Humanising "an intimidating instrument"
BMJ
Allison Barrett
A pair of redesigned obstetric forceps (pictured above) took joint first prize in the health and patient safety section of
the Royal College of Art’s annual design competition for students.
The forceps, designed by Peter D’Allesandro, who has just completed an MA in product design at the college, are made of moulded
flexible plastic and are designed to diffuse the pressure placed on the baby’s skull.
The judges said that the design "considers the needs of baby, mother, and doctor by humanising and improving an intimidating
instrument." Obstetricians, mothers, and midwives fed back their thoughts to Mr D’Allesandro during designing.
Organised by the Helen Hamlyn Research Centre at the Royal College of Art, the "Design for our Future Selves" competition
drew 89 entries. The students were instructed to create projects addressing one of independence, mobility, health, or working
life.
Other award winning projects in this year’s competition included a home pap smear test, a children’s shoe fitting aid, and
a rocking teapot for easier pouring. The other joint winner of the health and patient safety award was Sally Halls for her
redesigned incubator, the Incupod. The incubator’s heated gel mattress, which forms a pod, allows premature babies to be held
and by their parents while still receiving the care they need.
More information about the competition can be found at www.hhrc.rca.ac.uk