PURE
A stresssensitive Pressure Bandage for Bystander application
PURE embeds visual and haptic instructions into the material, shifting medical knowledge from the user to the object, redefining how emergency products support human behaviour under stress. Correct action becomes possible without prior knowledge, turning bystanders into capable helpers.
Master thesis - Individual work
Muthesius University of Fine Arts and Design
2025 - 15 Weeks
Relevance
Knife crime in Europe
Severe bleeding in public places, either through violent incidents or accidents represent an immediate, life-threatening condition in which every minute is crucial. First responding bystanders in emergencies are unprepared, untrained, and unassisted.
Current first aid tools for Untrained Bystanders
Looking at currently available tools in first aid boxes, existing first aid tools offer little or no guidance at the moment of use and require previous training
Why is haemorrhage control so difficult?
- Helping after violence is something completely different
- Stabbing trauma on the body is very complex to treat
- First Aid material must be gathered before it can be applied
Exploration
Bandage design process
To address the situation this product is used, the goal transitioned to keeping informations presented to a minimum. Therefore color, pattern, text were carefully structured and selected.
Patterns and their meanings
A well chosen pattern communicates its intention universally. Variations on gripping surface, wrapping area.
3D structure
Experimental material tests with bandage material concluded that additional structure in form of bumps can put emphasis on sections. It's crucial during bad vision and high stress situations.
Packaging design process
Exploration of unboxing experiences. The most suitable package for first aid material protects the user guide, is sterilisable, and easily opened. Tested and refined in 1:1 prototypes.
Final Design
A visual and structural system for first aid equipment. Done through simple graphics, no text, one color and an accompanying packaging.
Haptic Guidance
Felt through the fingertips, adds grip and encourages to use the product.
Haemostatic wound pad
After unpacking, destroying the vacuum seal, the pad slowly inflates with air which adds a safe amount of pressure to the wound.
"Wrap tightly"
With the correct tension the arrows flatten. This is too complex to communicate to untrained bystanders. For this user group, "wrap tightly" is all their mind can understand in the situation.
Integrated velcro
Attaching the velcro concludes the application process.
Presentation model
