Human-Centered Design in Medical Devices

In this insightful episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast, host Etienne Nichols engages with Morven Shearlaw, co-founder of Fearsome, in a thought-provoking discussion on the essence of human-centered design in medical devices.

Delve into the importance of understanding user needs beyond surface-level assumptions and learn how Fearsome's approach to product development is setting new standards in MedTech. 

From Glasgow's design desks to global market impacts, this episode is a deep dive into making MedTech better by truly connecting with the end-user experience.

Interested in sponsoring an episode? Click here to learn more!

Listen now:

Like this episode? Subscribe today on iTunes or Spotify.

Some of the highlights of this episode include:

• The Pitfalls of Premature Solutions: Morven emphasizes the need for extensive user understanding before jumping to design conclusions, challenging the common industry haste to offer solutions.
• The Evolution of Fearsome: Morven shares the growth story of Fearsome from a broad design firm to a specialized MedTech developer, emphasizing the value of a diverse industry background.
• The Nuances of Usability: The conversation reveals the stark differences between consumer product design and medical devices, particularly the rigorous safety and risk management requirements in MedTech.
• Defining the User: A deep dive into identifying the 'user' in medical device design, considering all stakeholders, from clinicians to patients and even those involved in device maintenance.
• Real-world Feedback and Its Impact: Morven recounts a powerful anecdote where candid feedback from clinicians significantly redirected a product's development path.
• The Risk and Reward of Human Factors: An exploration of how human factors, beyond safety, can become a competitive edge and a catalyst for enjoyable product experiences.
• Regulatory Hurdles and Human-Centered Design: A critical look at the intersection of regulatory standards and human-centered design, advocating for earlier and more integrated human factors consideration.

Links:

• Morven Shearlaw
• Fearsome
• Greenlight Guru
• Etienne Nichols' LinkedIn

Memorable quote:

"Quality management is about quality, it's not just about proving that you can sell in the market because you've got a certain certification." - Morven Shearlaw 

About the Global Medical Device Podcast:

The Global Medical Device Podcast powered by Greenlight Guru is where today's brightest minds in the medical device industry go to get their most useful and actionable insider knowledge, direct from some of the world's leading medical device experts and companies.

Like this episode? Subscribe today on iTunes or Spotify.