CRASH CART
HOSPITAL PRODUCT REDESIGN
Crash Cart is a specialized emergency medical trolley designed for use in hospitals and clinics during critical medical interventions. It functions as a mobile storage and treatment unit, ensuring that essential medical equipment is accessible and well-organized during emergencies.
Traditional crash carts rely on disposable plastic lock systems to ensure drawer security and indicate usage. However, these systems are:
Non-sterile after initial use,
Manually intensive,
Visually inconsistent in emergency situations.
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Problem Statement
This leads to problems in sterilization tracking, workflow disruption, and inefficient replenishment after usage. There’s also a lack of visual clarity regarding which drawers have been opened and need to be reset.
What?
Hospitals rely on mobile equipment units that often vary in layout, leading to inconsistent use and potential delays during emergencies.
Why?
Clearer organization and intuitive access can reduce stress for healthcare teams and help streamline response time under pressure.
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How?
This project examines how visual clarity, modular organization, and guided structure can improve efficiency in emergency medical workflows while promoting focus and precision in critical moments.
Ideation
The project focuses on transforming the lock-and-indication mechanism into a digital and visual solution. Key ideas developed during ideation include:
LED-based drawer indicators that turn red when opened, visually marking them as “used” and in need of restocking,
A minimalist surface language inspired by modern technology and hospital standards,
Integrated accessories that are traditionally externally mounted (e.g., IV poles, defibrillator trays), improving safety and efficiency,
Ergonomic form development through sketches, moodboards, and contextual research as shown in the moodboard and development panels.
Product Design
The design features a sleek, modular structure with smooth, easy-to-clean composite surfaces, and a compact form that fits hospital environments efficiently. It includes integrated LED lighting within the drawers and embedded medical equipment that reduces external add-ons, making the cart more hygienic and user-friendly.
