Is ‘The Perfect Fit’ a Myth for VAD Carry Bags?
Tracks
Room 2
| Tuesday, December 1, 2026 |
| 10:25 AM - 10:45 AM |
| Concurrent Room 1 |
Overview
Jessica Lea Dunn
Speaker
Ms Jessica Lea Dunn
University of Sydney
Is ‘The Perfect Fit’ a Myth for VAD Carry Bags?
Abstract
Aim: Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) patients—fitted with an artificial heart pump and carrying externally-connected components 24/7—experience significant burden and daily wearability challenges, including discomfort and poor fit. To address these challenges and improve VAD patient experience, this study aimed to design and evaluate VAD carry system prototypes to determine their feasibility for near-term implementation.
Methods: Three novel carry system prototypes—a convertible handbag-to-backpack, gym backpack, and messenger bag—and a waist pack concept were created using human-centred design approaches and evaluated through a qualitative study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 participants (14 patients, 2 caregivers, 1 patient-designer, and 1 VAD bag designer) from the United States (n=13), the Netherlands (n=3), the UK (n=1), and Australia (n=1). Results were analysed by reflexive thematic analysis.
Results: Regardless of the carry systems chosen by patients for wearing their VAD (e.g., undervest, waist pack or shoulder bag) participants reported similar underlying reasons for their choice (e.g., discretion, freedom, feeling comfortable and secure). Design features regarded as discrete or enabling by one patient may be regarded as invasive or cumbersome for another. Therefore, the functional features designed into a carry bag system cannot be assumed to universally embody particular product attributes. Despite all concepts discussed being near-term in scope, a messenger bag and VAD handbag were seen as being incremental and familiar, but a gym backpack was perceived as radical innovation when compared to the carry systems currently available.
Discussion/Implications: 26 recommendations for VAD carry bag design were established—15 applicable to all carry system designs, and 11 prototype-specific. This study highlights that VAD carry system designs should be diversified rather than one-size-fits-all, to allow for functional personalisation and improved safety, as there is no singular ‘Perfect Fit’ for a carry system that accommodates diverse patient preferences in all contexts.
Methods: Three novel carry system prototypes—a convertible handbag-to-backpack, gym backpack, and messenger bag—and a waist pack concept were created using human-centred design approaches and evaluated through a qualitative study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 participants (14 patients, 2 caregivers, 1 patient-designer, and 1 VAD bag designer) from the United States (n=13), the Netherlands (n=3), the UK (n=1), and Australia (n=1). Results were analysed by reflexive thematic analysis.
Results: Regardless of the carry systems chosen by patients for wearing their VAD (e.g., undervest, waist pack or shoulder bag) participants reported similar underlying reasons for their choice (e.g., discretion, freedom, feeling comfortable and secure). Design features regarded as discrete or enabling by one patient may be regarded as invasive or cumbersome for another. Therefore, the functional features designed into a carry bag system cannot be assumed to universally embody particular product attributes. Despite all concepts discussed being near-term in scope, a messenger bag and VAD handbag were seen as being incremental and familiar, but a gym backpack was perceived as radical innovation when compared to the carry systems currently available.
Discussion/Implications: 26 recommendations for VAD carry bag design were established—15 applicable to all carry system designs, and 11 prototype-specific. This study highlights that VAD carry system designs should be diversified rather than one-size-fits-all, to allow for functional personalisation and improved safety, as there is no singular ‘Perfect Fit’ for a carry system that accommodates diverse patient preferences in all contexts.
Biography
Jessica is an award-winning designer with 15+ years experience in research, design and product development of medical devices, including wearable technology, artificial heart pumps and patient interfaces. She has a penchant for the 'fuzzy' front end of research and development and is passionate about creating novel solutions that both users and stakeholders love.
She has been a joint recipient of over 20 patents, most referring to technological features that have been implemented into successfully commercialised products with millions sold globally. With a career encompassing both academic and corporate spheres, operating at the intersection of design and research, discovery through to delivery, and within both medical and consumer realms, Jessica is brings a unique combination of skills and perspective towards UX, usability, and HFE.
Jessica is scheduled to be awarded a PhD in Design Innovation from the University of Sydney in 2026.
