Role: Lead Industrial Designer
Focus: Human-factors redesign, usability workflow, architecture simplification, prototyping
Contributions: Research, ideation, ergonomic studies, volume modeling, CAD and looks-like prototypes
Focus: Human-factors redesign, usability workflow, architecture simplification, prototyping
Contributions: Research, ideation, ergonomic studies, volume modeling, CAD and looks-like prototypes
BACKGROUND
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is a primary cause of dry eye disease, which impacts more than 340 million people around the world. The condition is a leading cause of dry eye, found in an estimated 86% of dry eye patients. The LipiFlow® System is a best-in-class medical device treatment for MGD shown to improve mean gland function and dry eye symptoms.
DESIGN OBJECTIVES
• Lower cost of goods to gain an advantage in a rapidly growing competitive marketplace
• Streamline usability; make device intuitive, simpler, and easier to operate
• Increase treatment through-put; only 0.5% of patients that come into the office end up getting the treatment.
• Update components to avoid obsoletion: current CPU slated for obsoletion in 2024.
Users and Environment
Device will generally be used inside of an optometrist or ophthalmologist office. It will be a clean, air-conditioned, interior environment. Typically located in a relatively small and dimly lit room with a verity of other equipment. The lack of available space and dim lighting puts an emphasis on compact size and ease of operation.
The device will principally be used by trained techs familiar with the equipment and its use. It is not meant for use by patients or people unfamiliar with the devices functions. Users will often be wearing gloves and other PPE.
Use Case
Use of the new system will largely resemble the current one regarding the patience's experience. During the consultation, the patient is assessed and prepped for treatment. They will be reclined in the chair to have the activator(s) placed. Once the activators are in place treatment can begin.
While a patients demographics vary, all treatments are uniform and do not require customization or patient data storage. Once the activators are in place and the patient is ready, a technician can simply begin treatment.
Work Flow
During use, the technician's workflow will differ from the current system as major aspects of the device has changed
Procedure Notes
•Tech sets up the device, Doctor places activators then leaves.
•Tech stays with patient and talks though what's happening during the procedure.
•Typically in stored dedicated lane with other devices
•Tech sets up the device, Doctor places activators then leaves.
•Tech stays with patient and talks though what's happening during the procedure.
•Typically in stored dedicated lane with other devices
Design Challenges
Communication - While making the device smaller will reduce the COGs significantly, it also makes communication with the user more difficult. Without a large screen to use for graphical and text elements the user interface will rely on other means such as lights and audio.
Ergonomics & Handling - With a smaller device storage and handling became much easier and valuable counter space is freed up. However, there is no real dedicated space for the device while in use. Slit lamp tables are only just big enough for the lamps and chin rests. Mounting or fixing to the exam chair is an option but they vary widely form practice to practice..
Connectors & Cable management - A major pain point is the connector design and cable management. The main challenge is accommodating an electrical and pneumatic connection though a single connector. This needs to be secure but easy to use while wearing PPE such as gloves. While in use the activator is taped to the patient’s face to act as a strain relief. This is a simple and practical solution but it doesn’t communicate the value and quality of a premium medical device.
Ergonomic Considerations
• Must be “portable” but not necessarily a hand-held or wearable device
• Can be stored on a side table/counter., ground, or hanging on a chair
• Form Factor References: Portable Hard Drive, Blue Tooth Speaker, Mini Battery Jumper Boxes
System Architecture
Previous architecture(left) compared to basic components required for treatment (Right).
Required Components
• Pump • Battery • USB Out
• Accumulator • Noise damping • Vent Holes/heat sync
• Noise damping • Screen • Two connectors
• Power button • Start/stop button • PCB
• Lights • Beeper/ audio
• Accumulator • Noise damping • Vent Holes/heat sync
• Noise damping • Screen • Two connectors
• Power button • Start/stop button • PCB
• Lights • Beeper/ audio
Design Inspiration
IDEATION
Group Ideation Session by myself and two other designers
CONCEPT 1
small - removable battery - no screen - communicates with LEDs and audio alerts - upgraded connectors
CONCEPT 2
small - built-in battery - no screen - communicates with LEDs and audio alerts - existing connectors
CONCEPT 3
headset - screen folds up - built-in battery - reduces cable management issues
CONCEPT 4
larger - permanent battery - integrated screen - Upgraded connectors
Quick Volume Studies
Foam volumetric studies helped me to build an understanding around the actual forms and sizes of each concept then test them with regard to cable management, patient placement, and storage. These models helped us decide which models to move forward with.
Looks-Like Prototypes
Concept 4 was chosen as the fully featured version that was complete with a Raspberry Pi touch screen interface showcasing GUI concepts developed by our team.
Concept 2 was chosen as the embodiment of a basic unit utilizing existing connectors and a simple LED interface.