MTI: Usability in Microfluidic Cartridge and Device Design

Usability in Microfluidic Cartridge and Device Design

The August 16, 2021 online edition of MedTech Intelligence features Usability in Microfluidic Cartridge and Device Design written by StarFish Medical Industrial Designer, Mike Loveless.

Loveless expands upon the concept that “by examining the larger user experience involved in the microfluidics process, we can identify issues, and design these experiences to reduce the potential for user error, improve outcomes and create a simpler, more accessible process.”

He explains, “A key aspect to the design of a microfluidics cartridge that often goes overlooked is usability. How an end user interacts with the fluid sample, cartridge and instrument reader before, after and throughout the microfluidics assay protocol execution (process) can highly influence the quality and consistency of the result. Through examining the larger user experience involved in the microfluidics process, we can identify issues, and design these experiences to reduce the potential for user error, improve outcomes and create a simpler, more accessible process.”

The article includes examples to clarify real-life use cases with original illustrations created by the author.

Mike Loveless is an industrial designer at StarFish Medical, where he engages in all aspects of the design process from initial research and observation to research translation through ideation and concept development. Based in Toronto, Mike studied Industrial Design at Humber College and has 15 years experience in consumer product design.