The concept of this project is to create a clear, simple international language for use in Medicine.
Specifically, I have chosen to create icons for different types of scalpel blades.
There are around 67 types of scalpel blades used for surgical purposes and each has a different purpose.
Blades number 10 and 15 are the most commonly used. They are quite small and used for more intricate procedures. I am going to begin with these and create a set of icons for the smallest blades, as they are more frequently used for difficult, delicate procedures making it of extreme importance that the correct blades are sourced and used.
The main, most important difference between the scalpel blades is the curve (or angle) of the blade.
My mission is to highlight this difference as much as possible to make the process of setting up suites and assisting surgeries as easy as possible for Medical staff.
To create this consistency and simplicity in my design, I needed to create my own grid that would allow me the freedom to change the angle of the blade but nothing else (this needs to be the only standout)
I chose a circle grid because it stands out against the other elements on the current packaging. Every element on almost all scalpel blade packaging follows the length of the packaging and resembles a rectangle. For the image to stand out, I believe it needed a frame that was the exact opposite of this so that it would instantly grab attention.
I have tested this new grid with a couple of rough illustrations and-it works!
Asali, Dr. Eyad Abou 2009, ‘Surgical Instruments’, vol. 1, no. 1, viewed 19 March 2014, <http://iust.edu.sy/courses/Surgical%20instruments.pdf>
Dimensions Info 2014, viewed 7 April 2014,
<http://www.dimensionsinfo.com/surgical-blades-size-chart/>
Swann-Morton 2014, viewed April 1 2014,
<http://www.swann-morton.com/product_range/1.php>
Kapczynski, Helmut 1997, ‘Surgical Instruments 101’, An Introduction to
KMedic Certified Instruments, vol. 1, no. 1, viewed 19 March 2014, <http://www.teleflex.com/en/usa/pdf/KMedic_Surgical_Instruments_101.pdf>.
My Noun project 