The SolarScan, designed by Sydney-based companies Polartechnics and 4design, uses a high-resolution digital camera mounted in a hand piece to capture images of suspect moles. They can be monitored over time for changes that signal malignancy. The SolarScan also has potential to assist doctors with their diagnosis by comparing the features of each lesion to a database of clinical information.

The SolarScan was developed over more than ten years by Sydney-based company Polartechnics in collaboration with Sydney Melanoma Centre, CSIRO and a number of design firms. This latest generation device is more streamlined and portable and is being launched to the market in 2007.

The SolarScan demonstrates excellence in product design, software and electronics design based on innovative original scientific research. It has potential to reduce unnecessary surgery on suspicious but benign moles and improve diagnosis of melanoma – around 1000 Australians die from melanoma each year. SolarScan is in use by more than 100 clinics in Australia, and has also been exported to New Zealand, UK and USA. It received a Red Dot award for product design in 2007.

The Powerhouse Museum Design Award is presented to an Australian-designed product that has potential to make a significant improvement to the quality of the environment, health or wellbeing. In addition it meets the Powerhouse Museum Selection criteria of excellence in design, innovation, sustainability and significance to industry and material culture. The SolarScan is on display in the 2007 Australian Design Awards exhibition until June 2008.

Polartechnics
4design
Australian Design Awards

TAGS
+ Australian Design Awards
+ Powerhouse Museum
+ Sydney Design 07
+ SolarScan
+ Health
+ Medical equipment