Auckland plastics manufacturer Murray Fenton designed an easy-to-use, accurate
intravenous (IV) infusion device for use in developing countries. The device costs around $6 to produce compared with the US$2,000 high-tech versions used in first-world hospitals. With billions of IV sets used every year in the developing world, this device is saving many lives. This case study overviews the issue and aspects of the design process, including working with a client, form and function, and choosing the right materials.

Nature of Technology:

• Characteristics of Technology:
  Socio-cultural influences
• Characteristics of Technological Outcomes:
  The role of the industrial designer

Technological Knowledge:

• Functional Modelling
  Technological Practice:
• Components: Materials selection
• Outcome Development and Evaluation:
  Fitness for purpose

• TV3 News video February 2008:
  Kiwi inventor creates cost-effective
  device for IV units
• NZ Herald article January 2010:
  Export hopes for IV innovation

• Design that Matters
  designthatmatters.org
• Adept Medical Ltd
  www.adeptmedical.co.nz
• Medicine Mondiale
  www.medicinemondiale.org