Holistic Innovation
The HistoSonics project engaged all of our expertise. Together with their innovative team, we created a foundation for the Edison non-invasive sonic beam cancer treatment by starting with formative user research before exploring concepts. We progressed through an iterative process of design, prototyping, and user testing, always focused on creating a seamless, clear, and satisfying user experience.
Research with a Multi-disciplinary Team
We got to know Histosonics users early. We were able to shape the total user experience by engaging with key stakeholders for the planning and treatment system. Research interviews and observational studies included surgical oncologists, interventional radiologists, engineers, nurses, technicians, and marketing specialists, from the US and Europe.
Our findings helped the team see different perspectives, challenges, and needs. That broad input and collaboration made decisions easier on a wide range of topics going forward.
Creating the Road Map
We began by creating simple sketches and wireframes, focused on workflow and content. The early user research provided a north star for where to take the design, helping us address issues most critical to a straightforward workflow. With a thorough understanding of 70 clinical treatment steps, we organized and simplified the UI functionality under three high-level phases that resonated with users: Plan / Pulse / Treat. We then found a way to present supporting functionality that intuitively flowed with the users’ mental model, without interfering with their priorities. At every step, we kept patient safety and clinical accuracy in mind.
Next, we built an interactive prototype using our wireframes, so that when users tried out the prototype, they would not be distracted by colors and design components and could offer more detailed insight on the workflow.
Partnering with industrial designers, we evaluated traditional ultrasound hardware and chose what aspects could remain as physical controls, while moving many elements to an easy-to-use touch interface. Our goal was to help users make accurate and contextual choices in the treatment process, and working on software and hardware issues together kept the focus on the total user experience and human factors.
A Refined Finish
After iterative prototyping and user testing, we streamlined the precise workflow and added an elegant visual design. Supported by well-researched visual design principles for touch screens and low-light settings, the UI eased eye strain during long procedures and gently kept the user aware the progression of treatment. The DICOM viewer workflow was refined with the help of a German research firm, to optimize control of images. This created an exceptionally clear way to see anatomy and its subtle changes during treatment.
All elements of design were chosen to communicate the HistoSonics brand philosophy, making all messaging resonate consistently throughout the user experience.
The final testing of the software and hardware proved the design was successful and well-liked, showing the value of user engagement early and throughout the design process.
