CASE STUDY:
Hologic
Breast Biopsy Console
Hologic required a redesign to the company’s “flagship” console to display their commitment to a compassionate, patient-friendly biopsy solution. The interaction between the console and patient was as important as the interaction between the console and clinicians/physicians. Noise reduction, overall size, refined user ergonomics along with compassionate styling were all areas considered when developing the new console design.
The ATEC Breast Biopsy System Console was the first ever all-in-one vacuum-assisted breast biopsy system capable of minimally invasive tissue excision.
Brainstorming and multiple iterations of concept generation followed the research learnings. These concepts focused on maintaining the console’s integrity for offering clinicians a method for a fast, safe, easy, and minimally invasive breast biopsy procedure. The incorporation of soft curves and calming color selections exemplified the compassionate approach Hologic was striving for in a design.
Concepts were finalized with component exploded views to be utilized not only for the development of engineering but for initial costing of manufacturing.
The engineering team developed the final concept into engineering models, implementing structural, mechanical, manufacturing and sound proofing solutions into the product design. Catalyst engineers worked closely with Hologic’s manufacturing team to provide optimized designs for improved and efficient manufacturing processes.
Designers utilized learnings from ergonomic and user needs research to support concept development of the design.
The unit’s noise level was reduced through sound-proof foam and internal baffles. This was considered a significant and necessary achievement to create a “safe feeling” for the patient and minimizing the emotional trauma of a potentially stressful situation.
The operator control pad was redesigned to have a more intuitive interface and utilized a touch pad membrane switch which gave the unit a more sophisticated look and feel. The unit hook-up receptacles were separated from the user interface for ease of identification. All of these changes also simplified cleaning and maintenance of the unit.
