Process
Project Scope
What is Autoclave?
An Autoclave, also known as a Medical Sterilizer, is a vital device used for sterilizing and disinfecting medical instruments.
Transitioning to the Digital Space — IoT for Autoclave
This project transforms autoclave management by linking these machines to the cloud via IoT technology. This service serves three key users: manufacturers, service providers, and dental clinics, fostering an interconnected ecosystem that constitutes a holistic Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution.
Key Stakeholders
Manufacturer, the Client
Goal: Enhanced Stakeholder Value and Product Evolution
Our client, the manufacturer, aims to enhance stakeholder value via IoT implementation. The goal is to encourage product adoption and gather user data for problem analysis and continuous improvement, resulting in more profitable and reliable future product iterations.
Service Provider
Goal: Optimized Repair Services and Amplified Profits
The service providers aim to mitigate inefficient repair costs by leveraging IoT services to streamline processes, minimize downtime, and enhance troubleshooting. This optimization drives customer satisfaction, loyalty, and increased profits.
Dental Clinic — This Case Study's Area of Focus
Goal: Streamlined Autoclave Operations and Maximize Efficiency
For dental clinics, our goal is to refine autoclave operations through IoT integration, boosting scheduling accuracy, patient throughput, and revenue. Our commitment to technology ensures seamless clinic experiences and exceptional patient care.
Problem Space
Problem Statement — Reimagining the Autoclave Workflow
Autoclave Efficiency in Dental Clinic
In dental clinics, autoclaves play a critical role in maintaining safety and hygiene. The smooth operation of autoclaves is paramount. Any disruptions in their functioning directly impact instrument availability, leading to patient scheduling issues. Reduced patient volume, fewer daily visits, and decreased satisfaction result, ultimately impacting the clinic's revenue.
Empowering Autoclave Operators—Nurses
Amidst the demanding healthcare environment, nurses bear the weight of multiple responsibilities, including autoclave operations. Our solution addresses this challenge by streamlining nurses' tasks, providing enhanced autoclave services within their dynamic routines.
User research
Duration: 3 weeks (1 week of recruiting)
Participants: 8 dental clinics of various sizes
Ethnographic Research — Shadowing Study
Research Purpose: Gain profound insights into nurses' autoclave operations and their interactions with the equipment.
Method Rationale: Leveraging observation, the shadowing study offers a contextual, non-intrusive approach for nuanced understanding.
Attained Objective: Pinpoint pain points within nurses' daily workflows concerning autoclave use.
Participants: Dental Clinic Nurses
Role-play & Guided Storytelling
Research Purpose: Probe nurses' reactions to troubleshooting scenarios, grasping their decision-making processes.
Method Rationale: Role-play uncovers HOW participants tackle challenges, while Guided Storytelling delves into the WHY, unveiling personalized needs, desires, and frustrations.
Attained Objective: Reveal pain points within the troubleshooting workflow, shaping improvements for enriched user experiences.
Participants: Dental Clinic Nurses
Synthesize
Journey Map & Research Findings
Research Insights
Design Opportunities
Concept Development
Workflow
Wireframe
Interface Design
Foundation
Components
Sections
Card Variants
Grid System & Spacing
Solution
Feature 1: Real-time Progress Tracker
Keep nurses informed about the status of autoclave sterilization in real-time.
Feature 2: Enhanced Error Handling
Diverse error code categories enable self-service troubleshooting and efficient access to technical support. Guided Error Resolution offers clear pathways, along with guided assistance and accessible resources for effective error resolution.
Feature 3: Streamlined Task Management
Digitized documentation simplifies validation indicators. An automated to-do list incorporates preset timers for various tasks, ensuring efficient task management.
Usability Testing
PCA Method
The perception-cognition-action (PCA) method is a usability testing technique that is commonly used in the design of medical devices and other products in the healthcare industry. It is a structured approach that involves observing users as they interact with a product or system, and collecting data based on the idea that user behavior can be broken down into three distinct stages: perception, cognition, and action
The snapshot depicted is of a document prepared for Perception-cognition-action (PCA) usability testing. The preparation of this document is an important step in the PCA usability testing process, as it helps to ensure that the testing is conducted in a structured and systematic manner, and that the results are accurately recorded and analyzed.
Conclusion
In this case study, we've delved into how IoT technology is transforming the way nurses manage autoclaves in dental clinics. By tackling challenges related to progress tracking, error resolution, and task management, our solution has brought clarity and simplicity. It's akin to moving from a cluttered schedule to having straightforward options, from feeling frustrated to being confident in solving problems, and from complexity to smooth operations. However, this is just a piece of a larger puzzle, as we contribute to a broader ecosystem that involves other key stakeholders.
