OVERVIEW
Designed for Mediland, this electric operating table and its wireless remote were developed to improve usability and ergonomics in the high-pressure context of surgery. The design prioritizes intuitive control and a more human-centered experience—shifting away from the cold, technical feel of traditional medical equipment.
CONCEPT & RESEARCH
Unlike most previous models, Mediland’s new generation aimed to introduce a wireless remote with an integrated display. To inform the design direction, we co-organized a research workshop with 14 surgical nurses from different hospitals.
Through in-depth interviews and task demonstrations, we uncovered critical usability issues: existing remotes were bulky, fragile, and overloaded with unclear icons and functions. Nurses found them hard to use during fast-paced surgical procedures, often requiring both hands and splitting attention.
This foundational research shaped our goal: to create a friendly, efficient, and reliable experience under pressure, by deeply understanding how nurses interact with the table during surgery.
DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
The redesign focused on softening the visual language of the operating table, replacing cold, heavy aesthetics with warmer curves and approachable forms.
For the wireless remote, I collaborated with UI designers to streamline functionality. Essential operations were prioritized and made accessible through tactile buttons, while rarely used functions were placed within a digital menu. Icons were redesigned for clarity and fast recognition. We explored multiple controller form factors, continuously testing with nurses to validate comfort and ease of use.
The final design balances clarity, responsiveness, and emotional resonance—ensuring that the tools support, rather than burden, healthcare professionals.
PROJECT INFO
— COMPANY
PILOTFISH
— CLIENT
MEDILAND
— ROLE
Lead Product Designer
— YEAR
2011
As the lead product designer, I was responsible for the design of both the operating table and the wireless remote control. I co-led a collaborative research workshop with Mediland, where we invited 14 surgical nurses to share their workflow and pain points.
These insights guided the physical redesign of the table—softening its visual language with curved edges—and informed a complete rethinking of the remote interface. I worked closely with UI designers to reorganize functions, prioritize visibility, and prototype various controller forms. Through rounds of testing and refinement, we delivered a solution that felt intuitive under pressure.
This project was recognized with the Taiwan Excellence Award 2014, highlighting its contribution to improving the user experience in medical settings.