1 – Arthrex Surgical Camera
As a lead designer for a next-generation UHD 4K camera used in surgeries such as arthroscopy, endoscopy and laparoscopy, my mission was to create a device that was not only technologically advanced but also user-friendly and ergonomic. I knew adding more advanced features and powerful electro-mechanical components would make ergonomic design and accessibility more challenging.
To design a camera that truly meets the needs of surgeons, I employed a human-centric approach, utilizing principles of human factors and universal design. This included basing the camera’s dimensions on anthropometric measurements of both left- and right-handed individuals’ hands from the female 5th and male 95th percentiles. Additionally, I incorporated improvements in visual, auditory, and tactile feedback for buttons that are crucial in reducing human errors. This iterative design process involved measurement, ideation, CAD development, manual model making, rapid prototyping, and user testing, resulting in a camera that is inclusive and addresses the needs of a wide range of users.
In addition to designing the camera with human factors and universal design principles, I closely collaborated with the engineering and advanced manufacturing teams to balance performance, ergonomics, heat distribution, and manufacturing costs. My role was crucial in identifying cost-saving solutions and incorporating new technologies for the camera case, surface finishing, and marking. Through my unique perspective, methodology, and expertise, I helped the organization establish a new process to effectively integrate human factors requirements in a scalable manner for cameras and other products.
Through my expertise, I helped the team create a camera that is not only technologically advanced but also easy to use and ergonomic. This results in faster FDA approval and better outcomes for patients while also maintaining the product’s/brand’s identity and improving design features to make it stand out from competitors and previous generations.
2 – Arthrex Radiofrequency Probe
As a lead industrial designer and human factors expert, I was tasked with creating a next-generation radiofrequency probe for hand and wrist tissue ablation that advanced technologically and provided user-friendly and ergonomic design for delicate procedures such as arthroscopy. In order to achieve this, I conducted extensive research on competitors and user needs, utilizing the latest human factors findings to define the probe’s precision grip requirements.
I then managed and led a participatory design process, coordinating and collaborating with distributed teams, stakeholders, vendors, and contractors across the country. This began with using morphological matrixes to generate design ideas, which were further developed using CAD modeling. These designs were then prototyped using 3D printing technology. These prototypes were rigorously tested for size, grip, tactile feedback, and button accessibility for a range of hand sizes and handedness, including both left and right-handed individuals from the female 5th and male 95th percentiles. The best design ideas were selected and developed through a multi-criteria screening and scoring process, incorporating cost-saving solutions and new technologies for the probe case, buttons, cables/tubes, and other parts.
User Research
Participatory Design
Rapid Prototyping
User Feedback
The design was refined through an iterative process to ensure optimal ergonomics while also considering cost-saving measures and environmental impact. The end result of this process was a probe that not only advanced technologically, but also provided a user-friendly and ergonomic experience for surgeons, improving the outcomes for patients. The attention to detail and focus on human factors during the design process resulted in a product that was not only technologically advanced, but also easy to use and ergonomic.
3 – Surgical Shaver Footswitch
As a design and human factors lead for a next-generation electronic footswitch, I was tasked with creating an intuitive and user-friendly device that could replace bulky mechanical pedals. The new Arthrex footswitch utilizes an electronic pressure sensor for precise control and operation, offering opportunities for cost-saving and design improvements.
One of my first challenges was to create clear and universal visual language and iconography that surgeons around the world would understand. Despite similarities in surgical procedures and devices used in the US and Europe, surgeons have different habits and muscle memories when it comes to using hand and foot control devices. I wanted to ensure that the new design would translate intuitively across devices, systems, and environments to minimize the possibility of human errors.
After designing the iconography, I moved on to testing the new design and graphics through simulations and physical prototyping. One of the biggest challenges we faced was the lack of tactile feedback from electronic pressure sensors. This made it difficult for surgeons to control the speed of the drilling and shaving machine, particularly when using the non-linear speed increase control. To address this issue, I designed an advanced research experiment to identify the optimal threshold for limiting the setting for low-medium-high speed. In addition to addressing ergonomic factors, I also contributed to the design of the form, texture, surface finish, material, and color of the device.
Overall, the new Arthrex footswitch offers a slim form factor with an electronic pressure sensor for precise control and operation, reducing product malfunctioning, and minimizing the need for support and warranty. My role in the development of this device was to ensure that the design was intuitive, easy to understand, and user-friendly, making the surgical process more efficient, and ultimately, safer for patients.