In medical device development, time is everything. Every month a product is delayed, patients wait longer for life-changing innovations, and competitors have more time to get ahead. Traditional development processes that rely heavily on physical prototyping, iterative rework, and late-stage usability testing are simply too slow and too expensive.
That’s why digital engineering has become a competitive advantage. Simulation, digital twins, data visualization, and immersive testing allow engineers to evaluate designs earlier, refine them faster, and reduce costly rework. For medical device executives, the result is clear: lower risk, faster time-to-market, and stronger adoption by clinicians and patients.
At Boston Engineering, our Digital Solutions Center of Excellence (COE) integrates these tools into the full product development lifecycle. By combining digital engineering with our systems approach, we help companies bring safe, effective, and user-friendly devices to market more efficiently.
At Boston Engineering, DFX is a core part of creating values during our product development process. We focus on several key DFX areas that align with our expertise:
Learn more about Design for X (DFX) at Boston engineering: Boston Engineering Design for X
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Boston Engineering stepped in with digital tools:
Outcome: Clinician adoption improved significantly, usability concerns were resolved early, and the platform advanced toward regulatory submission with confidence.
Another innovator needed to validate the performance of a diagnostic imaging system that involved complex thermal, optical, and structural interactions. Physical prototypes were expensive and limited in the range of conditions they could simulate.
Boston Engineering leveraged digital solutions by:
Outcome: The imaging platform achieved higher reliability and faster verification, saving time and reducing program costs.
While some view AI as a potential job replacement threat, the reality is that these advanced capabilities are better positioned as “workforce multipliers” that will amplify the abilities of doctors, nurses, technicians and other medical professionals.
An infusion pump developer needed to demonstrate precise dosing accuracy and safety, but physical verification required extensive hardware builds and time-consuming testing.
Boston Engineering provided digital acceleration by:
Outcome: Verification timelines were significantly streamlined, reducing late-stage surprises and accelerating progress toward market readiness.
In each of these examples — surgical navigation, diagnostic imaging, and infusion systems — digital engineering made the difference. But the real value came from Boston Engineering’s ability to integrate digital tools into the entire product development process.
Our approach ensures that:
By weaving digital solutions into systems engineering and project management, we ensure they deliver real-world business impact, not just technical data.
For executives, the mandate is clear: bring products to market faster, without compromising safety or quality. Digital solutions provide the tools to do exactly that — but only when they are integrated into a disciplined product development process.
Boston Engineering combines digital expertise with robotics, embedded systems, control systems, and DfX to create smarter, faster, and more reliable product development pathways. We don’t just use simulation or VR in isolation — we use them strategically to reduce risk, accelerate timelines, and ensure devices succeed in clinical and commercial settings.
If your organization is developing a next-generation device, Boston Engineering can help you leverage digital solutions to shorten time-to-market and deliver innovation with confidence.
In this eBook, we’ll dive into the real-world experiences of DFX subject matter expert John DePiano, exploring the common areas where existing product owners excel, as well as the key opportunities where targeted DFX support can drive major improvements.
Understanding the Importance of a DFX approach in medical device design & development
Applying Design for X (DFX) methodologies upfront in medical device development optimizes the entire lifecycle by improving manufacturability, testability, reliability, usability, and other critical characteristics. This avoids costly redesigns later on, facilitates high-quality products that satisfy customers, reduces manufacturing and service costs, and supports flexibility through modularity and platforms. The holistic perspective of DFX drives efficient, cost-effective delivery of successful products that provide competitive advantage. Investing in DFX early pays dividends across the entire product lifespan.
Do you offer training on DFX for your medical engineering teams?
Education is critical to effectively implement DFX principles. We provide training tailored to your engineers’ roles and product lines. This includes overall DFX methodology, deep dives into specific disciplines like design for reliability or manufacturability, and practical application workshops. Our hands-on approach combines real-world examples and case studies with tutorials on leading DFX software tools. The goal is building organizational DFX expertise and establishing repeatable processes that endure beyond individual projects. Investing in DFX knowledge pays dividends across your entire product portfolio.
Ready to Begin your next medical device DFX Project?
No matter the challenge, our team possesses the expertise in the engineering disciplines and technologies you need to bring your vision to life. Impossible Challenge? Try Us.
Impossible Challenge? Try Us.
Selecting a partner to help you complete your design project is a valuable option to reduce project duration and save money.
The Boston Engineering product development system encompasses DFX to ensure a smooth product launch and success in the marketplace. Boston Engineering has DFX knowledge and experience to address aspects and values of a product such as manufacturability, test, reliability, safety, serviceability, cost, and compliance with industry standards and government regulations.
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