Venn Diagram MedTech Success – Aligning Product and Business Strategy

Ariana Wilson and Mark Drlik seated against a white background, wearing lavalier microphones. The woman on the left has long brown curly hair and is wearing a beige cardigan over a taupe top. The man on the right is wearing glasses and a blue button-up shirt. They appear to be engaged in conversation or a video interview.
Resources

Venn Diagram MedTech Success – Aligning Product and Business Strategy

In this episode of MedDevice by Design, we explore how the Venn Diagram MedTech Success model helps early-stage companies align product design with commercial strategy. Mark Drlik and Ariana Wilson share how this triple Venn framework, focusing on feasibility, viability, and desirability, can diagnose the strengths and weaknesses of a MedTech product or startup.

What Is the Venn Diagram MedTech Success Model?

The Venn Diagram MedTech Success framework consists of three intersecting pillars:

  • Feasibility: Can we build it? Do we have the technical and engineering capability?
  • Viability: Can we sell it? Will it generate economic value in a competitive market?
  • Desirability: Will users and payers want it? Does it meet clinical and user needs?

Mark emphasizes that while most teams focus heavily on feasibility, overlooking the business and market context can derail an otherwise brilliant product.

    Applying the Venn Diagram to Real-World MedTech Devices

    Mark uses intravascular lithotripsy—a device designed to break up calcified plaque in arteries—as a real-world example. This innovation checked all three boxes:

    • A strong business strategy and regulatory plan (viability)
    • A differentiated product that improved safety and effectiveness (desirability)
    • A feasible, proven technical path with clinical precedent (feasibility)

    By mapping success factors in each area, teams can assess risk early, validate commercial potential, and focus their development investment where it matters most.

    Why This Matters in Early-Stage MedTech

    The Venn Diagram MedTech Success model is especially useful for startups navigating limited budgets and uncertain markets. It helps founders:

    • Prepare for investment pitches
    • Avoid over-engineering a product no one wants
    • Prioritize features that drive adoption and reimbursement

    Whether you’re aiming for acquisition or full commercialization, this framework offers a repeatable, cross-functional approach to building successful medical technologies.

    Learn more about StarFish Medical.

    A healthcare professional in a sterile gown and gloves holds an endoscope, with a red arrow pointing toward the device. Beside it, a handheld cleaning brush is shown, symbolizing the manual cleaning process. Text overlay reads “Not sterile. Just safe?”

    Understanding Endoscope Reprocessing

    Ariana and Mark examine the complexities of endoscope reprocessing, one of the most difficult tasks in medical device hygiene.

    Sterilizing medical devices using various FDA-approved methods - Image showing three medical-related items—a pulse oximeter, surgical scissors, and a catheter with a Luer lock—on a light background. A bold label at the top reads ‘How to sterilize?’ with an arrow pointing to the pulse oximeter, indicating a question about sterilization methods for these devices.

    Medical Device Sterilization Methods Explained

    Ariana and Mark walk through FDA-approved options and explain how to select the right one for your product. From metals to plastics and electronics, not all devices can handle the same process.

    X-ray image showing two human knees side-by-side. The right knee appears intact with natural bone structure, while the left knee has a visible knee replacement implant, including metallic components. A bold caption in the upper center reads "Bone or not?" and a red curved arrow points from the text to the knee with the implant, emphasizing the contrast between natural bone and artificial joint.

    Osseointegration Implants: How They Work and Why They Matter

    In this episode of MedDevice by Design, Ariana and Mark dive into the biomechanics and materials science behind osseointegration for implants.

    Split image showing two close-up views of a human eye. On the left, the eye is seen through thick black-framed glasses, indicating impaired vision. On the right, the same eye is enhanced with a futuristic digital overlay of concentric circles and interface elements, suggesting advanced vision restoration technology. A red curved arrow points from left to right, implying improvement. Bold text at the top reads "Restoring Vision?"

    Accommodative Intraocular Lens Technology Explained

    Ariana and Mark explore how accommodative intraocular lens technology may one day restore natural vision for people who require cataract surgery or suffer from presbyopia. As Mark shares, traditional bifocals are not ideal, and new lens solutions may offer better outcomes.