The Power of Human Centred Design in Medical Device Innovation
Invention and refinement in the sphere of medical device technology can often be an intense and demanding process. While scientific and technological advancements act as the driving force, the ultimate success of a product frequently hinges on an aspect that resonates more fundamentally with its users – understanding people.
The Uncharted Territory of Human Centred Design in Medical Device Innovation
Designing medical devices can often present unique challenges when compared to the consumer product category. The industry involves multiple stakeholders, including patients, physicians, providers, and funders. Designers must navigate the complexity of integrating hardware with software, ensure compatibility with diverse healthcare data systems, and operate within a highly regulated environment.
Despite the obstacles, the key to differentiation, adoption, and advocacy lies in the realm of Human Centred Design (HCD). Yet, this is an area only a few have fully leveraged. More often than not, the focus of attention is on the technological aspect of a product or service, side-lining the true aspect that captures people’s interest – how the product or service can benefit them.
Redefining the Course of Success with HCD
Embracing HCD enables the surfacing of the right problems to solve and meeting the needs of both patients and healthcare providers. Once we acknowledge the significant influence of emotionally driven decisions made by humans on the success or failure of an innovation, we unlock the potential rewards of understanding them.
Success then becomes a collaborative endeavour that transcends isolated design departments and the overwhelming influence of revered experts. Ideas are rigorously and repeatedly tested using a wide range of research tools and techniques throughout the development process. Decisions are based on a profound empathetic understanding of the intended audience, and a philosophy centred around stakeholder satisfaction is prioritised over a focus on short-term shareholder value.
To find game-changing ideas that users will love, don’t rely exclusively on in-house resources. Embrace HCD as a collective duty and leverage external talent to foster innovation and facilitate the process.
Our Approach
Our consistent commercial success can be attributed to our collaborative and integrated approach. Our research and strategy team, with their design backgrounds, excel at asking the right questions. This unique perspective enables the transformation of strategic direction into innovative products by our team of designers and engineers. Specific details at each stage are determined through thorough research, allowing for the critical evaluation of ideas against audience expectations.
Despite being slower to exploit the business benefits of strategic design, medical device companies in the UK now have the chance to leverage HCD methods, refined across a wide range of industries. This approach can drive greater returns, foster growth, and most importantly, enhance patient outcomes and transform lives.
In conclusion, Human Centred Design is not merely a design methodology, but a strategic tool that has the potential to revolutionise medical device companies’ approach to innovation. It’s time to embrace it.
