Erdmann Design medical device expertise: development of Stryker surgical tool

Successful engagement in the development and marketing of a range of innovative surgical tools from world-leading medical technology specialist Stryker highlights Erdmann Design’s key strengths in Medical Device design based on Human-Centered Design (HCD) disciplines.

Erdmann Design’s process in the development of the Stryker tools was anchored on rigorous analysis of empirical ergonomic values and usability engineering,  based on acquired understanding of the real world needs of users.

Ergonomics as quality principle

Erdmann Design accompanied the equipment development with the “feed forward” and “design thinking” processes, resulting in a new product family of fatigue-free, hand-operated, cordless surgical tools for navigated, minimally invasive intervention.

During the design process, flawless and intuitive ergonomics was enshrined as a key quality principle and this was exhaustively tested in user studies.

Technological inputs

During prototype development, Erdmann Design involved surgeons in the testing of battery and propulsion technologies under realistic conditions.

This made it clear that motor power and battery life were also key differentiators, which involved thorough exploration of existing technologies. Therefore Maxon, a Swiss motor manufacturer with an excellent world- wide reputation, was brought into the innovation process.

Established partnership

Erdmann Design has been a design partner of the Stryker Group over more than two decades, contributing ergonomic studies, marketing seminars, customer analysis, prototype construction, industrial design, GUI design, audio design, pictograms, interactions, design workflow, standardization style guides, testing, production data, training instructions, certification support and marketing services.

It has also played a leading role in the development of Stryker’s NAV3i Operating Room Navigation cart and Mako Total Knee System, also based on the fundamental HCD disciplines of Design Thinking for Marketability, Usability Engineering and User Testing.

The Stryker projects also tested Erdmann’s Innovation Strategy approach based on market analysis-led Strategy Planning, Experience Mapping with stakeholders, and research-led Marketing.

Resources

Click on Medical Device Design for Stryker Group for further information.
Click on Stryker Germany for further information.