraging medical adherence
50-70% of all prescribed medication is taken inconsistently or not at all - Silvester Kössler (MFA Advanced Product Design)

This project addresses the issue of medical non-adherence, where over 50% of people in the western world don't take their medication as prescribed, leading to preventable deaths and high healthcare costs. The goal is to design a medical product for home or mobile use that helps patients with chronic illnesses adhere to their medication regimen. The product aims to be desirable and user-friendly, reducing stigma and making daily use a positive experience. By focusing on aesthetics and functionality, the project seeks to improve patient outcomes and overall wellbeing.

Hospital footwear as a service
Internalising hospital footwear procurement to improve cost, care, and environmental impact - William Roskær (BFA Industrial Design)

Nurse footwear in hospitals often lacks consistency in comfort, safety, and environmental impact because it's individually purchased rather than centrally provided. This project, involving research and collaboration with healthcare professionals, led to "Solid Care," a concept featuring recyclable hospital shoes, a user-friendly procurement service, and a strategy for circular value creation. This innovative approach aims to enhance nurse well-being, align with hospital goals, and promote sustainability in healthcare environments.

Rural pregnancy
Creating a feeling of security for expectant parents in rural areas - Johanna Nilsson (BFA Industrial Design)

This student design project addresses the challenge of providing a sense of security for expectant parents in rural northern Sweden, where hospitals are far away. The project resulted in MONI, a wireless monitoring solution that measures uterine contractions at home using EMG technology. It includes a cross-shaped electrode patch and a communication module that sends data to midwives via a digital platform, which also supports video calls. MONI aims to improve communication between parents and midwives, reduce anxiety, and ensure equitable care regardless of distance.

Event Details
What: UID25 | Design Talks & Degree Show
When: June 3–4
Where: Umeå Institute of Design, Arts Campus, Umeå University
Website: https://www.umu.se/en/umea-institute-of-design/uid25/

Media Contact:
Jens Persson, Communications Officer, Umeå Institute of Design
Email: jens.persson@umu.se
Phone: +46 736 26 35 51 (at working hours in Sweden)

Photos of the Umeå Institute of Design at Umeå University by the river Umeälven is free to use, please add "Photo: Umeå University"