While at RKS, I worked as a designer and design lead on several autoinjector projects. In each case, these devices were tailor made for a specific medication and intended to be self administered by patients in a home/non-clinical setting.
One device was designed for a forthcoming osteoporosis treatment. This required special consideration for the physical, emotional and cognitive states that it’s mostly older, female user group may experience.
Initial primary and secondary research was conducted and distilled into various personas and patient journeys. Notable areas for improvement included device stability and grip, visual and other feedback and clear communication of device orientation and functionality.
Extensive form development on several different themes was conducted, including dozens of models in varying fidelities, including appearance models for consumer testing.
After several rounds of patient feedback and refinement, the final design was completed, and featured an affirming grip with a subtle ‘hilt-like’ feature, an emphasized window for medication inspection, an easily identifiable and removable cap and pressure actuation. The project would later be awarded by our client with a top internal award across all business units and ventures.
In addition to the osteoporosis treatment, a separate program for a migraine treatment device was also completed. With a very different user group in mind that lacked some of the dexterity challenges of the older osteoporsis group, the design exploration focused on psychological comfort and affirmation.
Several designs were further developed (CMF was specifically out of scope) and have since been introduced in several forms for a number of treatments.