Device Manufacturing Web Portal
Overview
A leading medical device company, sought to revolutionize eye care for patients through the development of at-home eye monitoring system. This device would provide patients with the ability to monitor their eye health more frequently and regularly.
Each patient needs a customized mask for precise eye alignment when scanning. Patients will have their faces scanned at their doctors’ offices. That data gets sent to the manufacturing portal for download and print into the custom mas. The mask is then assembled with the device and shipped to the patient.
My Role
As the lead designer, I was responsible for the end-to-end design of the portal. I executed the design process from gathering requirements, creating prototypes, conducting user research, to developer hand off.
Duration
16 Months
Team
Engineers, SQA, Product Managers, Stakeholders, Clinicians
Why We Need This
Business
efficient and effective device and progress management
cost reduction and increases revenue
direct support of business goals
🧑🏭 Streamlined Workflow
Improved efficiency and effectiveness
Accelerated manufacturing process
👴 Patient Experience
Timely device manufacturing and delivery
Prompt access to monitoring and care
User Workflow
Extensive, ongoing collaboration with stakeholders was conducted over several months to fully comprehend the workflows of the manufacturing floor.
Ideation
After gaining a rough understanding of the project requirements, I started drafting the concept. Given our limited initial knowledge, this concept proved to be satisfactory for our current level of understanding of the system at this time.
Iterations
In this iteration, I incorporated the feedback received and combined it with new information gathered. Three key changes were the information architecture, information prioritization, and the focus on action-centered call-to-actions.
Feedback
👨💼 Assembly Line & Batches
“Treat the manufacturing floor like an assembly line.
There are multiple workers using the same portal for different orders and tasks.
They work in batches comprised of 12 orders.”
🛠 Unhappy Path
“What happens if a user makes a mistake?
Start considering the unhappy paths in every action and interaction.
Consider how errors will be handled and prevented.”
Final Solution
Final Solution Key Features
Dynamic Column Functions
Recognizing that each station along the assembly line needs different functions, I nested the required actions within a dynamic column that adapts based on the current step of the bundles being processed. This unified interaction guides users and eliminates the need for them to make choices, thereby minimizing the possibility of errors. Ultimately, this approach enhances efficiency and reduces the mental workload for the manufacturing floor workers.
Batching and Efficiency
The redesigned interface not only supports the concept of batch printing but also aligns with the overall model of the manufacturing system.
Flexibility & Quality Control
The design of this medical device manufacturing web portal prioritizes error prevention and handling as key considerations. This includes providing a user-friendly interface that accounts for potential user errors and implementing robust error handling mechanisms to address manufacturing errors outside of the users' control. The portal also offers flexibility through the ability to undo actions, ensuring the quality control of each part remains a priority in the overall workflow.
Learnings
The design of this manufacturing portal was a challenging and enriching experience that required several months to conceptualize and execute. As the lead designer, I was accountable for the entire design process, encompassing a holistic and systematic approach. This project exemplified the art of combining software requirements with user needs in a seamless manner.
The project posed a novel challenge for me as I was designing for a brand-new product which involved overcoming uncertainty and effectively communicating with stakeholders. During the design phase, I sharpened my proficiency in making agile changes in Figma, resulting in a streamlined design iteration cycle. Although the portal was not eventually developed, this project was a significant learning experience.
