Introduction

In the rapidly evolving field of emergency medical care, the need for innovative solutions that can save lives is ever-present. As a designer passionate about leveraging technology to improve health outcomes, I helped develop the First.aiDot—a life-saving device that simplifies the process of performing CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).

Problem

Recognizing cardiac arrest and effectively administering CPR can be the difference between life and death. However, many bystanders hesitate to perform CPR due to lack of knowledge or fear of causing harm.

Solution

First.aiDot is an intuitive, haptic feedback device designed to guide even untrained individuals through the correct steps of CPR. This project was part of the "Nähe über Distanz" program aimed at exploring how haptic technology can improve long-distance communication—this time focusing on emergency health scenarios.

Process

• Concept and Inspiration: The inspiration for First.aiDot came from understanding the challenges and mental blocks people face when required to perform CPR. The aim was to create a tool that provides immediate confidence through guided physical feedback.

• Design and Development: The device integrates seamlessly with a user’s movements, providing physical cues through vibrations and lights that indicate where and how hard to press. Development involved extensive prototyping, testing with healthcare professionals, and iterations to ensure the design was intuitive and effective.

• Technical Implementation: First.aiDot uses a combination of sensors and actuators to guide the user. It employs a rhythmically pulsing light and synchronized vibrations to ensure that compressions are performed at the correct depth and rate.

Haptics

• Challenges: One major challenge was calibrating the haptic feedback to be both noticeable and instructive without overwhelming the user. The device had to be responsive enough to adjust feedback based on the user's actions in real-time.

• Benefits: The haptic feedback mechanism significantly reduces the intimidation factor associated with performing CPR. By providing clear, tactile instructions, First.aiDot demystifies the process, potentially increasing the likelihood of bystander-initiated CPR in emergency situations.

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