Re-thinking a classic: design agency bags award for inhaler innovation

An international jury has recognised the innovative approach that UK design consultancy, Precipice, took when tasked with re-thinking a classic medical device.

A panel of more than 200 design professionals, journalists and academics commended the design of Mundipharma’s K-haler device this week.

K-haler’s design aims to make it easier for patients to use their inhaler correctly.

Precipice worked with Mundipharma to create a design in a bid to improve long-term outcomes for patients.

K-haler secured two Platinum A’ Design Awards in the ‘Medical Devices’ and ‘Ease of Use and Universal Design’ categories.

A’ Design Awards is an annual juried design competition that honours the best designers, architects, engineers, design studios, brands and design-oriented companies worldwide.

Precipice Design uses a ‘meaning-centred design’ approach to its projects, which it says “provides a new way for companies to make sense of markets and cultures and create products that people will value more”.

Mundipharma senior commercial lead Jonathan Marshall said: “We’re delighted that the K-haler device has received two awards recognising its innovative design, developed with patients front of mind.

“Our hope is that it reduces the number of critical errors associated with inhaler device usage and therefore helps to improve long term outcomes for patients.”

Precipice Design chief design officer Miles Hawley said: “I'm delighted that a jury panel of 212 design professionals, journalists and academics have honoured the K-haler device design in two categories at the prestigious A’ Design Awards.

“Precipice partnered closely with Mundipharma marketing and R&D in a bid to deliver an innovative, holistic and meaningful design that will resonate deeply with users.

“The A’ Design awards are among the most coveted symbols of excellence in the world, and it's fantastic that K-haler's truly innovative design has been recognised.”