PRODUCT DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
(continued on page 84)
It could be a way to work within the confines of medical device regulations and quickly understand what works, what doesn't and what we can do about it. Then adjust and tweak before finalizing designs, materials, manufacturing processes and mor. 2. Design the full system Adhesives don't typically keep people up at night (though if they do for you, you're in welcome company). Often relegated to being an afterthought in device design, they're seen as a simple material that holds tactical value — sticking one thing to another thing. But when they aren't thoughtfully designed-in from the start, they have the potential to cause costly and timeconsuming redesigns. Many devices are complex systems, and adhesives are just one, albeit important, layer. With many competing priorities in a limited timeframe, it can be challenging to give every little thing its rightful attention. How do we reconcile? We can start by identifying the most-often-deprioritized components and understand their role in the entire system. What do they ultimately enable for the design and the end user? Talk with colleagues, mentors and partners inside of and beyond your function to get their perspectives. From there, your design has the potential to get stronger, and with stronger designs, we're advancing what's possible today.
The level and type of data a device needs to collect should inform whether it can be worn on the wrist or elsewhere on the body. Wrist-worn wearables aren't as secure but work well for fitnessrelated metrics, such as tracking calories burned. On the other hand, body-worn wearable patches can adhere directly to skin, creating an intimate connection to the data source. This form factor may be better for tracking medically sound metrics like glucose levels for continuous glucose monitors. On top of that, if your ideal end user doesn't understand how to use it from when they apply it to when they remove it, they're not likely to want to use it again or recommend it to others. As expectations of interacting with data, technology and devices
3. Prioritize device security A real challenge in medtech is handling cybersecurity for novel and legacy devices. It's not a new challenge, but it's taken on a renewed sense of urgency. Up to now, more passive forms of security measures like shielding films may have sufficed. However, the dialogue needs to evolve to discuss how we can incorporate active measures into devices on the market today and in the future, and how regulatory bodies can validate and defend.
Medical Design & Outsourcing
11 • 2022
Collaborate for the future of medical devices Together, we can ignite the next wave of device innovation. We can create a reality in which devices are on the cutting edge, providing the insights people need to take control of their health. As a result, people will feel safe, empowered and confident because of them. Whether you're involved in designing the devices, manufacturing them or beyond, we all have the power to move together and usher in the next generation. How will you help?
Image courtesy of 3M
4. Balance the art and science of design The funny thing about data is that more isn't always better. Similarly, the latest technology isn't always intuitive. So finding the right combination — incorporating the latest tech to get the best data insights while creating a user-friendly experience — is a mix of art and science. 86
continue to advance, we get to continue problem-solving along with it, testing, validating and finding what works, ultimately leaving our mark on the journey toward a healthier world.
www.medicaldesignandoutsourcing.com