USER RESEARCH STUDIO.
HILL-ROM / WELCH ALLYN

Due to the growth of the company and its expanded product lines, the global manufacturer of medical equipment consolidated their storage and distribution warehouse from an off-site location onto their main campus while also expanding their R&D department. The design was driven by a desire to stay aesthetically coherent with the existing facility while making a modern reference to the historic factory buildings of Upstate NY, and current trends in the Healthcare industry. To support the growth of research and design, an immersive and functional test laboratory was desired for both Front Line Care and Liko R&D that simulates current user environments. The goal was to offer multiple settings to facilitate user testing and research while remaining a functional work environment. Finishes in the laboratory needed to be carefully selected in order to support the flexibility and multi-purpose use of the space. Durability and cleanability were crucial in supporting a healthcare environment with large medical equipment. Conflicting with this was the need for more residential-like finishes which have been proven through recent design trends to relieve patient stress and improve customer satisfaction.

The User Research Studio has multiple areas of simulation and remote observation which enables the innovation of Hill-Rom solutions. As you enter the lobby and waiting area, patients are greeted at a reception desk that reflects that of a hotel, but functions similarly to a nurse’s station. Patient data can be reviewed and collected here before entering the simulation areas. These areas include physical therapy, primary care, acute care and patient in-home settings which provide optimized environments for user inquiry and performance. The use of LVT flooring in the primary simulation areas provides the durability needed to support heavy equipment while also referencing residential materials that provide a sense of comfort and security. Three Liko observation rooms allow for large teams to gather and observe their products in use. The advanced viewing technology in these rooms maintain patient privacy while providing valuable feedback to the developers.

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