Ideas from caregivers
Researchers also consulted ergonomists, physical therapists, gerontologists and more than 70 healthcare designers. A partnership was established with Continuum, a Boston-based product and brand design firm, to provide industrial design vision and refinement. These professionals participated throughout the development of Nala prototypes.
![Profile view of a copper-coloured Nala Patient Chair and ottoman. Profile view of a copper-coloured Nala Patient Chair and ottoman.](/content/dam/hmicom/page_assets/products/nala_patient_chair/uw_prd_dgn_nala_patient_chair_01.jpg.rendition.480.480.jpg)
![Overhead view of a mustard-coloured Nala Patient Chair. Overhead view of a mustard-coloured Nala Patient Chair.](/content/dam/hmicom/page_assets/products/nala_patient_chair/it_prd_dgn_nala_patient_chair_01.jpg.rendition.480.480.jpg)
The design objective was to address both patient and caregiver needs. Continuum put it this way: “We wanted Nala not only to feel comfortable physically for patients, but also to be comfortable in an emotional sense. For caregivers, we felt a patient chair should not add complexity to their work. They are rushed and overworked, so they can’t stop to think through the features of a chair.”