DAVID TANG
hmi | sw | systems
The Mechanical team was developing a rotary tray for a new diagnostic instrument. As industrial design lead on the core team, I proposed an 'autoloading concept' in which chemistry packs were set down by the operator in a queue, to be inserted by the machine.
The details of these interactions were unclear. I researched existing instruments and developed concepts for the maintenance access and analyzed the tasks. A 3D model and several foam core mockups were built in 1:1 scale.
Through the task analysis, I found that it was possible to eliminate one of the queues and combine them into one, simplifying the experience for the user and lowering the number of components and assemblies.
This concept was eventually built into a working prototype.
Reagent Pack Autoloading
Task Analysis
HF 3D Evaluations
Due to the number of large scale mockups we were building for human factors and ergonomics testing, I devised a tool in the form of a 3D oscar that could be inserted in large virtual assemblies for quick but accurate visual checks.
This Oscar tool combined
1) combined vision,
2) combined working reach, (sitting and standing)
3) for 5th, 50th(male/female), and 95th percentiles.
This common working range 5th,50th,95th Oscar, proved to be a good tool and saved us a lot of time in evaluating instruments virtually.
Combined Vision/Working Range for 5th, 50th, 95th Percentiles
Research
Biohazard Waste Spill Incidents
in Diagnostic Labs
Due to documented incidents of biohazard waste spills during handling of containers in the lab, I was asked to investigate and to offer insight on how to resolve or mitigate those risks.
Other research data was supplemented by the marketing, engineering and the field support/maintenance group, and would lead to a lifting experiment for women.
(Continued Below)
HF Testing
Comfortable Lifting & Handling
Data for Women
Since weight was identified as a main factor in the spilling of biohazardous waste, lifting data was needed towards the 5th percentile range for women.
Due to the little amount of ergonomic data available for this group, I devised an experiment to gather this data.
Tests subjects were to simulate the sequence of manually emptying waste containers filled with water. Larger containers took shorter trips while smaller containers took longer trips.
After testing a sample of twenty women and twenty men, 5L appeared to be a comfortable weight choice for women.
Design Solutions
From Concept to Prototype
to Use In The Field
With better data, I developed a 5L containers directly aimed at the smaller range of the women's population.
However, considering the other variables affecting outputs of waste in different labs around the world (volume of tests, test specialization, direct plumbing, typical walk-away) The team agreed that a 7.5L container would be preferable.
This would be a reasonable compromise considering other improvements:
1) a more ergonomic shape,
2) a software update preventing overfilling
3) better ergonomic features
4) and a tray to contain leaking/help lifting,
The new bulk waste containers became a part of the instrument kit within a few months, and distributed in the field. The incidence of spills was reduced by 80% as a result.
