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We can use our knowledge of how people interact with medical devices to make consumer health products that are easier and more intuitive to use. When form and function are carefully aligned with real human needs, even the most advanced technologies become more accessible—and more effective.
Normatec is a leader in rapid recovery following exercise, offering a range of dynamic recovery systems that use compressed air and pulsing technology to help athletes recover faster. Founded by an MD, PhD, and developed with input from top professional athletes and sports medicine experts, Normatec devices are trusted by elite performers around the world. We’re proud to have partnered with them in the development of several of their award-winning products—bringing together rugged performance, user-friendly design, and deep clinical insight to support healthier, more active lifestyles.
Normatec Recovery Devices are designed to accelerate post-exercise recovery through advanced dynamic compression technology. Using compressed air, these wearable systems fill multi-chambered sleeves that wrap around the arms, legs, or hips. The chambers inflate in a carefully controlled sequence of pulses and squeezes, simulating a massage that enhances lymphatic drainage and promotes faster recovery following intense physical exertion.
At the heart of the system is a compact, rugged control unit that houses the computer, user interface, battery, pump, and valve system. This unit is engineered to be both lightweight and durable, enabling athletes to use it immediately after training—whether on the field, at the gym, or on the go. The compression garments connect via a custom quick-release pneumatic coupling, allowing users to quickly switch between leg, hip, or shoulder attachments with ease. This thoughtful integration of technology and user-focused design makes the Normatec Recovery System a trusted tool for athletes seeking effective, convenient recovery solutions.
Normatec was an exciting client to collaborate with from the outset. Their team came into the project with a clear vision of what they wanted to achieve—an evolution of their recovery technology that would be more portable, more appealing to a wider audience, and scalable for broader production.
Our role was to help translate that vision into a fully realized product. This project marked the boldest shift in Normatec’s product line to date: moving from a primarily clinic- or home-based device to one that could be easily carried and used immediately after training, wherever the athlete happened to be. Through early design research, we explored how athletes interacted with the current product and identified opportunities for improvement in form factor, usability, and durability.
We also considered the manufacturing implications from the start, helping the team reimagine the device not just as a next-generation tool for recovery, but as one that could be reliably produced at higher volumes without compromising quality or performance. This foundation of focused research and collaborative planning set the stage for a successful redesign that delivered on both user needs and business goals.
Normatec’s earlier devices were bulky and hard to transport, limiting their use around training sessions. For this next-generation product, the goal was clear: make it compact, portable, and just as powerful.
We worked closely with Normatec’s engineering team to identify pumps and valves that could fit a smaller enclosure while maintaining performance. The new design also introduced a user interface screen for the first time. To meet different cost and feature targets, we developed two versions: a custom LCD for the core model and a touch panel for the premium MVP version—both fitting into the same molded, splash-proof enclosure that allowed for adequate airflow.
A custom pneumatic connector was designed to be leak-proof, easy to use one-handed, and secure even under heavy movement. Durability was key throughout: the entire system was engineered and tested to withstand drops, rough handling, and the demands of gym and field use.
