Ziekenhuis
Product development at Darco
nov
Alexandra Panizza, DARCO Editor, talks to Regina Felix, Product Developer and QMB at DARCO (Europe), about development work and the added value of the new Relief Dual® Plus Off-loading Shoe.
What are Darco’s product developers doing?
If you are looking for our product developers, they perform a live test of a new product, talk to users or are engrossed in their “inventive world” between foam, sole profiles and 3D printing. We spoke with Regina Felix, our product developer at DARCO (Europe).
When is a DARCO product ready for market launch?
When the intended added value and benefits have been achieved and the product has passed the test phase. Material composition, biomechanical processes, indications and usability all have a major influence. The bar is set very high! We also wonder which product the market needs to offer patients the best possible care.
DARCO recently launched the Relief Dual® Plus. How did the development team approach the “plus” in performance?
We have focused on a combination of the proven and the innovative in the development of the Relief Dual® Plus off-loading shoe. We start with the prototype so that we can quickly offer something tangible and get doctors and users on board. We count on close cooperation. This means that the development work does not stand alone.
Developmental alternative Relief Dual® Plus
For the development alternative Relief Dual® Plus, the task was to provide more comprehensive care options, especially in the area of the hindfoot, and at the same time to once again reinforce the evidence we have already marketed with the established Relief. Dual® technology of the outsole, reinforcing the message “Say goodbye to the forefoot plateau!”
Personalised patient care
In addition, we want to further anchor the combination possibilities with other DARCO products, such as the insole systems, so that personalized patient care is possible.
How long did it take to develop the Relief Dual® Plus and get it ready for sale?
The first impetus was in November 2019 and the launch was in October 2020. Such a fast development phase is only feasible if all departments work together.
To what extent does the daily life of patients play a role in product development?
Thanks to the close contact with specialized retailers and doctors, we regularly receive valuable feedback from patients. What could we do better? “What are the pain points?” With the new Relief Dual® Plus, a flexibly adjustable heel cap allows the shoe to adapt the shoe to the patient’s respective heel anatomy. Not only does this provide more space and pressure relief for voluminous heel bandages, but narrow heels can also be held better.
More stability and comfort in everyday life
As a result, we offer patients more support, stability and comfort. In everyday life, there are many heel injuries that are difficult to treat. Here we wanted to bring a “plus” in healthcare – so a real asset – to the market. Patients with such injuries should be able to move much more safely in everyday life, without pressure on their sore heels. In addition, the full opening in all directions facilitates the dosing and dosing of the shoe and the high shaft ensures a secure and stable fit. We would like to know how patients interact with our products in daily life. We draw a lot from this for our product development and the design process. The acceptance of patients is extremely important.
Where does the product development team get its ideas from?
What’s the saying? “Product development means not only accepting problems and shortcomings, but wanting to do something better.” New product ideas usually come about through conversations with users, doctors and patients. DARCO has a good network and is in close contact with its customers. Through continuous exchange with DARCO colleagues in the US, UK, India and China, our innovations are passed on to as many patients as possible worldwide.
Click on the video for the product video of Darco Relief Dual Plus
Are there already concrete plans for 2021?
Of course, there are already some development projects to expand darco’s product range and adapt existing products. You can look forward to this!
Benefits of DARCO medical shoes
A DARCO shoe has properties that characterize the product. These advantages make this medical shoe a unique shoe, which distinguishes it from similar models. The benefits of a DARCO medical shoe can be found below.
High-quality wearing comfort
The shoes have a high-quality wearing comfort.
Additional sole system
Thanks to the additional sole system, the right tailor-made solution is always the right.
Forefoot relieving
DARCO shoes have a forefoot relieving effect.
Both for indoors and outdoors
All Darco shoes can be used both indoors and outdoors.
