ram redesigns iconic ophthalmoscope and otoscope for Welch Allyn
ram designed the Welch Allyn® PanOptic™ Plus Ophthalmoscope, the Welch Allyn MacroView® Plus Otoscope and new Power Handle for Hillrom (now Baxter).
ram was given the amazing opportunity to redesign these iconic instruments, which have the potential to impact more lives than anything we have worked on to date. Examining the structure of the eyes and ears is a critical part of the physical exam that often leads to early diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Welch Allyn invented the direct illuminating ophthalmoscope in 1915 and it along with its companion otoscope can be found in almost every exam room in the world. The classic Welch Allyn Diagnostic Set consists of an ophthalmoscope and otoscope with interchangeable handles that provide power. These are the devices your doctor looks in your eyes and ears with during physical exams.
One of the most important aspects of the new silhouettes was to make the heads and handles flow seamlessly together visually while providing a grip-able area at the intersection of the head and handle. User centered research revealed that many elite users such as Ear Nose and Throat Practitioners held these tools differently than general practitioners. They wanted a precision grip detail at this intersection, which led us to this being a knurled ring. The knurl is a tribute to the classic 3.5V Nickel-Cadmium Power Handle. These are precision instruments and the detailing needed a jewel like quality, high level fit and finish with authentic materials. The final production units deliver just that, plus they are packed with innovative new features.
The Welch Allyn® PanOptic™ Plus Ophthalmoscope and the Welch Allyn MacroView® Plus Otoscope are revolutionary tools that provide larger, brighter views making exams faster, more efficient and accurate. The new ophthalmoscope has a 20x larger viewing area than a standard ophthalmoscope and the new otoscope has 8x brighter viewing when paired with the LumiView™ Clear Single-Use Ear Specula.
These are the products for which Welch Allyn was founded upon and are often considered the “crown jewels” of their brand. When you are given the keys to something of this importance, you treat it with absolute reverence; creating timeless aesthetics is something ram is especially suited for and takes pride in providing. Welch Allyn is an important part of our region of New York State and being trusted with the flagship product of the brand is a real honor.
“I have wanted to work on this particular product ever since moving to this area over 20 years ago and learning the history of the company. It was a privilege to design a product with such a lasting legacy to a place I hold so dear. ”
This was a challenging project for many reasons. Number One: you are dealing with an iconic product with a long history and paying homage to its legacy is important; however, it cannot limit the design. The product line has a serious projected lifespan that must still look relevant 25 years from now. Additionally, each new design needed to be backwards-compatible to the full catalog of existing Welch Allyn power sources; which is no easy task. ram worked directly with Welch Allyn’s extremely talented marketing, design and engineering teams to make this all happen and the final executions of the designs are flawless.
These products also have the ability to switch from analog to digital with the iExaminer® SmartBracket™ accessory that allows you to attach a mobile phone. When paired with the iExaminer Pro App, it creates a pathway to machine learning to help improve early detection of certain diseases.
ram also contributed to the design of the new universal desk charger which can accommodate the Diagnostic Set along with a variety of legacy Welch Allyn Power Handles.
The detailing of the parting line and the slide-in window of the 3.5v LED Otoscope version came out exceptionally refined.
Skaneateles Lake, NY is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The home of Welch Allyn and this vintage Century Resorter!