Designed for life: the art of human-centred medical innovation

DESIGNED FOR LIFE: THE ART OF HUMAN-CENTRED MEDICAL INNOVATION

Professor Sudesh Sivarasu, Division of Biomedical Engineering; Michael Awood, Chief Technical Officer; Joel Philpot, Senior Chief Officer; Johnty Oehley, PhD candidate, Division of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cape Town

Monday 26–Tuesday 27 January  5.00 pm  COURSE FEES R230; Staff and students R115

Step into the fascinating world of medical device innovation, where innovative technology meets real-life needs. This course will reveal how the human-centred approach shapes effective, meaningful healthcare solutions.

The first lecture discusses how successful devices begin with a deep understanding of people – what motivates them, what they find challenging and what truly improves their quality of life. Through accessible insights and relatable examples, participants will grasp design thinking principles and learn why the user’s voice drives every stage of innovation.

The second lecture brings theory to life via vivid case studies. Hear inspiring accounts of products created to empower the user, such as a novel wrist splint, an ultrasonic sensor attachment for canes for the blind, a 3D-printed prosthetic and an innovative sleep apnoea diagnostic and treatment device. These innovations demonstrate how thoughtful design transforms complex technology into intuitive tools.

Ideal for a broad audience, particularly those curious about innovations that can benefit them or their loved ones, these lectures provide enriching insight into the transformative power of empathetic, purposeful design.

Lecture titles

Putting people first: the journey of user-centred design
Innovations in action: real-life stories

Recommended reading

http://ebiodesign.org/gallery/

Health professionals can earn CPD points for this lecture.

TO BOOK: https://www.webtickets.co.za/performance.aspx?itemid=1575451598

Prof. Sudesh Sivarasu is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Cape Town and holds the DSTI-NRF SARChI Chair in Biomedical Engineering & Innovation. He is the Head of Biomedical Engineering Division and directs the UCT Biomedical Engineering Research Centre (BMERC), leading pioneering work in appropriate medical device innovation for Africa’s unique healthcare needs. With over 120 international publications and 69+ patents, his work bridges engineering design, clinical translation, and regulatory science. Prof. Sivarasu’s MedTech innovations have transformed healthcare access across resource-constrained settings, earning him recognition as a leading MedTech innovator and academic leader in Africa.

Jonathan Oehley is a biomedical engineer and researcher specializing in light-based medical technologies for healthcare safety. As a doctoral candidate at the University of Cape Town, he develops ultraviolet irradiation devices aimed at improving infection treatment and accelerating translational impact. With a BSc in Mechatronics (First Class Honours) and a strong track record in research innovation, he bridges engineering expertise with practical healthcare solutions. His work focuses on frugal, user-centred design and the commercialisation of technologies that address critical health challenges.

Joel Philpott is a biomedical engineer dedicated to developing innovative technologies for diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. He leads the development of the Inspyre system, which integrates medical devices and digital health tools to improve access to sleep apnea care. His work bridges engineering, clinical collaboration, and entrepreneurship to create solutions with real-world health impact.

Michael Awood is a healthcare strategist with over a decade of experience across value-based healthcare, strategic risk, and assistive technologies. As Chief Technical Officer at UCT MedTech, he leads collaborations developing frugal, high-impact medical devices and digital health systems. A qualified Occupational Therapist and MBA graduate, he bridges clinical insight with business acumen to drive scalable innovation. His work focuses on inclusive, user-centred design and the commercialisation of socially impactful technologies.