The IBO 2010 Industrial Design Awards
The annual IBO Industrial Design Awards recognize distinctive and innovative industrial design of analytical instruments, laboratory equipment (page 6) and portable instruments (page 7). The winning products are chosen based on their visual appeal, not on performance.
As defined by the Industrial Designers Society of America, industrial design is “the professional service of creating and developing concepts and specifications that optimize the function, value and appearance of products and systems for the mutual benefit of both user and manufacturer.”
A product’s industrial design contributes to its functionality and ease of use. It affects how the product is perceived, set up, operated and serviced. Of course, good design is no substitute for performance, but is integral to user interaction.
Gold Award
IBO’s Gold Award winner for 2010 Design Awards for Instrument Design is Illumina’s HiScanSQ system. The platform’s smooth, modern exterior and stark color scheme communicate technological sophistication while referencing consumer-product design, adding a sense of familiarity.
The design is especially unique as the system is two technologies in one, yet occupies a reduced footprint compared with the combined footprint of the two systems on which it is based. The HiScan Reader (left side) is an array scanner for analyzing BeadArray products and sequencing flow cells. It measures 71.9 x 74.5 x 69.8 cm (28.3 x 29.3 x 27.5 in) and weighs 136 kg (300 lb). The SQ module (right side) is a fluidics device for sequencing-by-synthesis reagent handling. It measures 58.7 x 73.9 x 58.9 cm (23.1 x 28.6 x 23.2 in) and weighs 88 kg (194 lb). The system costs between $285,000 and $500,000, depending on the configuration and options.
As a combination of Illumina’s array and sequencing technologies, the HiScanSQ’s industrial design is a descendant of the company’s iScan array reader and HiSeq 2000 sequencer. Combining the two systems to create an integrated appearance was a special design consideration, according to Bob Kain, Illumina’s head of Engineering. He told IBO, “The HiScan had to look very nice independently of the sequencing module, and then, when you brought the sequencing module to it, they had to look like they belonged together. . . It had to look like a complete instrument.” The instruments’ common design features, including a clean exterior, angular features and color scheme, facilitated the integration. The two parts of the HiScanSQ look like they were meant for each other. The HiScan Reader also had to look good on its own, as it may be purchased separately.
Mr. Kain also described the aspects of the platform derived from the other systems. The HiScanSQ’s optics system was initially developed for the HiSeq 2000 sequencer. As he explained, “What we did is we took that HiSeq change—internally the optical layout and architecture of the optics module—and we brought it back into the HiScan.” Discussing the SQ module, he said, “The chemistry module side was basically the HiSeq chemistry module, which could handle two flow cells and two sets of reagents, that was slimed down in size and designed so it could be stand alone.”
Illumina worked with Lunar Design on the HiScanSQ’s industrial design. The process started with Illumina describing to Lunar the product’s footprint, user touch points and guidelines for the look and feel. Illumina also worked with Lunar to optimize user interaction. “For instance, on the flow cell, we wanted it to be so one hand can put the flow cell in, and one hand can then activate the system,” explained Mr. Kain. The design also provides feedback, such as a switch that alerts the user that the HiScan Reader has loaded. “When [the vacuum system] engages properly, a switch actually blinks green and then they push it in the rest of the way, and then the fluidics system engages, and when that engages properly, it goes to solid green.”
The industrial design is also intended to influence behavior. “We try to discourage by the design people putting any drinks or things on the top that could spill, and then we make sure if it does, it’s designed as such that it won’t get inside,” Mr. Kain noted. “We want the touch points to be interactive. We want the places that you pick the instrument up to be easy to find . . . or if you want to find a switch, the design should guide you.”
The HiScanSQ’s design is also representative of the Illumina. It can be identified as an Illumina product by just looking at it. “Industrial design is very important to Illumina and has always been important,” said Mr. Kain. “When we created our iScan product, we tried to create a new design language that can support a family.”
Silver Award
The 2010 IBO Silver Award for Instrument Design goes to Anton Paar GmbH’s Monowave 300 microwave synthesis reactor. The system’s sleek curves, clean surface and prominent touch-screen display are inviting to the user, and indicative of solid construction and technical accomplishment.
The Monowave 300 is priced at €15,800 ($21,944) and measures 41 x 31 x 56 cm (16.1 x 12.2 x 22.0 in). It was designed entirely in-house by Anton Paar and took three-and-a-half years to develop from the first technical idea.
The system’s industrial design adheres to Anton Paar’s Corporate Design guidelines, as Alexander Stadler, product manager at Anton Paar, explained. “In summary, these guidelines address three perception levels: structure and color; surface shape and logo; surface structure and details,” he said.
Discussing each level, he noted how the design reinforces the brand. “The basic structure and coloration of the instrument are perceived before anything else, so it’s vital that these features carry Anton Paar’s ‘stamp’ in an instantly recognizable way,” he noted. In the same way, standard red-and-silver colors and a standard color-placement scheme are employed.
The Monowave 300’s shape and features communicate how it functions and its advantages. “With its curved side panels, rounded corners and sloped front, Monowave 300 features a distinctive surface shape,” said Mr. Stadler. “The instrument’s appearance should underline its ease-of-use and unique functionality. The rounded ‘broad shoulders’ communicate reliability and robustness. The sloped front offers itself up to the user for easier interaction with the user elements,” he added.
The industrial design also communicates coherency and balance. “The front structure, including details such as the display, keys and the sample intake, is structured in a classic, rectangular fashion for maximal orderliness and oversight,” explained Mr. Stadler. “Purchased parts are presented with classic circles and rectangles, while all other details are presented with circles and rectangles with curved sides. In this way, small presentation features mirror large presentation features, resulting in a coherent overall effect: the instrument’s character.”
Design priorities included a compact size, enabling the system to fit in a fume hood, as well as touch screen visibility. “Monowave 300’s considerable touch-screen size surpasses those of all comparable instruments and represents a key element of the instrument’s appearance and use,” commented Mr. Stadler. In addition, the system had to be amendable to automation capabilities. The system also features a unique swiveling cover, which smoothly slides over the top of the sample interface.
Bronze Award
Affymetrix’s GeneAtlas System is the winner of IBO’s 2010 Bronze Award for Instrument Design. The system’s user-friendliness and accessibility are embodied by its design. The slightly rounded edges and bottom indentations create a softened appearance that sets it apart from other instruments and emphasizes its small size. The red trim creates a warm, inviting appearance that minimizes user intimidation.
A compact, affordable microarray system, the GeneAtlas was designed for individual researchers and small lab benches. “Early on, we determined that this system needed a very unique and specific design that met the requirements of this market,” said Greg Fisher, Associate Director, Product Marketing, RNA Strategic Marketing, for Affymetrix.
Affymetrix worked with PER Product Design Consultants on the design and with CapitalBio on engineering. “Taking a cue from Apple, we told PER that this system could not look like all the other lab equipment on a user’s bench—it had to have a look and feel that made the lab technician want to come in and use it every day,” Mr. Fisher explained. “Physically, we had two priorities: making a powerful instrument that saved both money and space. Aesthetically, our priority was making something that technicians were excited about using; the colors, the shape and the user interface elements all met that priority.”
The GeneAtlas took 18 months to develop. The instrument consists of two primary components: the Fluidics Station (right, page 8) and the Imaging Station (left, page 8). The Fluidics Station measures 480 x 437 x 13.7 mm (18.9 x 17.2 x 13.7 in) and weighs 12 kg (26.5 lb). The Imaging Station measures 226 x 437 x 348 mm (8.9 x 17.2 x 13.7 in) and weighs 11 kg (24.3 lb). The GeneAtlas utilizes Array Strips holding four samples, which are processed in parallel. The total system is priced at $73,000.
There were several challenges, such as the design of Fluidics Station’s lid. “A unique hinge had to be engineered to give maximum access to the user for populating the fluidics deck, yet we wanted to minimize the arc of movement in order to place it on a bench that may or may not have a low-hanging shelf,” Mr. Fisher said. The lid was also an example of how design features can made the system more intuitive and foolproof. “The Fluidics Station lid has a natural feeling and just the right shape for lifting the lid with your finger. Additionally, it has an interlocking door and enough transparency to view the fluidics process.”