Multimedia terminal at the patient bedside

Three questions to the project team

What was the particular challenge of the project from a UX point of view?
The main UX challenge was designing for patients under extreme conditions: users who are often tired, in pain, cognitively limited, or unfamiliar with digital systems. The interface had to support users with visual, motor, and language limitations. To better address especially older users, we deliberately extended interaction flows in order to simplify them. By breaking down tasks into clear, guided steps, we were able to lead patients through processes step by step without overwhelming them. This shift from efficiency-driven to clarity-driven design.

What was your personal highlight in the development process? Was there an aha!-moment, was there a low point?
Our biggest aha! moment was discovering how different user behavior can be from what users say. Especially digitally experienced users told us they wanted direct access to many functions and familiar smartphone patterns. In usability tests, however, they consistently preferred simpler, more guided experiences that reduced complexity and provided orientation. A challenging moment was finding the right visual design. We initially assumed stronger use of color would help users distinguish functions and apps. Testing showed the opposite: users valued calmness, clarity, and consistency far more than visual differentiation.

Where do you see yourself and the project in the next five years?
In the next five years, we see the HiMed Cockpit evolving into a standard platform for patient-centered interaction in hospitals, further integrating digital services and supporting personalized care journeys. Beyond healthcare, the project demonstrates a broader design principle: when systems are designed for people under stress, uncertainty, or limited digital confidence, they become better for everyone. We believe this mindset will increasingly influence how digital products are designed across a wide range of domains.