The Innovation Institute is quite a unique company. It is a for-profit business formed by seven non-profit health systems as equity investors, each holding a seat on the Members Committee.
The Southern California-based organization is focused on transforming health care through the development of products, services and ideas. The Institute acts as an incubator, evaluating ideas, determining long-term potential, and working with the inventor to obtain patents, develop prototypes, and nurture projects until they can be brought to market.
Such a unique business structure deserved a unique space to fulfill company goals.
The Innovation Lab is a highly interactive environment where health care professionals can explore and develop innovative products for health and wellness. When ideas flow into the Innovation Institute’s website, the Cleveland Clinic (a partner of the Institute) and Lab team members work to evaluate and process the ideas.
To be able to facilitate this long-distance partnership, the Innovation Lab required a collection of distance collaboration technologies that enable frequent and highly productive meetings. As important was the need to support large meetings and events in-house, with tools for presentation, ideation and prototyping.
Integrator Takeaways:
1. Collaborate at the beginning on use cases, not just the technology.
2. Get the end user involved throughout the project.
3. Design an infrastructure that allows the client to continue to add to and change the technology.
End User Takeaways:
1. Adaptability of the technology put in on day one is very important.
2. Put plenty of thought into the proximity of different technologies.
3. Be prepared for surprises along the way, and remediate.
Equipment Highlights:
Apple TV, Biamp Tesira 4-Channel Output Expander, Chief Mount, Crestron Control System, JBL Ceiling Loudspeakers, Middle Atlantic Equipment Rack, NEC Display Solutions 50″ LCD, Panasonic 64″ Electronic Whiteboard, Planar 2 x 2 55″ LCD Video Wall, Polycom RealPresence Group 500, Samsung 50″ LCD, Sharp 60″ Interactive LCD Screen, Vaddio USB Camera
Orange, Calif.-based Cibola Systems worked with the Innovation Institute to bring the Innovation Lab to fruition. A unified approach to AV systems in each of eight work zones allows the Lab to perform equally well as a large conference venue and intensive project team workspace.
Images can be shown at a local source, or distributed to more than a dozen displays throughout the suite, including a four-screen video wall. Social media applications, along with live and pre-recorded audio, can also be shared across these zones. Video collaboration technologies — multiple codecs, web-based conferencing and a telepresence robot — easily connect local teams with partners across the nation.
Interactive LCD screens surrounded by glass whiteboards allow design renderings to be viewed and edited in real-time during team meetings. Quiet zones with noise-canceling technology not only provide space to unplug, but also simulate more efficient and effective healing environments. Furniture is easily maneuverable and guests are encouraged to alter the design of the workspace to fit their own needs.
The Innovation Lab quickly became a technologically advanced incubator for new ideas in health care, according to the integrator. Among the technologies utilized are Biamp audio mixers, Crestron control systems, Polycom video conferencing software, and Samsung, Sharp, NEC, and Planar video screens.
The Lab’s innovation team was highly engaged in decisions throughout the project, the integrator reports, and could not be happier with the results.
