Improving Clinician Adoption with Human-Centered Design

Why Usability Determines Success in MedTech 

Even the most technically advanced medical device can fail if clinicians find it difficult, unintuitive, or disruptive to their workflow. In fast-paced, high-pressure clinical environments, devices must be easy to use, ergonomic, and seamlessly integrated into care delivery. 

For executives, this reality underscores a critical point: human-centered design is a business strategy, not just an engineering exercise. Faster adoption, fewer errors, and stronger market differentiation all depend on usability. 

At Boston Engineering, we combine engineering expertise with human factors engineering and usability testing to ensure devices don’t just work — they work for the people who depend on them. 

Read more below.

The focus and discipline of DFX is a powerful tool if used as part of a broader strategic approach to developing product/process differentiation, and a sustainable advantage against competition. Involve Design for X in Strategy. Once your team has determined the focus of your strategy, place the focus of design on developing competitive advantage. 

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:

• Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
• Design for Assembly (DFA)
• Design for Cost (DFC)
• Design for Testability (DFT)
• Design for Reliability (DFR)
• Design for Serviceability/Maintainability (DFS)
• Design for Usability (DFU)
• Design for Modularity (DFMo)

Learn more about Design for X (DFX) at Boston engineering: Boston Engineering Design for X

(continued from above)

Case Example 1: Surgical Navigation System

A client developing a surgical navigation platform faced a challenge: while the technology was powerful, surgeons found the interface unintuitive and difficult to integrate into procedures. Without clinician adoption, the product risked underperforming in the market. 

Boston Engineering intervened by: 

• Using VR simulations to test clinician interactions with digital prototypes before physical builds. 

• Capturing feedback on workflow, ergonomics, and visual clarity. 

• Refining the interface design to reduce cognitive load during procedures. 

• Applying DfX principles to ensure the design was manufacturable and reliable. 

Outcome: Clinician adoption significantly improved, usability challenges were resolved early, and the device advanced toward commercialization with confidence in both safety and workflow compatibility. 

Case Example 2:  Point-of-Care Testing Device

An innovator building a portable diagnostic device needed to ensure that clinicians and technicians could use it quickly and accurately in diverse environments. The initial prototype required multiple steps and was prone to user error. 

Boston Engineering applied human-centered design by: 

• Conducting field studies to understand real-world use cases. 

• Redesigning the interface for simpler operation with fewer steps. 

• Incorporating visual and tactile cues to reduce error rates. 

• Validating usability through clinician testing in simulated environments. 

Outcome: The device became intuitive, reliable, and user-friendly, increasing confidence among clinicians and enabling broader adoption in point-of-care settings.

AL & ML in Health Care - The Medical Workplace Multiplier

In this new Whitepaper, learn how AI and ML can enhance the medical workforce’s abilities and improve patient outcomes. 

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.

Download your Free Copy Today!

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are emerging technologies that have immense potential to reshape healthcare delivery and medical practice.

Case Example 3: Assistive Robotic Device

A healthcare company envisioned an assistive robotic system to restore independence for patients with limited mobility. The technical challenges were significant, but equally critical was ensuring that patients and caregivers could use the system safely and comfortably. 

Boston Engineering ensured success by: 

• Applying human factors engineering to design intuitive controls for patients with varying abilities. 

• Engaging clinicians and caregivers in early usability testing. 

• Iterating designs to simplify interaction and reduce training time. 

• Coordinating with our Robotics and Control Systems COEs to preserve technical precision while prioritizing usability. 

Outcome: The assistive device was safe, intuitive, and empowering, allowing patients to perform tasks independently and clinicians to integrate it confidently into rehabilitation programs. 

The Common Thread: Human-Centered Design + Complete Development 

Across surgical navigation, point-of-care diagnostics, and assistive robotics, the success factor wasn’t just engineering excellence — it was human-centered design. 

Boston Engineering makes this a core element of product development by: 

• Engaging clinicians and end-users early in the design process. 

• Using simulation and immersive technologies to test usability before hardware is finalized. 

• Applying human factors engineering to reduce errors and simplify interactions. 

• Integrating usability into DfX and systems engineering, ensuring designs are both intuitive and manufacturable. 

This ensures that devices are not only technically advanced but also adopted quickly and confidently by the people who use them. 

Adoption as the True Measure of Success 

For executives at medical device companies, success isn’t defined by technical performance alone. True success comes when clinicians adopt your product, integrate it seamlessly into their workflow, and trust it to deliver consistent results. 

Boston Engineering has demonstrated its ability to deliver this across surgical tools, diagnostics, and assistive devices. By combining technical depth with human-centered design expertise, we help innovators create products that work for clinicians and patients as well as they work in the lab. 

When you partner with Boston Engineering, you gain a team that understands that usability is not optional — it’s essential. And it’s what ensures your innovation achieves real-world impact and market success. 

New eBook Available Now! 

"Leveling Up Existing Products through DFX" 

-Download Insights from a DFX Subject Matter Expert- 

Developing successful new products from scratch is challenging enough, but what about improving on existing designs? 

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? 

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.

Imagine your Impact: Stay up-to date- with the latest insights and trends we're watching. Add your email address below and sign up for a Monthly Summary of our most impactful posts!