Excelscope 2.0
Medical device
The Excelscope reduces workload of medical staff in developing countries by automating the analysis of blood samples. It uses a smartphone, ball-lens and algorithms to magnify and identify malaria parasites (1 μm) in blood samples. The back cover of the phone was modified to raise the camera module and accommodate the ball-lens. In front lies the blood sample on top of a 3-axes moving system, fine-tuned to achieve micro stepping of 100 μm. This enables us to take 800 field of views in 8 mm², which fulfills the WHO’s recommendation for declaring a person malaria free. This device was designed for remote areas, with a battery of 30.000 mAh.
From the point of view of availability and functionality, this solution is tailored to local needs in regions prone to malaria. Another great thing is that the designers have already created a working prototype.
WINNER STATEMENTThe Excelscope represents more than an innovative medical device. It's a statement to the world of what design can do. It's tangible, it's complex, it's concrete – and it can solve real problems for people. Design is a way to change the world, it's a way to define a better world, it's a way to radically improve people's lives. We are extremely happy and thankful to receive this award: It is wonderful to have been selected from such a great pool of impressive projects and talented people!
UNIVERSITY