Varia

Para qué sirve

Varia is a modular hospital table system that adapts to different healthcare environments offering personalized configurations for storage, mobility, and accessibility. It optimizes space and supports both patient comfort and healthcare efficiency.

Qué te inspiró

During research at Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, I observed how inconsistent and outdated bedside tables hindered workflows and patient autonomy. Many patients struggled to reach their items, staff had to work around bulky furniture, and maintenance teams faced constant issues with broken or outdated models. This inspired the idea of a universal, modular, and repairable solution that could serve the entire hospital ecosystem.

Cómo funciona

Varia is made up of a mobile base with wheels, a central column to adjust the height, and a foldable tabletop. Depending on the specific hospital use, it can be customized with different modules: drawers, baskets, power outlets or storage units. The height of the table can be adjusted manually or electronically, depending on the configuration. All surfaces are smooth and easy to clean, with no sharp edges or hidden corners where dirt could accumulate. The components are designed to be easy to assemble, disassemble, and replace, making the table adaptable and repairable. Its modularity allows hospitals to use the same base system across different departments, simply changing modules based on the context. The materials used — such as aluminum and medical-grade plastic — are lightweight, durable, and resistant to disinfectants and humidity. Varia offers a clean, quiet and stable solution that improves comfort and flexibility for both patients and staff.

Proceso de diseño

The project began with field research at Hospital Clínic de Barcelona. I conducted interviews and observations with patients, nurses, and technical staff to identify key problems: lack of modularity, fragile mechanisms, difficult cleaning, and inefficient designs. Based on this, I defined functional and technical requirements inspired by the ISO 13485 standard for medical devices. The first phase involved concept sketching and scale models to explore configurations. I then created 3D CAD designs to simulate ergonomics, stability, and internal mechanisms. Several low-fidelity prototypes were built to test proportions, folding systems, and mobility. The final prototype is a full-scale, functional version. It includes a modular base with wheels and brakes, a foldable HPL tabletop, and both mechanical and electric height adjustment options. Each module—drawers, baskets, power connections—was tested for usability, hygiene, and durability. Every decision was validated with real users through feedback sessions and adjustments, resulting in a robust and flexible product ready for implementation.

Qué lo hace diferente

Varia is not just a hospital table; it’s a modular system designed to adapt to multiple departments and users. Unlike traditional bedside tables, it allows components to be added, removed, or replaced depending on the space and medical needs. Its foldable tabletop, adjustable height (manual or electric), and interchangeable storage modules make it far more versatile than existing solutions. It’s also designed with hygiene and repairability in mind: smooth surfaces without corners, durable materials, and standard parts that can be easily cleaned or replaced. Varia reduces the need for multiple furniture types across departments, saving cost, time, and training. Its aesthetic neutrality blends into hospital settings, improving patient well-being without looking clinical or technical.

Planes para el futuro

The next step is to refine the design for industrial production. This includes optimizing components for injection molding, reducing part count, and improving assembly processes. I also plan to collaborate with medical furniture manufacturers to develop a market-ready version and test it in real hospital environments. In the future, I aim to expand the Varia system into new configurations, such as companion tables, mobile workstations, and modular carts. My goal is for Varia to become a standard, flexible furniture solution in healthcare environments — improving patient care, operational efficiency, and sustainability in hospitals.

Premios

Varia is my Final Degree Project at ELISAVA School of Design and Engineering, developed in collaboration with Hospital Clínic de Barcelona. It has not yet been submitted to any design competitions. The James Dyson Award is the first public platform where it is being presented.