Brief
Scientists from the University of Sheffield developed an Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy platform for real time diagnostics and wanted to turn this into a commercial product. Maddison was brought in to support the product development including usability studies, industrial design and product engineering.
Challenges & Development
The usability aspects and ergonomics were a challenge as the clinician needs to position the device correctly, operate the controls and view the screen, all whilst performing a delicate and invasive procedure. Maddison worked with clinicians on the positioning of controls, angles of the device and the hand held ergonomics. An iterative approach was taken with many concepts explored and a number of foam samples made and tested for usability. We then narrowed this down to 3 prime candidates before selecting the optimum industrial design.
Infection control and the disposable element were important considerations in the design and Maddison changed the product layout to incorporate contact electrodes into the tip of a disposable polypropylene sheath which allowed the electronics to remain in the re-usable portion of the device. Significant cost savings were achieved and an easy to clean solution found. Features include wireless infra red data transfer, interactive display and a universal single use disposable element.
