Cortex C21 - Progressive design for mobile breath analysis

The Leipzig-based company Cortex Biophysik GmbH is an innovative developer and manufacturer of respiratory gas analysis systems that are used worldwide. In collaboration with the Cortex development team, WILDDESIGN's designers created the new Cortex C21 spiroergometry device, which enables respiratory gas analyses in a wide variety of application situations. The versatility of the device presented the WILDDESIGN team with special challenges during the design process.

A 2D sketch as a sparking idea for the design process

One of the most striking features of Cortex C21 is its progressive design, which makes the interaction and interaction of the trapezoidal surfaces and the black and white contrast particularly dynamic. This distinctive look of Cortex C21 was already shaped in the initial phase of the design process.

The initial spark for the innovative design of Cortex C21 can be traced back to a first idea sketch of the device, which so inspired the decision-making team at Cortex that it provided the guidepost for the entire further design process. However, the implementation of this initial concept also presented the WILDDESIGN team with challenges: On the one hand, because translating a 2D sketch into a 3D product is complex. On the other hand, because the design of a technical device runs from the outside to the inside, contrary to its technical development from the inside to the outside. Nevertheless, the striking design of the basic concept was successfully realized.

Applicable from deep mine to ISS

Another fundamental challenge in the product design of Cortex C21 was the different operational situations of the device. The product had to be designed to be sealed against both dust and water and to function reliably at extreme heights and depths. The desired resistance of the device placed complex demands on its design, which were overcome through repeated testing of the product and productive collaboration with designer Thomas Garweg. This process resulted in a successful translation of the usability requirements into a fully thought-out product design. As a result, the Cortex C21 respiratory gas analyzer stands out not only for its innovative design, but also for its particular versatility and resistance in a variety of application situations.

Usability was also a decisive factor that significantly influenced the design process. It was particularly important here that the product be usable by people of different body sizes and shapes and be able to be worn both on the back and on the chest. For this reason, a great deal of attention was devoted to developing a suitable wearing system that would allow the device to be used in this way and that featured a particularly user-friendly snap-in function. This function allows the spiroergometry device to be securely fastened to the belt with a simple handle.