Interview with Dominik Breisch
KEMMLIT Bauelemente GmbH
Red Dot: What particular challenges does the operating theatre present as a design context?
The operating theatre is one of the most demanding environments for product design: functional, ergonomic and emotional. In stressful situations, there must be no uncertainty – every interaction must be clear, logical and reliable. This applies to all user groups with their different needs: Everyone needs a system that works flexibly and reliably. Another aspect is the lack of space in the operating theatre. Here, the compact design of the light is just as important as its high mobility and ease of positioning. Infection prevention is also essential in the operating theatre. Shapes and materials must be seamless and smooth so that they are easy to clean and pose no risk of infection. There are various Polaris models to meet the different requirements, which differ in terms of their features and can be combined freely with each other. Behind the closed design lies a adaptable, modular system: from the basic model to the fully equipped light, the design remains standardised. Each light integrates seamlessly into the existing operating theatre infrastructure.
How important was it to design Polaris not only as a functional tool, but also as part of a modern operating theatre environment?
The OT light is a outstanding element in the operating theatre, as its design enhances the ability to clearly perceive the entire space. With Polaris, we have taken this into account. The light is not only a central tool, but also plays a decisive role in shaping the Dräger brand image. It stands for innovation and the responsibility to develop critical technologies with the utmost care for design.
