Cell therapy manufacturing
Challenge
Redesign an existing software system for creating protocols to be executed on a medical device for cell therapy.
In Fall 2022, I received a call from a former VP I had previously collaborated with. He had transitioned to a new company and wanted to know if my agency could provide a quote for redesigning their protocol software. Recognizing the significance of this opportunity in such an impactful field, we enthusiastically took on the challenge. This led to securing a 3–4 month design engagement.
Goals
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Deliver a completely new protocol designer that consolidated multiple applications into a single, streamlined tool.
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Significantly reduce the time required for staff and customers to create protocols.
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Build strong client relationships to position our agency for a long-term development contract.
Process
Given the tight timeline, I immersed myself in learning about the industry, the existing workflows used by both internal teams and customers, and the capabilities of the current software. The challenge was particularly complex because the original software would remain operational on the medical instrument, requiring us to maintain familiar workflows while enhancing usability.
We initiated the project by conducting in-depth user research, including internal and external stakeholder interviews. These sessions provided invaluable insights into the pain points and inefficiencies in the existing process. Our team synthesized the findings into actionable recommendations, aligning everyone on the problems to solve.
From there, we designed wireframes to outline the new interface and workflow, obtaining approval before moving into high-fidelity designs. Throughout this phase, we iterated based on client feedback to ensure alignment with their expectations and needs. Finally, we developed prototypes, which we tested with internal and external stakeholders to validate the design’s usability and effectiveness.
Outcomes
The design phase concluded with a delighted client who immediately recognized the usability enhancements. They estimated that the new protocol designer could save days of work on a single protocol while significantly reducing the risk of user errors.
This success set the stage for the next phase: our agency bid on and won the development contract for the software. This victory resulted in a multi-year collaboration with the client, during which we continued to refine and enhance the product, cementing our role as a trusted partner in advancing their mission.