Project Overview
The COOLIEF system is a Cooled Radiofrequency Treatment device which has remained unchanged since acquisition. This system can safely treat chronic pains and provide long lasting pain relief with a minimally invasive procedure.
Role
User Research
UX Design
Industrial Design
Cross-functional Collaborators
R&D Engineering
Human Factors
Marketing Insight
Challenges
The original pump could only support two channels for procedures. With the new generator, a physician would be able to use up to four channels to treat patients. However, it meant that the new pump would now need four individual motors to pump water to cool the probe while delivering the treatment. If we retro fit the old two-channel pump to the new generator, it will not match its full capacity. The old pump breaks quite often due to an imbalanced top heavy design. The integrated handle also makes it easy to be tipped over. It is a common practice the old pump will be placed on top of the generator which increases the chance of being knocked over. It surely does not agree the new generator's design language. My challenge was to create a solution to house and secure the pumps, without changing current clinicians’ workflow. Simultaneously, I needed to enhance the system’s usability and aesthetics, while staying consistent with COOLIEF’s brand language.
Understand the Users and Environment
Use Flow
The Anesthesiologist, a scrub nurse and a C-Arm technician work as a team. Prior a scheduled procedure, the nurse will setup the COOLIEF system and helps doctor to adjust the setting, thus the doctor will focus on placing the probe in the correct location which will result in an optimal treatment outcome.
Design Goal
The setup of a system should be intuitive. The system should allow an anesthesiologist to perform his/her job with maximum flexibility. Tubing connection and disconnection should be easy. The suggestion is to place the pump on the top of the generator as a system. This system will place on a cart which can be wheeled in and out procedure room easily. We suggest to place the system in the end of the procedure table, this way the tubing arrangement will be manageable. Utilize 3D print to simulate the use of COOLIEF system to gain feedback from Key Opinion Leader (KOL) which informs the next iteration.
Map out the potential use scenarios and test in the formative studies is the key to a successful project outcome.
