Human Factors - Medical Device Testing
BACKGROUND:
The client was preparing to launch a new at-home medical device in an international market. As a step along the journey to market approval, our client needed to demonstrate that the device was intuitive and easy-to-use among their target customers. I worked as a research manager to lead a team through this successful, long-term research project.
OUTCOME:
Through this study, the team captured insights on participants’ success completing critical and non-critical observed usability issues. Not only did we help our client ensure the device met usability needs ahead of a new international market launch, but we also provided critical insights on how to create a better patient experience at-home in future iterations of the interface.
We provided findings and deliverables, including:
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A detailed report outlining task success metrics and observations on the participant reactions with the device
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Qualitative participant feedback to inform future development and improvements
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Product recommendations focused on ease of use
Approach
The team designed a usability study with 18 participants who had been diagnosed with a specific medical condition who would be using their medical device. We also recruited some participants who were bilingual and completed the study tasks in another language to ensure the device’s language features worked accordingly.
We conducted this international research in-person with structured task-based interviews where participants were asked to use the device to complete a series of key tasks. Our UX researcher observed participants’ interactions with the device and its interface, noting task completion and any difficulties they encountered within the user interface. We also conducted brief post-task interviews to collect feedback about the participant’s experience to inform future product development.
To ensure the device was meeting expectations, the client wanted to confirm that participants could successfully complete a series of selected critical tasks, including onboarding and interacting with the interface at key milestones.
Our client team also wanted to understand information about the user experience to inform future development. To achieve this, we also had participants attempt non-critical tasks on the device and observed their experience.