UK medical device regulations glossary: What every medical device engineer should know
Digital Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing markets globally…
AI in healthcare and the opportunities for innovation
AI in healthcare and the opportunities for innovationReading time 16 minsKey Points AI in healthcare is transforming medical practices at a fast pace and improving preventative care Machine and deep learning, when combined with computer...
Are IoT based ventilators promising or impractical?
Are IoT based ventilators promising or impractical?Reading time 7 minsKey Points COVID-19 highlighted gaps in healthcare infrastructure that technology can help to fill ‘Smart’ breathing machines could help to improve patient outcomes...
Can wearables improve healthcare and how are they administered?
Can wearables improve healthcare and the way it’s administered?Reading time 11 minsKey Points Wearables improve healthcare by helping to prevent, diagnose, monitor and treat illnesses Millennials and baby boomers are the largest groups of...
Hearing aids as medical devices and their new declassification opportunities
Hearing aids as medical devices and their new declassification opportunitiesReading time 10 minsKey Points The World Health Organization’s prediction that one in every 10 people will require some form of hearing rehabilitation by 2050 has...
How medical IoT offers enhanced versions of conventional devices
How medical IoT offers enhanced versions of conventional devicesReading time 11 minsKey Points COVID-19 accelerated innovation and development in the medical industry. Digital healthcare has become a necessity for many patients and...
10 medical device design tips for design engineers
10 medical device design tips for design engineersReading time 17 minsKey Points Learn the dynamics of the healthcare industry from both the end-user and developer perspectives, and understand the terminology needed for effective...
Top 5 uses of software as medical device & the impacts on healthcare
Top 5 uses of software as a medical device & the impacts on healthcareReading time 11 minsKey Points Software as a medical device (SaMD) is a class of medical software designed to perform one or more medical functions without the need...
Is my product a UK medical device?
Is my product a UK medical device?Reading time 8 minsKey Points The WHO estimates that there are currently 2 million types of medical devices on the world market The Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is the executive agency that...
The transformational potential of IoT in healthcare
The transformational potential of IoT in healthcareReading time 17 minsKey Points The digital age is transforming healthcare due to networked devices sending data over the internet IoMT refers to how the Internet of Medical Things enables...
The Ignitec team is growing
The Ignitec team is growingReading time 2.5 minsKey Points Ignitec is growing! We are nearly 10 years old! We are very excited to welcome James and Sowmiya who have joined our Bristol team to support with hardware, software and embedded...
How can Haptic Feedback have a meaningful impact?
How can Haptic Feedback have a meaningful impact?Reading time 9 minsKey Points Touch is the most persistent of all our senses. We have more than 3,000 touch receptors in our fingertips alone Haptic technology has enabled the design of...
How do wearables fuel big data
How do wearables fuel big data?Reading time 9.5 minsKey Points A booming tech market - which includes wearables, e-textiles and other smart devices - results in the collection of massive amounts of data These large data sets can be...
How to consider human factors in wearable design processes
How to consider human factors in wearable design processesReading time 9.5 minsKey Points Consideration of human factors (e.g. attention span, forgetfulness) is essential for the design of successful wearables How do we make technology...
The benefits of using e-textiles to enhance healthcare
The benefits of using e-textiles to enhance healthcareReading time 9 minsKey Points e-Textiles in healthcare are making considerable progress in helping with diagnostics, disease prevention, and treatment Conductive threads can function as...
Wearable pharmaceuticals and their impact on healthcare
Wearable pharmaceuticals and their impact on healthcareReading time 12 minsKey Points Wearable pharmaceuticals allow both healthcare providers and patients to benefit from better treatment outcomes, e.g. targeted treatments with fewer side...
Consumer consent, privacy and ethics of wearables
Consumer consent, privacy and ethics of wearablesReading time 11 minsKey Points A booming tech market is leading to increased concerns regarding the privacy and ethics of wearables Most users don’t understand the security risks 75% of...
The Future of Wearable Technology: Meaningful impact or passing trend?
The Future of Wearable Technology: Meaningful impact or passing trend?Reading time 10 minsKey Points The wearable technologies market is booming and expected to reach USD 118.16 billion by 2028 Wearables have entered into a wide range of...
Uncovering the opportunities of e-textiles and smart fabrics
Uncovering the opportunities of e-textiles and smart fabricsReading time 8 minsKey Points Electronically integrated and responsive fabrics are changing the face of fashion, healthcare, and occupational safety Sustainably designed clothing,...
The climate responsibility outlook for 2022 and beyond
The climate responsibility outlook for 2022 and beyondReading time 11 minsKey Points The climate crisis and environment instability is worsening but actions taken this decade could limit the severity of future impact Governments, fossil...
Sustainable design and why it matters for a net-zero future
Sustainable design and why it matters for a net-zero futureReading time 9.5 minsKey Points Reaching Net Zero (cutting Greenhouse Gas emissions) by 2050 requires all sectors to be more committed to mitigating climate change Sustainable...
Environmental monitoring and natural disaster management
Environmental monitoring and natural disaster managementReading time 8.5 minsKey Points Natural disasters dominated the world news for the first half of 2022, resulting in loss of lives, population displacement, ecosystem fragility, and...
Can smart forests save themselves?
Can smart forests save themselves? Reading time 9 minsKey Points Forests continue to be endangered despite government pledges to decrease deforestation Smart Forests (aka Internet of Trees) are equipped with sensors to monitor their...
IoT to deplastify oceans: Solution or exacerbation?
IoT to deplastify oceans: Solution or exacerbation?Reading time 10 minsKey Points 88% of the ocean’s surface is covered in plastic waste. Plastic waste and pollution are forecast to double by 2040 IoT to deplastify oceans could be an...
IoT in farming prevents insect population decline
IoT in farming prevents insect population declineReading time 9 minsKey Points Insect populations are declining by as much as 50% in some areas due to climate change and intensive agriculture Widespread loss of insects will lead to species...
Can IoT and Biomimicry help with sustainable development?
Can IoT and Biomimicry help with sustainable development?Reading time 9 minsKey Points 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) listed by the UN that should be met by 2030 in order to ensure security and prosperity Biomimicry is the design...
Could an IoT ecosystem for plastic make recycling work?
Could an IoT ecosystem for plastic make recycling work?Reading time 10 minsKey Points Less than 9% of the 300 million tonnes of plastic produced every year is actually recycled Governments and companies mislead consumers by greenwashing...
Using Marine Technology to protect oceans and influence decision-making
Using Marine Technology to protect oceans and influence decision-makingReading time 8 minsKey Points The health of marine ecosystems is rapidly declining Threats include overfishing, climate change, pollution, shipping, and mining...
Smart Ocean Technologies in the fight against IUU Fishing
Smart Ocean Technologies in the fight against IUU FishingReading time 6 minsKey Points Overfishing is a more significant threat to marine ecosystems than climate change and plastic pollution Environmental, economic, and social costs of...
The hidden costs behind cloud seeding
The hidden costs behind cloud seedingReading time 10 minsKey Points Countries solving the problems of drought and desertification by using cloud seeding technologies to make it rain It keeps agricultural production steady, provides water...
Household waste, smart kitchen appliances, and desertification
Household waste, smart kitchen appliances, and desertification KEY POINTS Agricultural expansion leads to soil erosion and land degradation 70% of UK food wastage comes from households Smart kitchen appliances help consumers...
ISO9001 re-certification
ISO9001:2015 re-certificationPosted by Ben Mazur 12.07.2022We are ISO9001:2015 certified for another 3 years ISO9001 is an internationally recognised quality management standard It places all of our processes and performance under the...
We become carbon negative by offsetting carbon through tree planting projects
We become carbon negative by offsetting carbon through tree planting projectsPosted by Ben Mazur 06.07.2022We have completely offset our carbon footprint for last year and become carbon negative! We produced 2.8 tonnes of CO2 last year We...
Back to the studio
Back to the studioPosted by Ben Mazur 25.06.2020Back to the studio After nearly 4 months of remote working, the Ignitec team are returning to the studio We are still following government guidance on social distancing Client meetings will...
Covid-19 status update
Covid-19 status update Posted by Ben Mazur 09.04.2020Covid-19 status update We are working remotely and social distancing Projects are on-going as normal Reach us by phone, email or chat We are supporting any initiatives that need our help...
Design thinking
Design thinking – A practical guide to design thinkingPosted by Ben Mazur 15.01.2020Design thinking summary Design thinking is a creative methodology used to identify unmet needs Design thinking is a user-centric design process focussed on...
10 good reasons to work with a product design consultancy
10 good reasons to work with a product design consultancy Posted by Ben Mazur 10.12.2019A product design consultancy... Helps you generate new ideas Provides specific expertise for your project Boosts your capacity Broadens the skills and...
Free Non-Disclosure Agreement template to keep your next product idea safe
Free Non-Disclosure Agreement NDA template to keep your next product idea safePosted by Ben Mazur 06.12.2019keep your idea safe with an NDA NDAs protect your vital business interests Be specific - ambiguous NDAs are a risk Define what is...
How to write an effective product design brief
How to write an effective product design briefPosted by Ben Mazur 26.11.2019 Tips for writing a user centred brief An effective brief aligns all parties on what the goal is Keep it short and concise Frame the user and their needs Identify...
Graduates, here’s how to get noticed and land that dream product design job
Graduates, here’s how to get noticed and land that dream product design jobPosted by Ben Mazur 22.11.2019Make your design portfolio stand out Make it personal Make it relevant Keep it short Make it mobile friendly Focus on your strengths...
How to reduce your manufacturing costs
How to reduce your manufacturing costsPosted by Ben Mazur 12.11.2019How to reduce manufacturing costs Look beyond your first order to how many parts you will order over the next 3 years Keep everything as simple as you can, it will have a...
The importance of test rigs in research and development
The importance of test rigs in research and developmentPosted by Ben Mazur 24.10.2019What is a test rig? Test rigs are bespoke testing devices Used for lab testing of new ideas Demonstrate key functionality Made of configurable circuits...
10 tips for designing tough plastic products for harsh environments
10 tips for designing tough plastic products for harsh environmentsPosted by Ben Mazur 24.10.2019 How to design rugged products Make everything thicker and reinforce with extra strengthening ribs Select appropriate materials,...
Ignitec is now Cyber Essentials certified
Ignitec is now Cyber Essentials certifiedPosted by Ben Mazur 20.08.2019Ben Mazur Managing Director Cybersecurity is becoming a big concern for businesses with hacks, scams, data breaches and ransomware costing billions of pounds each year. And...
We’ve moved!
We’ve moved!Posted by Ben Mazur 14.08.2019 Ben Mazur Managing Director Ignitec has moved to The Powerhouse in North Bristol [otw_shortcode_dropcap label="A" size="large" border_color_class="otw-no-border-color"...
What is an IP rating?
What is an IP rating?Posted by Ben Mazur 12.08.2019 Ben MazurManaging Director Designed to meet IP rating standards Some devices we develop at Ignitec must work in the toughest conditions, from icy ocean waters to extremely hot, dusty...
Ignitec’s design and development process recognised again by BSI
Ignitec’s design and development process recognised again by BSIPosted by Ben Mazur 10.07.2019 Ben MazurManaging Director Ignitec’s design and development process recognised again by BSI Three years ago, the British Standards Institution (BSI)...
Mi.Mu: Transforming music composition and performance
Mi.Mu: Transforming music composition and performancePosted by Ben Mazur 04.06.2019 Ben MazurManaging Director The official launch of Mi.Mu gloves After 18 months working with Mi.Mu, Ignitec’s Rob Hall joined musicians and global media in a...
Meet our new Objet260 Connex 3 3D printer
Meet our new Objet260 Connex 3 3D printerPosted by Ben Mazur 09.04.2019 Ben Mazur Managing Director To meet ever-mounting demand for super high-quality prototypes and functional materials, we’ve invested in new rapid prototyping technology. Say...
Product design and industrial design – what’s the difference?
Product design and industrial design – what’s the difference?Posted by Ben Mazur 27.02.2019Product design vs industrial design It depends who you ask, where they are from and where they studied The difference is subtle and there is no...
How to select a manufacturer for your product
How to select a manufacturer for your productPosted by Ben Mazur 10.01.2019Select a manufacturer for your product Speak to several manufacturers and get multiple quotes It can be easier to look in your local country Look for accreditations...
Five ideation techniques you can use to help boost creativity in your organisation
Five ideation techniques that will boost your team’s creative-idea generationPosted by Ben Mazur, Nov 7, 2018Five ideation techniques Try multiple ideation techniques with your team and see which work best Be aware of the less confident...
Turn: A prestigious ‘A Design Award’ winner
Turn: A prestigious 'A Design Award' winnerPosted by Lucy Cripps 29.10.2018 At Ignitec, we love it when the products we develop, design and dream up win awards and gain recognition – it’s a wonderful achievement for both our clients and us. And that’s...
Voice control to become “bedrock” of the smart home
Voice control to become “bedrock” of the smart homeby Charley Millard | Sep 25, 2018 The smart home market has flattered to deceive. Despite promises to simplify our lives and countless Kickstarter campaigns most homes remain decidedly un-smart. That’s...
Ultra-thin electronics could thin out the wearables herd
Ultra thin electronics could thin out the wearables herdPosted by Lee Chantrey | 18.09.2018 At present wearables face a difficult balancing act between two features that will be critical to their success – function and form. Enhancing the capabilities...
Is your office job safe from artificial intelligence?
Is your office job safe from artificial intelligence?Posted by Angelo D'Onofrio | 12.09.2018 The spectre of artificial intelligence and machines taking over office jobs long considered immune to automation has entered the mainstream consciousness in...
What will Brexit mean for UK businesses that manufacture in China
What will Brexit mean for UK businesses that manufacture in ChinaPosted by Rob Hall | 03.09.2018 Newspapers are full of stories about Brexit and early trade agreement talks between the UK and China. What should business do in the meantime? The British...
Combining energy harvesting to power the Internet of Things
Combining energy harvesting to power the Internet of ThingsPosted by Rob Hall | 19.08.2018 One of the main promises of the Internet of Things is the ability to monitor everything, thanks to nearly ubiquitous sensors attached to everything from our...
iRobot: AI robot developed that can choose to inflict pain
iRobot: AI robot developed that can choose to inflict painPosted by Charley Millard | 15.09.2018 Artificial intelligence, how will it affect us in the future? Will it enable the automation of mundane tasks or is it something we should be seriously...
Powering wearables will require a more flexible approach
Powering wearables will require a more flexible approachPosted by Christian Thorne | 14.08.2018 Flexible electronics – From stick-on patches for medical monitoring, activity tracking armbands and sensors, circuits and screens stitched into our clothes...
Could healthcare robotics lead to surgery without surgeons?
Could healthcare robotics lead to surgery without surgeons? Posted by Ben Mazur | 10.08.2018 Robot assisted surgery In this article we discuss robot assisted surgery. Many industries are waking up to the benefits of utilising robots in their...