CoMFORT ventilation mask project - Lessons learned from the field

This paper reports and discusses some key methods and findings of the inter-disciplinary design team undertaking a three year study into improving comfort for paediatric users of Non Invasive Ventilation (NIV) in the NHS. The project proposes a novel use of 3D scanning and printing technologies to offer a bespoke mask provision service. Five "lessons" are proposed and contextualised with example scenarios from the project. Key findings have shown the importance of 1. Visual communication methods 2. Involving diverse stakeholder groups 3. Getting hands on with enabling technologies 4. Designing and making test rigs 5. Going around, not stopping at obstacles We conclude that the visual and tangible methods favoured by 3D designers can help to achieve project aims in interdisciplinary projects. They can improve project outcomes by encouraging engagement with collaborators and stakeholders, as well as building up tacit knowledge of the project context, the enabling technologies and the materials. This paper also identifies opportunities for areas of related future research.