Context
Monitoring patient response to cancer treatment requires long, anxiety enduing waits from patients. This is due to a complex system of repeated blood tests, transportation of samples and use of multiple machines for a period of up to 9 weeks.
This project aimed to answer "How might we create a system that enhances speed in low-skilled environments?".
Team
Work at Cambridge Consultants
1 UX design lead
2 Industrial designers
1 Graphic designer1 Design intern
My responsibilities
UX & UI design
Industrial design
Service design
Awards
iD Design Award 2021
Context
Monitoring patient response to cancer treatment requires long, anxiety enduing waits from patients. This is due to a complex system of repeated blood tests, transportation of samples and use of multiple machines for a period of up to 9 weeks.
This project aimed to answer "How might we create a system that enhances speed in low-skilled environments?".
Team
Work at Cambridge Consultants
1 UX design lead
2 Industrial designers
1 Graphic designer1 Design intern
My responsibilities
UX & UI design
Industrial design
Service design
Awards
iD Design Award 2021
Context
Monitoring patient response to cancer treatment requires long, anxiety enduing waits from patients. This is due to a complex system of repeated blood tests, transportation of samples and use of multiple machines for a period of up to 9 weeks.
This project aimed to answer "How might we create a system that enhances speed in low-skilled environments?".
Team
Work at Cambridge Consultants
1 UX design lead
2 Industrial designers
1 Graphic designer1 Design intern
My responsibilities
UX & UI design
Industrial design
Service design
Awards
iD Design Award 2021
The Cito "in progress" UI
Placing a blood vacutainer sample in the Cito cartridge
The Cito "in progress" UI
Placing a blood vacutainer sample in the Cito cartridge
The Cito "in progress" UI
Placing a blood vacutainer sample in the Cito cartridge
Workshop sessions overview
We completed a series of workshops with relevant professionals and lab technicians to explore the current process, problems and solutions:
Workshop 1: Exploring the current patient care pathway
Workshop 2 & 3: Potential user workflow
Workshop 4: Technical feasibility and solutions
Insight into novel technologies allowing for ctDNA analysis, ct DNA extractions and PCR precision cancer monitoring was gained through medical experts and engineers.
Workshop sessions overview
We completed a series of workshops with relevant professionals and lab technicians to explore the current process, problems and solutions:
Workshop 1: Exploring the current patient care pathway
Workshop 2 & 3: Potential user workflow
Workshop 4: Technical feasibility and solutions
Insight into novel technologies allowing for ctDNA analysis, ct DNA extractions and PCR precision cancer monitoring was gained through medical experts and engineers.
Workshop sessions overview
We completed a series of workshops with relevant professionals and lab technicians to explore the current process, problems and solutions:
Workshop 1: Exploring the current patient care pathway
Workshop 2 & 3: Potential user workflow
Workshop 4: Technical feasibility and solutions
Insight into novel technologies allowing for ctDNA analysis, ct DNA extractions and PCR precision cancer monitoring was gained through medical experts and engineers.
Exploring the patient care pathway in the first workshop
Exploring the patient care pathway in the first workshop
Exploring the patient care pathway in the first workshop
Defining the problem
After analysing the entire cancer care pathway, it was decided that the treatment monitoring loop would be the chosen focus.
The current treatment monitoring loop involves weekly blood samples and long wait times to determine if the patient's cancer treatment is effective.
Defining the problem
After analysing the entire cancer care pathway, it was decided that the treatment monitoring loop would be the chosen focus.
The current treatment monitoring loop involves weekly blood samples and long wait times to determine if the patient's cancer treatment is effective.
Defining the problem
After analysing the entire cancer care pathway, it was decided that the treatment monitoring loop would be the chosen focus.
The current treatment monitoring loop involves weekly blood samples and long wait times to determine if the patient's cancer treatment is effective.
The treatment monitoring loop was identified as an area that rapid diagnostics could identify the effectiveness of treatment plans
The treatment monitoring loop was identified as an area that rapid diagnostics could identify the effectiveness of treatment plans
The treatment monitoring loop was identified as an area that rapid diagnostics could identify the effectiveness of treatment plans
Key insights & opportunities
01
The treatment monitoring loop is complicated
The treatment monitoring loop involves multiple points of complication:
Sometimes involves the manual extraction of ctDNA.
Requires multiple machines and transport of blood samples to test the blood.
Currently requires highly skilled technicians in order to carry out workflow as the process is prone to error.
02
Long wait times for the patient
Due to the current workflow, there may be a wait of up to 9 weeks to find out if a certain cancer treatment is working. This period can be anxiety inducing for the patient
03
Hygiene is important
Lab hygiene and sterility of instruments is of utmost importance when handling samples to prevent contamination and avoid errors.
04
Limited lab space
Lab space is often limited, yet samples need to be tested simultaneously.
Key insights & opportunities
01
The treatment monitoring loop is complicated
The treatment monitoring loop involves multiple points of complication:
Sometimes involves the manual extraction of ctDNA.
Requires multiple machines and transport of blood samples to test the blood.
Currently requires highly skilled technicians in order to carry out workflow as the process is prone to error.
02
Long wait times for the patient
Due to the current workflow, it may take up to 9 weeks to determine if a cancer treatment is effective. This waiting period can be stressful for patients and limits the ability to adjust their medication flexibly.
03
Hygiene is important
Lab hygiene and sterility of instruments is of utmost importance when handling samples to prevent contamination and avoid errors.
04
Limited lab space
Lab space is often limited, yet samples need to be tested simultaneously.
Key insights & opportunities
01
The treatment monitoring loop is complicated
The treatment monitoring loop involves multiple points of complication:
Sometimes involves the manual extraction of ctDNA.
Requires multiple machines and transport of blood samples to test the blood.
Currently requires highly skilled technicians in order to carry out workflow as the process is prone to error.
02
Long wait times for the patient
Due to the current workflow, there may be a wait of up to 9 weeks to find out if a certain cancer treatment is working. This period can be anxiety inducing for the patient
03
Hygiene is important
Lab hygiene and sterility of instruments is of utmost importance when handling samples to prevent contamination and avoid errors.
04
Limited lab space
Lab space is often limited, yet samples need to be tested simultaneously.
Design & testing
A centrifugal process was chosen as the optimal method for extracting cfDNA from a patient's blood to detect specific sequence mutations using digital PCR.
This decision guided the design process, leading to the creation of sketches and block models of potential table-based devices.
Design & testing
A centrifugal process was chosen as the optimal method for extracting cfDNA from a patient's blood to detect specific sequence mutations using digital PCR.
This decision guided the design process, leading to the creation of sketches and block models of potential table-based devices.
Design & testing
A centrifugal process was chosen as the optimal method for extracting cfDNA from a patient's blood to detect specific sequence mutations using digital PCR.
This decision guided the design process, leading to the creation of sketches and block models of potential table-based devices.
Initial design sketches
Initial design sketches
Initial design sketches
Distinct concepts chosen for the centrifugal cartridge and tabletop device
Distinct concepts chosen for the centrifugal cartridge and tabletop device
Distinct concepts chosen for the centrifugal cartridge and tabletop device
A couple chosen interactions between the user, cartridge and device were sketch modelled. This allowed us to quickly test some ideas.
A very rough software flow was also sketched out.
A couple chosen interactions between the user, cartridge and device were sketch modelled. This allowed us to quickly test some ideas.
A very rough software flow was also sketched out.
A couple chosen interactions between the user, cartridge and device were sketch modelled. This allowed us to quickly test some ideas.
A very rough software flow was also sketched out.
Inserting the cartridge (similar to a VHS) and a tray loaded cartridge were modelled
Inserting the cartridge (similar to a VHS) and a tray loaded cartridge were modelled
Inserting the cartridge (similar to a VHS) and a tray loaded cartridge were modelled
Testing findings
Basic software flow was understood
The VHS style insertion of the cartridge into the device was preferred due to ideas of better hygiene
Some wanted less clicks to complete the flow. Others didn’t understand placement of some CTAs in the progress bar area
Concerns around what patient information is given out
A slanted screen would provide better viewing angles
Testing findings
Basic software flow was understood
The VHS style insertion of the cartridge into the device was preferred due to ideas of better hygiene
Some wanted less clicks to complete the flow. Others didn’t understand placement of some CTAs in the progress bar area
Concerns around what patient information is given out
A slanted screen would provide better viewing angles
Testing findings
Basic software flow was understood
The VHS style insertion of the cartridge into the device was preferred due to ideas of better hygiene
Some wanted less clicks to complete the flow. Others didn’t understand placement of some CTAs in the progress bar area
Concerns around what patient information is given out
A slanted screen would provide better viewing angles
Further iteration & models
Following testing, screens and flows were iterated upon to simplify the experience. The user interface was considered to meet the needs of lower skilled technicians.
Further iteration & models
Following testing, screens and flows were iterated upon to simplify the experience. The user interface was considered to meet the needs of lower skilled technicians.
Further iteration & models
Following testing, screens and flows were iterated upon to simplify the experience. The user interface was considered to meet the needs of lower skilled technicians.
An intial design for the "In progress" screen
Wireframe user flows
An intial design for the "In progress" screen
Wireframe user flows
An intial design for the "In progress" screen
Wireframe user flows
SysML diagrams allowed for us to demonstrate the intended user interaction of the device to engineers
SysML diagrams allowed for us to demonstrate the intended user interaction of the device to engineers
SysML diagrams allowed for us to demonstrate the intended user interaction of the device to engineers
Hardware design refinement
Hardware was also refined through higher fidelity models. Non-screen based interactions were also explored through lights housed on the exterior of the case.
Hardware design refinement
Hardware was also refined through higher fidelity models. Non-screen based interactions were also explored through lights housed on the exterior of the case.
Hardware design refinement
Hardware was also refined through higher fidelity models. Non-screen based interactions were also explored through lights housed on the exterior of the case.
Sketches and physical models
Sketches and physical models
Sketches and physical models
The evolution of the cartridge design
The evolution of the cartridge design
The evolution of the cartridge design
Illustrator renders
Illustrator renders
Illustrator renders
The solution
Cito uses advanced technology to quickly monitor a patient’s response to treatment, reducing wait times and allowing for personalised treatment plans
The solution
Cito uses advanced technology to quickly monitor a patient’s response to treatment, reducing wait times and allowing for personalised treatment plans
The solution
Cito uses advanced technology to quickly monitor a patient’s response to treatment, reducing wait times and allowing for personalised treatment plans
Cito allows for the liquid biopsy analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to monitor the body's response to cancer treatment.
Cito provides the crucial information needed by physicians to understand the effectiveness of a patient's treatment plan allowing continuation or rapid alteration. To do this, whole blood is processed and ctDNA is isolated to determine the presence of specific sequence mutations using digital PCR.
Cito allows for the liquid biopsy analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to monitor the body's response to cancer treatment.
Cito provides the crucial information needed by physicians to understand the effectiveness of a patient's treatment plan allowing continuation or rapid alteration. To do this, whole blood is processed and ctDNA is isolated to determine the presence of specific sequence mutations using digital PCR.
Cito allows for the liquid biopsy analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to monitor the body's response to cancer treatment.
Cito provides the crucial information needed by physicians to understand the effectiveness of a patient's treatment plan allowing continuation or rapid alteration. To do this, whole blood is processed and ctDNA is isolated to determine the presence of specific sequence mutations using digital PCR.
Key features
Simplified interactions and UI eliminate the need for skilled technicians, enabling faster, higher-volume testing
Lower point of entry means tests can be done outside specialised labs, reducing transport needs
Allows for informed treatment decisions due to faster, more accurate results
Reduced wait times and patient anxiety
Key features
Simplified interactions and UI eliminate the need for skilled technicians, enabling faster, higher-volume testing
Lower point of entry means tests can be done outside specialised labs, reducing transport needs
Allows for informed treatment decisions due to faster, more accurate results
Reduced wait times and patient anxiety
Key features
Simplified interactions and UI eliminate the need for skilled technicians, enabling faster, higher-volume testing
Lower point of entry means tests can be done outside specialised labs, reducing transport needs
Allows for informed treatment decisions due to faster, more accurate results
Reduced wait times and patient anxiety
The Cito cartridge with a blood vacutainer inserted
The Cito cartridge with a blood vacutainer inserted
The Cito cartridge with a blood vacutainer inserted
Novel centrifugal cartridges combine two machines into one: allowing for the separation AND testing of ctDNA
“Poka Yoke” cartridge reduces interaction errors
Hygiene has been prioritised, split lines are minimised and the smooth casing is easy to clean
Compact size and flat sides means devices can be placed side by side
Novel centrifugal cartridges combine two machines into one: allowing for the separation AND testing of ctDNA
“Poka Yoke” cartridge reduces interaction errors
Hygiene has been prioritised, split lines are minimised and the smooth casing is easy to clean
Compact size and flat sides means devices can be placed side by side
Novel centrifugal cartridges combine two machines into one: allowing for the separation AND testing of ctDNA
“Poka Yoke” cartridge reduces interaction errors
Hygiene has been prioritised, split lines are minimised and the smooth casing is easy to clean
Compact size and flat sides means devices can be placed side by side
The back of the device includes a handle for ease of maneuverability
The back of the device includes a handle for ease of maneuverability
The back of the device includes a handle for ease of maneuverability
User interface and interactions
The UI and halo ring on Cito allows lab technicians to easily see crucial information from all angles.
Use of moving gradients (imitating the organic geometry of cells) helps provide “at a glance” feedback with bright, distinct colours.
User interface and interactions
The UI and halo ring on Cito allows lab technicians to easily see crucial information from all angles.
Use of moving gradients (imitating the organic geometry of cells) helps provide “at a glance” feedback with bright, distinct colours.
User interface and interactions
The UI and halo ring on Cito allows lab technicians to easily see crucial information from all angles.
Use of moving gradients (imitating the organic geometry of cells) helps provide “at a glance” feedback with bright, distinct colours.
The final "In progress" screen.
The final "In progress" screen.
The final "In progress" screen.
The halo light emits a green light when a test is sucessful
The halo light flashes when a test is unsuccessful
The halo light emits a green light when a test is sucessful
The halo light flashes when a test is unsuccessful
Biometric security makes log in quicker and more secure
Biometric security makes log in quicker and more secure
Biometric security makes log in quicker and more secure
