GUO
About me
Adjustable handheld breast pump
OVO is a portable handheld breast pump aimed to provide better comfort through its adjustable ergonomic handle.
Keywords: Ergonomic, Portable, Affordable, User-Centered, Wellbeing
Affordable comfort for portable pumps
A major issue with handheld breast pumps is that users often experience fatigue and muscle strain in their arms or wrists from holding both the pump and milk bottle for extended periods (~30 minutes). While stationary or wearable pumps solve this matter in one way, OVO specifically targets the affordable (under $100) portable pump market. This category is popular among mothers who pump at home, work, or during travel, enabling a broader range of users to benefit from improved comfort at a lower budget.
Ergonomic handle with rotating grip
OVO’s highlight is its ergonomic handle, designed using data from female hand anatomy and refined through extensive prototyping and user testing for long-term comfort. A key innovation is its ball joint, which allows the handle to rotate for personalized positioning. This was developed in response to user research showing that many mothers frequently adjust their grip during pumping to reduce fatigue —something most handheld pumps don’t accommodate well. The rotating handle offers great flexibility, making it easier for users with different body types to find a comfortable and sustainable holding position.
Intuitive one-handed interface
Another target of OVO was ensuring all interactions are intuitive and could be done easily with one hand. The handle can be adjusted while the user holds the pump—pressing both side buttons unlocks the joint for rotation, and it locks automatically when released. The mechanism relies on internal springs and rubber friction for smooth, secure movement. The controller is also designed for one-handed use, with a central dial for easy intensity adjustment. Connected to the pump by a tube, it keeps motor weight and vibration away from the holding end.
Designed for portable use
To meet the needs of portability, we set a design goal for OVO to fit within an 800ml lunch box. Key features supporting this including using a virtical diaphram system to minimize the volume of the body, and a foldable silicone milk container for compact storage. The container also has a temperature-sensitive ink indicator that changes color if the milk is not kept cool—an important safety feature, especially when the milk is transported between locations.
CMF and Manufacturing
The visual and tactile design of OVO is shaped by the keywords: gentle, soft, calming, clean, and playful. The color palette features pastel blue for its calming effect, accented by light yellow. Matte finishes are used on hand-contact areas to provide a soft texture and better grip through increased friction.
Materials were carefully selected for safety, comfort, and ease of maintenance. The main body is made from food-grade polypropylene (PP), suitable for milk-contact components and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. The controller is made of durable ABS, while the flange and milk container are soft silicone. A silicone patch on the back of the handle adds comfort and improves grip.
Most components are injection molded. One exception is the transparent part of the main body, made complex by the vertical diaphragm system used to minimize pump volume. To accommodate this, it is manufactured in two pieces, then joined using ultrasonic welding.
Gallery
Team project
In collaboration with:
Inès El Ouaraki, Jiaoyang Li, Reyhane Fakhraei, Yueru Tian