A handheld ultrasound device created by Adelaide-based company Signostics has won two major gongs at the 2010 Australian International Design Awards.
Presented by Standards Australia at a gala dinner in Sydney on Friday night, the Australian International Design Awards is the country's premier product design assessment program recognising design and innovation excellence. The pocket-sized Signos portable ultrasound system won a Design Award in the Medical and Scientific category before being honoured with the prestigious Powerhouse Museum Design Award, which is chosen from all finalists across all categories.
Judged by the museum, independent of other award judges, the Powerhouse Museum Design Award recognises one product each year that has the potential to become important in the lives of Australians. The Signos was also selected for its potential to boost healthcare in the global marketplace.
Signostics Chief Operating Officer Stewart Bartlett said the two awards were a terrific endorsement for the product.
"These awards recognise the enormous amount of research and development we have invested in the Signos," he said.
"Because of its breakthrough price point, the Signos will appeal to all general practice, primary care, emergency medicine and rural physicians as it will enable them to provide a much higher level of service to their patients.
"The worldwide personal ultrasound market is estimated to be worth around US$3 billion and we believe our revolutionary Signos can capture a significant slice of that market."
Worn around the user's neck or carried in their pocket, the Signos is the smallest and most affordable handheld ultrasound device in the world. It has been designed by Signostics for convenient point-of-care use by medical practitioners globally, providing a quick way to visually assess a patient's internal anatomy.