Through Opportunity Prototyping™, we helped clarify Life Warmer’s vision for the product and reveal its full potential. The result is a revolutionary device that helps save lives.
INFUSING THE VOICE OF THE CONSUMER
The founder of Life Warmer is a doctor and former EMT. He knew warmed blood worked better for transfusions—so he started heating it with the defroster in the ambulance.
After more than 20 years, the doctor—now a paramedic, an RN, and an Emergency Medicine Physician—engaged Cobalt + Indigo to bring his vision to life for troops and first responders.
Life Warmer’s intuitive design and operation mimic the process of running an IV in the field.
To maximize portability, we focused on essential features. The product got smaller—and simpler.
Every detail was informed by hours of research with troops.
WORKING WITH COBALT + INDIGO, THE LIFE WARMER TEAM GOT A SOLUTION THAT NOT ONLY MET EVERY REQUIREMENT—BUT ALSO RESET EVERY EXPECTATION.
Through Opportunity Prototyping™, we helped clarify Life Warmer’s vision for the product and reveal its full potential. The result is a revolutionary device that helps save lives.
INFUSING THE VOICE OF THE CONSUMER
The founder of Life Warmer is a doctor and former EMT. He knew warmed blood worked better for transfusions—so he started heating it with the defroster in the ambulance.
After more than 20 years, the doctor—now a paramedic, an RN, and an Emergency Medicine Physician—engaged Cobalt + Indigo to bring his vision to life for troops and first responders.
LIFE WARMER’S QUANTUM BLOOD WARMER IS TRULY UNIQUE. HISTORICALLY, BLOOD WARMERS WERE DESIGNED FOR USE IN HOSPITALS—WHERE THE PRODUCT’S SIZE AND WEIGHT ARE NON-FACTORS.
Early in the project, we realized that the specifications were based on familiar technologies found in contemporary hospitals. This meant the requirements for volume, flow rate, power, and other factors didn’t carry over into the field.
Rather than starting over or scrapping the project, we worked with the client to reset expectations, refine the specs, and re-imagine what the product could become.
TO UNDERSTAND THE VOICE OF THE CONSUMER, WE SPENT HOURS TALKING WITH MILITARY MEDICS. THEIR STORIES DIRECTLY AFFECTED THE TEAM’S APPROACH AND DROVE A RE-IMAGINED DESIGN.
The pivotal step was observing and interviewing medics in the U.S. military. We learned about bulging backpacks and cramped aircraft—where every spare ounce or square inch could be used for ammunition and other vital gear. Each detail informed every decision—and inspired a smaller, lighter product.
Today, the Life Warmer IV fluid warming system is recognized by the Department of Defense and in civilian hospitals as an innovation that facilitates care, improves outcomes, and saves lives.
Life Warmer’s intuitive design and operation mimic the process of running an IV in the field.
To maximize portability, we focused on essential features. The product got smaller—and simpler.
Every detail was informed by hours of research with troops.
WORKING WITH COBALT + INDIGO, THE LIFE WARMER TEAM GOT A SOLUTION THAT NOT ONLY MET EVERY REQUIREMENT—BUT ALSO RESET EVERY EXPECTATION.