Technology meets empathy. How we built the column doctors actually asked for.
For years, the market for ceiling supply units has been stagnant. Manufacturers competed on technical specs – like the number of gas outlets or arm load capacity – while sidelining ergonomics and workflow comfort. Inmed, a leader in medical supply systems, decided to change that. They approached 2s.design with an open yet ambitious brief: let’s create a new category of medical columns together. Our goal was clear: maximum usability, zero unnecessary elements.
The final design of the LISSAclassic ceiling column.
Our proprietary process: Technology meets empathy
Complex challenges require a holistic approach. Before the first sketch was drawn, we conducted thorough research.
Technical analysis: The Inmed team provided us with hard data – safety standards, load capacities, and material specifications.
User analysis: We went directly to the operating suite. We spoke with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and scrub nurses, asking about their daily pain points.
This dual-track analysis became the foundation of our proprietary methodology. We worked in iterative cycles: drafting a concept, verifying it with medical staff, and then returning to design. As a result, every detail – from the shelf layout to cable management – stems from real needs, not just engineering assumptions.
Test prototype of the medical ceiling column.
* Prototyping
At 2s.design, we operate an extensive in-house 3D printing facility that allows for the immediate verification of product geometry and functionality.
This capability enables us to rapidly adapt and optimize our designs, ensuring we deliver the highest quality results.
The first breakthrough came when we realized that ‘more’ does not mean ‘better.’ The medical staff complained about overloaded service columns that were difficult to operate and clean. It reached a point of absurdity where broken equipment was kept on the columns just to fill the excess space.
We decided to buck the trend. Instead of adding more outlets, we focused on hygiene and ergonomics. We altered the column’s proportions, reduced its profile, and improved maneuverability. We also designed an innovative rotating shelf system that provides immediate access to tools. We tested the functionality of this solution on a CNC prototype, developed in close collaboration with the engineers.
Design that understands the human element
In the LISSAClassic project, we included a nod to the human nature of its users: an integrated interface featuring a radio and clock. While official regulations often prohibit bringing in personal audio equipment, the reality is different – music helps surgical teams focus and reduce stress. Rather than fighting these habits, we decided to legitimize them, banking on the hope that regulations will soon catch up with the real needs of the operating room.
The 2s.design studio specializes in industrial design, introducing an innovative approach to transforming ideas into reality.
The invisible revolution: The hygienic pocket
The real game changer turned out to be a seemingly simple solution: a system for concealing gas and electrical outlets within an integrated body pocket.
In standard columns, the tangle of cables and protruding sockets is a nightmare for cleaning crews, who have only minutes to disinfect the room between procedures. Our pocket eliminates this problem. A single motion is all it takes to hide critical components behind a smooth surface. This not only saves time but, above all, tangibly increases sanitary safety and provides relief for the staff responsible for cleanliness.
The Result: A new standard in medicine
The premiere of LISSAClassic at the Salmed 2024 trade fair in Poznań proved that the market had been waiting for this change. Specialists appreciated the modularity, the stability provided by advanced brakes, and the 340° arm rotation, which guarantees flexibility in any operating room.
The story of this project proves that innovation in medicine doesn’t always have to mean digitizing everything. Sometimes, the greatest innovation is simply listening closely to the user. For Inmed, this marks a redefinition of market standards. For us, it is confirmation that a well-executed design process can genuinely transform the quality of work for those who save lives.