Redesigning the Magellan blood-cell concentration device led to a more usable interface and humanized body layout with ergonomics angled for easier two-person operation. The graphic user interface design mirrored the organic housing style, with buttons grouped by functional hierarchy themes and raised surfaces for a more tactile touch.

Medtronic product interface update

Pictured: two generations of Magellan device – 1st above, 2nd below.

Interface and product redesign for Medtronic

Understanding how clinicians operate the Magellan device and care for patients was critical to informing the design. Through interviews and direct observation, we gathered insights into user workflows, challenges, and preferences in real-world treatment settings.

This research revealed key opportunities: clinicians needed a system that was intuitive, minimized risk of user error, and upheld high standards for patient safety.

Based on these insights from human-centered and human factors research, we defined a path for design improvements:

  • Automation – streamline operation by reducing manual steps and lowering the potential for error
  • Accessible and usable interface –relocated graphic user interface from a removable lid to a steady housing, improving display visibility and reducing wear-tear impact; moved On/Off and Volume buttons from the back (which was hard to reach) to the front; integrated docking reduces tubing entanglement
  • More intuitive GUI – grouped buttons based on functional hierarchy, and operation proximity; placed + and – buttons near the dynamic values (on the display) these buttons control; higher resolution LCD monitor for easy eye-scanning
  • Optimized for two-person operation – enable clinicians to easier operate and service the device, better attending patient health needs
  • Aesthetics impact:  softer geometry that appears more approachable, less clinical; transparent lid that inspires trust (“I can see the process”)
Deliverbals
  • Magellan device and interface prototypes
  • User interface design file with production specs
  • Engineering files for manufacturing
Client / Agency
  • Medtronic/Whiteboard Product Solutions