Human Factors Engineering and Usability as Key Drivers for Design of Device Suited for Urine Filtration and Enrichment

Abstract

Evidence-based practices (EBPs) are not always straightforward to implement in a design process, as impacts can be difficult to assess in practice and appropriate methods are not yet established. User-centered design (UCD) offers opportunities to improve implementation of EBPs. UCD refers to the use of rigorous and validated engineering tools to design technology interfaces focused on user goals, such as device safety, effectiveness, efficiency, and user satisfaction. UCD has the potential to improve six core elements of patient-centered care: (i) education and shared knowledge, (ii) free flow of information, (iii) patient engagement, (iv) teamwork, (v) attention to non-medical aspects of care, and (vi) respect for patient preferences. Technological advances in medicine over the past few decades have provided patients with a variety of inventions, such as electronic health record patient portals, home-based medical devices, and smartphone apps. Effective application of UCD principles results in patient-centered inventions that are more likely to ease patients’ treatment burden, improve their care experience, increase patient engagement, and enable patients to become more self-sufficient. Here, the URICH device design process is used as case-example to demonstrate the inclusion of usability testing and all users as early as possible in the product design and development process.