Developing medical devices that are functionally proficient is one thing, but ensuring user engagement and proper usage over time presents a different challenge, as highlighted by Oscar Daws, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Tone Product Design.
In our technology-assisted lives, from smartphones to smartwatches, we’ve grown accustomed to the convenience and utility these devices offer. However, the interaction with medical technology shows a stark variance, with issues in adoption and adherence being global concerns. This is not a question of medical device effectiveness; these products undergo rigorous clinical testing. The challenge lies in the insufficient consideration of the human element in medical product design. The focus often shifts to efficiency, overshadowing the vital user interaction aspect due to the maze of regulations and development hurdles.
The task for medical device design professionals is complex, involving overcoming both psychological and physical barriers to improve user experience. Issues range from the complexity and bulkiness of the devices, fear of incorrect usage, to the emotional impact, like feeling aged or unhealthy.
Understanding the human response is key. For instance, why are headphones widely accepted, yet many refuse hearing aids? Or why do 83% of sleep apnoea machine users remove the device during the night? These machines are often cumbersome and uncomfortable, affecting both patients and their partners. A redesign focusing on user experience could significantly improve adherence.
This concept extends to drug delivery devices, often marred by technical complexity and discomfort. Surprisingly, despite the critical nature of these devices in administering vital medications, the focus on user-friendly design and experience is often minimal, considering it would require only a fraction of the overall development costs.
Emphasising User Engagement in Design
In this context, medical device product development can truly benefit from an experience-first approach. Effective medical product design taps into patient psychology, conveying the advantages of medical technology in a way that is both creative and empathetic.
Medtech needs to be as intuitive and integrated into daily routines as possible, earning trust and empowering users, particularly in the absence of healthcare professionals. Additionally, addressing social and situational stigmas associated with medical devices is essential. If a medtech product can blend seamlessly into daily life, resembling more of a conventional technology than an assistive device, it can significantly reduce associated stigmas.
As the industry begins to view individuals with medical conditions first as people rather than patients, there’s a shift towards adopting strategies from consumer product design. This includes incorporating elements like gamification, behavioural science, and appealing wearables to foster user engagement and adherence. Although progress is being made, prioritising these aspects remains a secondary concern for many in the field.
Navigating Data Privacy in Design
Another major challenge in medical device product development is data collection and privacy. While health data is invaluable, there needs to be a clear dialogue about data privacy and usage. Effective design must reassure users about the security of their data while highlighting its benefits.
A notable example of design’s power is seen in the transformation of a blood-glucose monitor, originally developed for diabetic patients, into a performance-enhancing tool for athletes by Supersapiens. This evolution showcases the potential of design and strategic communication in altering perceptions and reducing stigma, all while gathering important data for various stakeholders.
The pandemic has accelerated our awareness of data collection, as seen with the NHS contact tracing app in the UK and similar apps in the USA. The data privacy hurdles these healthtech tools faced underscores the necessity for prioritising human centred design, focusing on user perceptions and experiences to identify potential issues before deployment.
As the medical technology industry continues to place ever more importance on issues like medication adherence, the focus on designing with the user’s needs at the forefront becomes increasingly crucial. In a world where individuals are encouraged to take more control of their health, prioritising user-centric design is key to overcoming challenges related to engagement and adherence.
Want to know more?
If you’d like to talk to us about what we do or tell us about a new project, send us an email at:
We’d love to hear from you.
Read more of our news
The Effect of Gestalt Psychology on Design
Do designers and artists just rely on fashion and their own personal taste, or are there scientific and psychological reasons why some objects are so appealing?
Read more