We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Menghai Xia about their original and creative Outdoor Woundcare design work. Menghai Xia is an award-winning service designer, that makes our world a better place with their original outdoor woundcare works.
Menghai Xia ("MX") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Aquaventure Outdoor Woundcare. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
MX : Aquaventure Outdoor Woundcare was inspired by a simple yet urgent question: how can we make wound treatment more accessible in remote or resource-limited environments? The principle was to combine two proven technologies — hydrogen peroxide generation and silver ion purification — into one compact, portable device. The inspiration came from observing outdoor adventurers, motorcyclists, and first responders, who often carry heavy gear but lack reliable medical tools. We wanted to give them something small, intelligent, and versatile that could transform ordinary water into a safe antibacterial solution.
MX : The main focus was to make advanced wound care lightweight, portable, and foolproof. Unlike traditional medical kits, which often rely on pre-packaged chemicals and limited supplies, Aquaventure focuses on flexibility. It can draw from nearly any water source, purify it, and generate an effective cleaning solution on demand. What we wanted to achieve was not just functionality, but also reassurance — a product that empowers users to act quickly and confidently in outdoor emergencies.
MX : Future plans include refining the prototype for mass production and expanding its functionality. We see potential in disaster relief operations, humanitarian aid, and military field applications. The design could also evolve into a family of products — from compact personal units to larger models for field hospitals. Our long-term vision is to redefine portable medical care by showing how clean water and on-demand sterilization can save lives in unpredictable conditions.
MX : The initial concept took shape over several months of research and interviews, but the journey has been longer. Early development involved exploring different purification methods and testing form factors for portability. While the first prototypes emerged relatively quickly, refining the design into its compact, efficient dimensions took close to a year, balancing usability, durability, and functionality.
MX : The project was not commissioned. It was driven by inspiration and necessity. Our technology partners had been experimenting with hydrogen peroxide generation for hygiene and environmental products, but we saw an opportunity to apply it in a completely new context — outdoor wound care. By connecting with motorcyclists, campers, and rescue professionals, we recognized a gap and decided to pursue it independently.
MX : Currently, Aquaventure Outdoor Woundcare is in the prototype stage. We are exploring partnerships with medical device companies and outdoor equipment brands that can help scale production. While we intend to maintain creative control over the design, we are open to licensing or collaboration to ensure the product reaches users who need it most.
MX : The decision came from observing the outdoor community and recognizing a gap in medical preparedness. First aid kits often include antiseptic wipes or small bottles, but nothing that can adapt to different water sources in unpredictable conditions. Designing Aquaventure was about creating a new category of product — not just medical gear, not just purification equipment, but a hybrid tool that brings safety to those who live and work outdoors.
MX : The design was influenced less by other medical products and more by outdoor gear and survival tools. We looked at how compact stoves, water filters, and multi-tools are designed for portability and ruggedness. These references inspired our approach: to create something durable, versatile, and intuitive, with a form factor that feels natural in an outdoor kit.
MX : The primary target customers are outdoor adventurers — motorcyclists, hikers, campers, and explorers — as well as first responders who need portable wound care solutions. In the future, the design could also support humanitarian aid workers and disaster-relief organizations who operate in areas where medical infrastructure is limited.
MX : What sets Aquaventure apart is its dual-technology system. It doesn’t just store antiseptic; it creates it from water, thanks to hydrogen peroxide generation. The silver ion stage ensures almost any water source can be purified before use. This two-step approach is unique, making it both safer and more versatile than single-purpose products.
MX : The name Aquaventure reflects both the element and the spirit of the product. “Aqua” emphasizes its reliance on water, while “venture” highlights exploration, resilience, and survival. Together, the name suggests a tool designed to accompany people into the unknown, turning water into a lifeline.
MX : We used CAD tools such as Rhino for modeling and KeyShot for rendering, as well as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for visualization. Prototyping was equally important, with 3D-printed models used to test dimensions, ergonomics, and durability. The design tools allowed us to refine both the technical layout and the visual identity simultaneously.
MX : The most unique aspect is its adaptability. Unlike traditional wound care kits that rely on pre-packed antiseptics, Aquaventure transforms local water into a safe, antibacterial solution. This flexibility means the product is not limited by supply chains or storage life — it empowers users to generate what they need, when they need it.
MX : Yes, collaboration was essential. We worked with technology partners who specialize in hydrogen peroxide generation, ensuring the process was safe and effective. We also consulted with outdoor enthusiasts, motorcyclists, and medical professionals to refine usability. Each collaboration helped balance the technical, functional, and human aspects of the design.
MX : Technology is the heart of Aquaventure. The hydrogen peroxide generator and silver ion purification system transform a simple idea — cleaning wounds with water — into a sophisticated solution. However, the technology is deliberately hidden behind a simple user interface. The role of technology here is to empower without overwhelming, ensuring that anyone, even under stress, can use it effectively.
MX : Yes, our design was shaped by interviews and field research. We spoke with motorcyclists, campers, and first responders to understand their needs and pain points. We also analyzed medical data on infection risks in outdoor injuries, which confirmed the importance of cleaning wounds effectively before applying care. This research validated our focus on purification and portability.
MX : The first challenge was conceptual: realizing that water sources in the field could not be assumed to be clean. This shifted the design toward integrating purification as the first step. Another challenge was form factor — balancing durability with portability. Finally, protecting sensitive components while maintaining a lightweight, compact body required several iterations.
MX : We decided to submit Aquaventure to the A’ Design Award because we wanted the conversation around this product to extend beyond outdoor gear into the broader design community. The competition emphasizes innovation, usability, and cultural relevance — all qualities that define Aquaventure. It was the right platform to showcase the idea and inspire broader thinking about portable medical solutions.
MX : This project reinforced the importance of designing for real scenarios rather than idealized conditions. It reminded us to consider human behavior in emergencies — stress, limited supplies, and the need for intuitive use. Personally, I learned how powerful cross-disciplinary collaboration can be, merging medical technology with outdoor product design in ways that neither field could achieve alone.
MX : Perhaps the key point is that Aquaventure is more than a device — it’s a philosophy of design for survival. By rethinking how basic resources like water can be harnessed, we can create tools that empower people far beyond conventional medical kits. It represents a step toward a future where essential care is always within reach, no matter how remote the journey.
