Multifaceted & fascinating: The many areas of medical technology

Germany is considered to be one of the most important locations for medical technology. As a result, it has developed into an interesting branch for engineers and industrial designers. Medical technology design combines technical know-how and design expertise with the practical and specialist knowledge of doctors and nursing staff. The aim of this discipline is to improve diagnostics, therapy and care in order to significantly improve the quality of life and rehabilitation of each patient. The areas of medical technology are numerous in this respect and are divided into a wide variety of industries and specialist areas.

The areas of medical technology include imaging diagnostics, health informatics, bionics, hospital technology, laboratory technology, the production of medical devices, medical informatics, optometry, medical physics, orthopedic technology, rescue engineering and so-called tissue engineering. Consequently, a wide range of areas of medical technology becomes apparent, which makes the industry interesting for many employees, in particular due to its variety. In the following, we want to give you an understanding of various areas of medical technology and show you what opportunities will open up in the future and what challenges designers and engineers are constantly encountering.

So-called “imaging diagnostics” is a key area of ​​medical technology. This basically means procedures that depict the inside of the body either completely or partially. This way, imaging processes help doctors to diagnose a disease precisely. The great advantage of diagnostic imaging is that it is non-invasive. This means that neither incisions in the skin nor the insertion of specific instruments are necessary. Examples of imaging methods are simple X-rays, computed tomography, ultrasound examinations or magnetic resonance imaging (MRT). In the field of medical technology, one is particularly concerned with constantly improving existing technology. On the one hand, this refers to the optimization of ergonomics and usability, i.e. better handling of the equipment, and on the other hand to the minimization of risks. The UX in medical technology, i.e. the user experience in terms of the user-friendliness of the end devices, is also being continuously improved. However, the development in the field of medical technology goes even further. There are already various AI-based software programs that support radiologists in MRI examinations and thus relieve them of routine activities. The software programs precisely indicate any deviations from the norm in certain body regions, which point the radiologist to specific areas. This enormously increases the efficiency and quality of the examination and offers the possibility of being able to offer MRI appointments more quickly.

"Laboratory technology" is another area of ​​medical technology. In the fields of medicine, chemistry and pharmacy, there are increased qualitative requirements for the working environment. The respective laboratories must pay particular attention to hygiene, safety and cleanliness. In the field of medical technology, laboratory technology design deals with the question of how to meet these high requirements. Ideal laboratory conditions are created through the interplay of high-quality equipment and well-founded design and conception of the laboratory technology. In addition to user-friendly labeling, the graphic user interface design is particularly important in order to ensure an effective and secure workflow. In the field of medical technology, it is common practice to incorporate user observations into the development process. The best possible conditions are created through the interaction of observation and the integration of new solutions.

So-called "tissue engineering" represents an area that seems almost revolutionary and futuristic. With this new technology, the artificial cultivation and construction of tissue is possible. In the future, the idea is to either completely replace or reconstruct diseased tissue in a patient. Tissue engineering can already heal damaged cartilage and other structures, such as a heart valve. But the visions in this area of ​​medical technology go much further. The goal of tissue engineering is the construction of complete organs such as a new liver or kidney. This development would eliminate major problems like lack of organ transplants. Even if the production of artificial organs seemed unthinkable for a long time, bioprinting has created new possibilities here. This allows aqueous solutions with different cells and blood vessels to be printed. Human use may still be a long way off, after all, various studies are still needed. In the field of medical technology, however, tissue engineering already represents a promising technology of the future, which is constantly being advanced.

The various areas of medical technology are multifaceted and bursting with ingenuity and innovative strength. It is not without reason that medical technology has been in first place in terms of patent applications for years. The various areas of medical technology have become increasingly important over the past few decades. The age of the population is constantly increasing and with it the challenges for the local health systems. Not least because of the necessity and the enormous diversity, medical technology has developed into an interesting future perspective for students and trainees. The prospects here are indeed rosy, as many medical technology companies are reporting vacancies.

If you have any further questions about the areas of medical technology or our work in product design in Hamburg, please feel free to contact us at any time. We are looking forward to your message.