STETH IO is a smartphone-powered stethoscope that captures sounds from the heart and lungs and converts them into a visual representation of sound frequencies. The hardware resides in a smartphone case that modernizes centuries old stethoscope technology into a handheld device. I collaborated with physicians, mechanical, manufacturing, and acoustic engineers while exploring different form factors, CMFs, and user experiences. Because manufacturing processes, assembly methods, part count, and part costs were considered early on, we didn’t have to compromise on the design once we started development.
Scope of work included: Form & CMF exploration, branding, ergonomic studies, user experience, design for manufacturing, and providing tool ready CAD, Launched on April 2018.
SOFT w/ AN EDGE
A soft rounded back is comfortable in your hands and pays tribute to the earlier generations of iPhones. The chamfered front gives the case the precision feel of an instrument.
Rubber over-molded front half allows the phone to be snapped into place. A thicker case design reduces how much the stethoscope sticks out from the back. The stethoscope bell is molded in with the back of the plastic case.
PURE
Full round corners. Pure geometric shapes. This form stays true to the current Apple iPhone aesthetic.
Install case by sliding the top and bottom plastic halves over the phone. A thicker case design reduces how much the stethoscope sticks out from the back. The stethoscope bell is molded in with the bottom half of the case. The two halves provide an opportunity for color or texture change.
SCULPTED
The case is kept thinner near the top of the phone and grows thicker as it nears the bottom (to accommodate the the stethoscope bell) giving it a more sculpted feel.
A metal bell is familiar as existing stethoscopes are made of metal. It also gives the case the appearance of quality. The bell is insert molded into the silicone body.
THIN EDGE
We were constrained by the thickness of the stethoscope bell. By allowing the metal bell to protrude out more and keeping the silicon part thin, it gives the entire case the appearance that it is thinner than it really is.
The metal bell wraps around the bottom of the case to the front giving the case added interest from the front. It also tells the story behind the technology of the case as sound is routed from the bell to the bottom of the phone, where the microphone is.
Both the STETH IO and TACTILE team agreed that the THIN EDGE form factor and manufacturing method was the right approach for both the customer and the STETH IO brand. Along with the thinner appearance, the protruding stethoscope is more ergonomic and provides more clearance between the back of the case and the patient. The metal stethoscope bell is familiar and gives the product a quality feel. After deciding on a form and manufacturing method, we explored different CMFs keeping in mind STETH IO’s core users: doctors, providers, and medical professionals.
CLASSIC . TRADITIONAL . FAMILIAR
PREMIUM . PRECISE . HIGH PERFORMANCE
SOPHISTICATED . PROFESSIONAL . EXPRESSIVE
