Designing a User-Friendly Medical Device

This year we are experiencing a global pandemic and it has changed the dynamics of the medical industry. Demand is increasing for innovative medical devices with good design. A good design of a medical device reduces the complexity of the device while improving its reliability and overall performance.

Design and development of a medical device is the most crucial phase for its success. And the most important factor of the design is its usability. When Grandesign (part of the VANGEST Group) worked on the BTS project in collaboration with Biosystems, designing a user-friendly device was the main focus.

Designing the BTS Semi-Automatic Analyser

The BTS Semi-Automatic Analyser is meant to enhance laboratory facilities by accurately analysing various types of biological samples. The aesthetic language of the medical device is focused on a compact and portable design that easily integrates itself with the laboratory environment. One of the most important elements in the design is that it is user-centric with easy to understand functions.

We chose a design concept through analysing the market trends in the medical laboratory industry while focusing on the functionality of the device. Our product engineering process helped us to finalize a design that is durable and structurally strong.

We designed the interface for easy readability because accurate readings for medical devices are imperative. The device has a colour touch-screen, and the interface has large graphics for easy navigation and readability. We wanted to ensure an effortless user experience with easy to understand functions.

Validating the Design

In addition to providing innovative product design, VANGEST has several other solutions for the medical industry: Prototyping and Rapid Manufacturing, Mould Making, and Injection Moulding of plastic parts.

In this case for the BTS project, we prototyped the device in our Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing Centre in order to validate the design and functionality between the separate parts (a metal base support and plastic parts). In addition, we needed to see if our design was feasible for production and that it was structurally strong. We used our 3D printing facility to print out each part. Once the parts were verified, we made silicon moulds. After each part was made and the finishing process was completed, we assembled the device to produce a prototype.

Prototyping is an important step for the product development process, because we can see what is working and what adjustments we need to make before the medical device goes for mass production.

In the entire process when we were designing the BTS device, we always kept the user in mind. If the user can easily navigate the device, they can provide rapid and accurate results. These factors make the device reliable and enhance its overall performance. A good design is a user-friendly design.