HEWI MAG / Knowledge
Redesign: The multiple award-winning LifeSystem sets standards
LifeSystem is a methodology for the professional care sector. The multi-award-winning sanitary series is used in many hospitals and nursing homes and is appreciated by both patients and carers. Since 2021, LifeSystem has a new look - and thanks to new, innovative features, it once again underlines HEWI's leadership in the field of accessibility. Our product manager and industrial designer Johanna Radies reveals in this interview, which new functions LifeSystem has.
HEWI: Ms Radies, could you briefly explain the background to LifeSystem at the start - why did HEWI develop S 802 LifeSystem?
Johanna Radies: HEWI is a pioneer and market leader in the sanitary sector for accessibility. And for this reason we decided to develop a dedicated, professional system for the care bathroom. The focus for HEWI is clearly on people and the emphasis was placed on ergonomics. Because LifeSystem puts the user at the centre. Together with the design agency NOA we have created a series that is very well received by the market.
HEWI: A redesigned LifeSystem has been available since 2021. Why did you take this step?
Johanna Radies: LifeSystem has been used by planners and architects for many years and is very popular in the professional care sector. However we wanted to modernise and optimise LifeSystem with new findings from users and research. A lot has happened in the market with regard to materials and new technologies. It has been important for us to review LifeSystem in all aspects with regard to requirements, current possibilities and opportunities so we could get the best out of the product. So this means we’re further strengthening our accessible system competence. It was also a chance for us to introduce a more modern and attractive design language, with the aim of including new features and to further increase product quality. The redesign was again developed together with the NOA agency.
HEWI: Can you go into more detail on individual points here?
Johanna Radies: Yes, hygiene is an important topic that is currently very much in focus and is an omnipresent issue in the care sector in particular. We have optimised the new products in this direction and, for example, ensured fewer parting lines, which significantly increases hygiene. In addition, there are some functions in the original LifeSystem, such as the grip element on the folding support handle, or the height adjustment, which we have enhanced and brought more to the forefront.
HEWI: Were there any challenges to overcome during the revision?
Johanna Radies: Well, changing a classic is always a challenge. The recognition value of the series and the individual products is important. So we had to find a balance between optimisation and the previous look and feel of LifeSystem. In my view, we succeeded very well, so that we can inspire new customers and win them over. That’s also why the series didn’t get a new name after the redesign. Because despite the improvements, LifeSystem is still LifeSystem - the sanitary system for professional care.
HEWI:Thank you very much for the interview, Ms Radies.
Johanna Radies: With pleasure!
The most important changes of the redesigned LifeSystem at a glance
Folding support rail
The folding support rail has become slimmer and more elegant in its appearance which is characterised by an ergonomic design language. Its unique selling point on the market - the round grip element at the front of the handle - has been retained, as has its design feature, the chrome disc. What is new is that the folding support rail is also available with a plain end piece. Generally it offers a wide armrest and a pleasant, warm feel in the grip area.
The folding support rail can be ordered in contrasting colours - for example, in white-anthracite or anthracite-white. And as well as the 700, 750, 850 and 900 mm lengths, the folding support rail is now also available in 600 mm. From a length of 700 mm and up, modular additional functions are also possible, such as a remote control flush release, a castor holder, a shelf, a walking aid holder and a floor support.
Seats
The new seats from LifeSystem are particularly impressive due to their elegant appearance. The ergonomic shape of the seat surface and backrest as well as its continuous leaning surface provide a pleasant feeling whilst sitting. The feeling of safety is reinforced by the material thickness and also by the grip edge running around under the seat surface. HEWI has also retained the characteristic chrome disc as a design feature on the joint.
The seats are available in different versions, as a Basic folding seat, Folding seat and Suspended seat Comfort with backrest and Folding seat Premium or Suspended seat Premium with additional armrests. A new feature is that the seats are available both with and without a pubic cut-out. And their height adjustment has been improved for users and is more clearly separated from the actual product. The optimisation has also meant there are no more gaps where dirt could accumulate.
Shower stool
The shower stool has also been optimised by HEWI. The new design language matches the revised seats. It is stable, sturdy and safe. Instead of the two handles, there is a surrounding grip edge under the stool. The LifeSystem shower stool is only available with a pubic cut-out. The chrome-plated legs give the stool a beautiful appearance. Another new feature is that the stool’s legs are height-adjustable (420, 450, 480 as well as 510 mm) and can be adapted to the user's individual requirements. In addition, there is the Comfort shower stool with armrests and the Premium shower stool with all-round armrest and backrest.
You can also find more innovations of the LifeSystem series in our new video:
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