Humanizing breakthroughs

All systems from Siemens Healthineers follow the same industrial design philosophy: While the gray core represents the technical intelligence – in this case, the photon-counting technology – it is embedded in a white protective shell, which represents the human touchpoints. This means that the user does not have to interact directly with the technology. The orange layer represents Siemens Healthineers as the enabler of precision medicine in a human way.

In addition, each system has its own character, which is indicated through specific details.

In the case of photon-counting CT, the design achieves the balanced merging of the DNA of Siemens Healthineers and its CT family. Moreover, it is enriched with details that communicate uniqueness in its design. It engages customers through its premium look and feel. The user is guided by the design architecture, which at the same time appears less intimidating to the patient. The – technical – core is accentuated by the dot structure that conveys the technology to the outside in a stylized and subtle way.

NAEOTOM Alpha, the world's first photon-counting CT, received an iF Design Award in the product category “Medicine/Health”: The optimized workflow of the system allows staff to operate it intuitively. For reasons of sustainability and efficiency, the use of cross-system platform solutions such as the front cover of the gantry was essential, as was the implementation of several hygienic principles. The design connects all these aspects and creates the overarching story of a premium product with high performance while at the same time being human and welcoming.

For its product design, NAEOTOM Alpha also won a Red Dot Award: The design goal was to make it possible to experience the innovative technique visually, while giving the scanner an engaging human touch. This is achieved, for instance, by the unobtrusive use of a pixelated pattern, which renders the photon counts in stylized form. In addition, the design shows a clear focus on the smoothly opening bore. Slanted surfaces and a rigorous avoidance of superfluous corners and edges allow the device to be easy to clean. From both a technological and a design point of view, NAEOTOM Alpha is a pioneer. Aesthetically, it is an attractive blend of rectilinear and relaxed elements.