Design Health Collab, situated in the Art, Design & Architecture department and a group of experts from the Engineering department form the core team. The Design Health Collab develops high-impact healthcare technologies, systems, and services. Their human-centred design approach aims to resolve complex challenges across the health and wellbeing industry, tailored to real-world use cases. The Engineering team has developed from the invention of a novel aerosolising technology, utilised in this device. The original inventors and their lab focus on the application of this invention. 

About the Project

Globally, over 400 million people suffer from asthma, yet the classic “blue puffer” has not seen innovation in nearly 70 years. PALM is a patient-centred solution leveraging innovative microfluidic technology to solve numerous user problems and reduce overall environmental impact. The classic puffer was never designed for the key suffering demographics of children and the elderly and contributes a significant amount to global emissions through propellants. Our reusable device provided a modular form with breath-activated medication to reduce the necessary level of coordination and fit the intended user. PALM is designed to be used for life through refills and a robust repairable housing.