Otto
A friendly otoscope designed for doctors and the children they meet at ENT health clinics.
Otto!
Two users. One shared moment.
An ear exam is never just a task. It’s a small negotiation of trust, often happening in seconds.
Lower anxiety to raise clinical assurance.
In the moment of care, the doctor needs stability, control, visibility, while the child needs comfort.
Trust, designed into every touchpoint.
Otto was shaped for interactions: how it is picked up, presented, and brought close to the child’s face.
Iterative design built on user empathy.
We worked in tight loops of learning through making. Rapid 3D prints and lofi mockups helped us explore grip, balance, and how the product reads at a glance, especially from a child’s perspective. As the concept converged, we increased fidelity to refine the physical truth of the object: split lines, surface breaks, edge softness, and the tactile feel that either builds trust or breaks it.
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We investigated clinical examination needs alongside the emotional dynamics of paediatric care, defining what the otoscope must do and how it must feel. Hiding tech and enhancing grip ergonomics were key to ensuring a product that feels friendly yet precise and professional.
Alongside internal evaluations and iterative prototype rounds, the concept was tested with end users, both HCPs and children. This gathered valuable feedback and validation, ensuring the experience held up in real interaction, not just in product renderings.
We let the function and use of the tool define surfaces, split lines and material transitions. Every component was refined to balance perception, manufacturability and user guidance, bringing the device to life without compromising intent.
