Hologic
Client: Hologic, Inc
Product: 3Dimensions Mammography System
Tomosynthesis creates a 3-dimensional picture using X-rays. Hologic advanced this technology in the healthcare market with the introduction of the Dimensions Mammography System. This project included large-scale system design, user experience design, and detailed product development of a multi-part solution.
Project Role: Design Lead
Services: User Research, Product Design, User Interface Design, Detail CAD Development, Full Scale Mockups and Appearance Prototype Construction, Engineering and Manufacturing Support
Patient Comfort
While visiting Dartmouth Medical Center in Lebanon, NH I was given the chance to step into the patient experience of being imaged on a prototype of the Dimensions 3D tomography system.
The first time you disrobe and embrace a mammography system the experience should feel very thoughtfully considered. A great deal of attention was paid to patient comfort, both through visual cues in the design of the equipment and specific provisions such as considering the surface temperatures of the equipment, arm rests and hand-hold locations and treating the edges of components with generous radii.
System Controls
Technologists often use both hands to position a patient for imaging. As a result, foot controls allow technologist to work with the patient while setting up and orienting the C-Arm. During the research phase, I found that sometimes the foot controls would get kicked out of the way (sometimes just out of reach). Then when the Technologist needed them… they had to strain to reach and hook the controls with their toe to bring them close enough to operate. I added a heel pad with a raised lip on the leading edge to allow the Technologist to more easily locate the foot controls with a heel or toe.
Mixed Interface
Mixed virtual and physical interfaces have been common for quite a while in many industries. When working with relatively complex equipment designs, many scenarios must be carefully considered and walked through. Mistakes in an interface can cause injury to a patient or even the technologist operating the equipment. Emergency “Stop” and patient release buttons are placed in locations that are both readily accessible in the event that they’re needed but also adequately protected from inadvertent activation.