Handheld device to indicate if an asthma attack is imminent.

Detailed Description:
The intuitive design of this handheld device includes led lighting and sound to indicate if an asthma attack is imminent, allowing asthmatics to take necessary preventative measures. Xhalo is intended to measure the temperature of a patient’s exhaled breath. The patient inhales through the nose and exhales through the mouth directly into Xhalo. It has a heat sink and temperature sensor inside a thermally sealed flask.

Known drawbacks of design:
None.

Website:
http://www.x-halo.com/index.php

Designed in:
2008

Status of realization:
In production

Challenge(s):
communication, health, knowledge, population, science, social, technology

Form
X-halo’s is a patient-used, hand-hel device with an aesthetic character and emotional appeal. The form is elegantly straightforward, non-threatening and sturdy, combining confidence-building technical authority with just enough playfulness (many asthma patients are young children.) The totality is well branded and packaged. This combination of qualities is unusual for firstgeneration medical equipment. Superior quality of technical innovation is based on solid and substantial front-end design research. The elegant user interface, well-conceived interaction design based on human factors and excellent use of multi modal cues to inform the user experience. Usage is made intuitive by colour-shifting LED lighting combined with audible sounds to indicate when to start and finish blowing.

Impact
Asthma is the first respiratory condition which has been proven to be predictable using this innovation. Being able to predict this condition alone will impact the many millions who are afflicted with this condition. The Xhalo allows safe management and potentially life saving prediction. The user finds the device easy to experience and is delighted with freedom empowerment of being able to predict an asthma attack.

Context
The patient can use the device first thing in the morning, similar to the morning ritual of brushing teeth. It is recommended that it is used at the same time every day. Xhalo will give a reading predicting if an asthma attack is imminent that particular day. Since every patient's exhaled breath temperature is unique, Xhalo normalizes for each patient over time, detecting signification variations.

Other relevant information
Changes in airway inflammation during virus — induced acute asthma exacerbations are reflected in EBT changes. source: Prof.Papadopoulos, Secretary General European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Proven and/or potential effects:
"The Jury cites X-halo’s aesthetic character and emotional appeal appropriate for a patient-used, hand-held device. The form is elegantly straightforward, non-threatening and sturdy, combining confidence-building technical authority with just enough playfulness (many asthma patients are young children.)" Source: Jury citation Presidents Design Award 2009, Singapore "- Changes in airway inflammation during virus — induced acute asthma exacerbations are reflected in EBT changes." Source: Prof.Papadopoulos, Secretary General European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Is the design protected by patent or ip registration?
Patent

How has the development of the design been financed hereunto?
External investments

Is there a plan for future investments?
Yes

Is there in-house competencies to secure market roll out of the design, with regards to investment, distribution, sales, etc.?
Yes

Designed by:
Stefano Marzano + Design Team

Title/Role:
CEO & Chief Creative Director

Website:
www.philips.com/design

Professional status of designer:
CEO & Chief Creative Director Philips Design

Nationality:
Italy

City/Country of residence:
Eindhoven, The Netherlands

Name of company:
Philips Design


Manufactured/Produced/Commisioned by:
Delmedica Investments
http://www.x-halo.com/index.php