INSIGHT | DESIGN
Sittris: Healthcare Furniture System
Client
Keilhauer Furniture
Scope of Work
- Research
- Literature Review
- Ethnographic Research
- Customer Journey Map
- Interviews
- Survey
- Report with Recommendations
- Materials Research
- 3D Design
- 2D Design
- Prototypes
- Production Management
- Marketing Brochure
- Art Direction of Photography
- Infographics
- Sales Presentations
Life-cycle analysis and systemic thinking
Sittris is an innovative and award-winning multi-component healthcare seating system designed to maximize infection control and improve worker health and safety while providing patients with comfort and dignity in their various hospital interactions. The patented silicone first-contact surfaces that prevent microbial growth without toxic off-gassing are the result of extensive evidence-based research and direct collaboration with international manufacturing and materials experts.
Healthcare furniture must meet rigorous and exacting standards. Whole life-cycle analysis and systemic thinking underpinned the entire project. Strict verification and validation methods were incorporated to mitigate risk throughout. The field replaceable components we created acknowledge the 24/7 nature of heavy use and institutional maintenance requirements; 75 different chairs in the series can be built from 19 interchangeable parts with universal fastenings.
For Sittris, we identified unmet needs in existing hospital furniture and introduced an intense evidence-based development approach to the problem. Using observation, interviews, and testing, we established new benchmarks for product design. We applied detailed engineering and production skills to create a fully integrated solution that addresses the key issues in healthcare environments today: infection control, worker health and safety, patient diversity, bariatrics and budget constraints.
Research-driven design
Our solution provides improved treatment access and reduction of skin deterioration in long-term seating situations while considering altered cleaning protocols in a post-SARS world. Deep empathic research revealed an underserved population of bariatric patients and prompted the first ergonomically accurate seating solution for this group.
Among the many awards and accolades, Sittris was recognized by the prestigious Nightingale Prize for Healthcare Innovation.
© KerrSmith Design 2023
KerrSmith Design
550 Queen St. East, Unit 335
Toronto, ON M5A 1V2
416-703-5377