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Induvita

Labour induction kit designed for women by women

A better birthing experience
Pregnant person and doctors hand displaying how the tool works. Illustration.
Induction of labour is an increasingly common intervention in childbirth. To improve the experience for women undergoing the procedure, the Norwegian startup Induvita has developed the Iola induction kit - a new balloon catheter and a speculum designed specifically for this purpose. We have helped them design the products and ensure the patient experience is a priority.
Induction kit. Illustration.
The challenge

Designing an induction kit for women

Due to its high efficacy and low risk, most labour inductions in Norway are done with balloon catheters inserted through the maternal cervix to simulate pressure on the cervix and induce labour. However, the device currently used for this procedure is not explicitly designed for its purpose: The catheter is usually a male urinary catheter, and the speculum is the same speculum used for non-pregnant women.
To ensure that their new product, the Iola induction kit provides the best possible experience for women giving birth, Induvita asked EGGS for help with designing it.
Person's leg with medical tube injected. Photo.
Gynecology chair. Photo.
The outcome

A woman-centric design

We gathered extensive user insight from women who have experienced balloon induction and insights from midwives and obstetricians. Through interviews and workshops, we identified different user needs and developed and based on this. The result is a design that puts the woman in the centre and considers the female anatomy and birthing process.
Hands placing the catheter into speculum and cervix. Illustration.
Place the catheter into speculum and cervix
Hand removing the mandreng, connecting the prefilled unit and filling the balloon. Illustration.
Remove the mandreng, connect the prefilled unit and fill the balloon
Catheter positioned inside vagina. Illustration.
Position catheter inside vagina, and keep it inside for 24h
The parts of the induction kit. Illustration.
The Iola induction kit consists of three parts: A balloon catheter, a speculum, and a prefilled unit (for filling the balloon). All these parts are designed to feel as comfortable and non-invasive as possible for the pregnant woman. The materials are smooth and soft to the touch (traditional speculums are made of metal), and the shapes are rounded. Most importantly – each part is designed to adjust to a pregnant woman's body.
Delivered value

Lower risk and a more inclusive experience

Basing the design on the actual users – women – and including their perspective along with the professional user perspective of the healthcare staff gives a more credible product and a better experience for the woman. Moreover, thorough insight work lowers the risk in commercial health industry projects, as you increase the chance of success with a product that meets real user needs.
Workshop, research and prototyping. Photo.
Testing prototype speculum with artificial vagina. Photo.
Current catheter and speculum and prototypes of new speculums. Photo.
Get in touch
Would you like to to know more about this?
Reach out to the team - we're happy to answer questions, receive feedback or discuss the topic.
Julia  Døhlen Edin
Julia Døhlen Edin
Head of Health and Welfare, Oslo