AORA - Family-Centered Neonatal Care

Neonatal Intensive Care Hub

AORA addresses the rising number of premature births by enabling uninterrupted parental presence in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Despite the proven benefits of WHO's "zero-separation" standards, most current NICU setups do not support close contact due to space constraints, clutter, and fragile infant conditions, leading to early and prolonged separation. AORA merges essential devices into a modular system that minimizes footprint, organizes cables, and streamlines infant handovers. By creating a unified, transport-friendly environment, AORA ensures continuous, family-centered care, fostering early bonding and improving outcomes.

JURY STATEMENT

This proposal for neonatal care equipment is very impressive indeed. It supports the highest level of neonatal care while ensuring that parents have maximum access to their newborn. This is medical care in every sense of the word.

WINNER STATEMENT

We’re beyond honoured to receive an iF DESIGN STUDENT AWARD. With AORA, we set out to help NICUs enable more closeness between parents and newborns when they are at their most fragile. This recognition affirms a project shaped by real needs, allowing medical care and parental connection to coexist. Thank you so much!

UNIVERSITY

Umeå Institute of Design

Umeå, SE

DESIGN

Niklas Andreasen

Umeå Institute of Design

Joel Sjödin

Umeå Institute of Design

Yash Saboo

Umeå Institute of Design