An operation is planned, the surgical team is prepared, the procedure is set – and shortly before the operation, new uncertainties arise that require further clarification. For hospitals, this means high organizational costs, unused operating theatre capacity and delayed care. This is exactly where Lynx360 from Lynx Health Science GmbH comes in. The system was developed to carry out preoperative assessments in a faster, more structured and more reliable way. Through a guided workflow and real-time quality control, Lynx360 supports medical teams in making informed decisions about the feasibility of an operation at an early stage. In this case study, we show how we helped to translate the complex requirements into an intuitive and secure user interface.
Initial situation & project
Preoperative workflows in hospitals are often highly fragmented. Information comes from different sources, is recorded in different systems and has to be merged manually under great time pressure. The challenge for Lynx360 was to replace these fragmented processes with a clear and reliable workflow. It was particularly important that measurements were carried out consistently and that the signal quality was continuously checked during the application. Our task was to develop an interface and interaction concept that guides users safely through preparation, measurement and presentation of results. In addition, we designed the product and accompanying materials such as the IFU and reviewed key usage steps in a formative usability study.
Our approach
01
Project planning and kickoff
At the beginning of the project, the requirements and project goals were defined together with the Lynx Health Science GmbH team. Right from the start, it became clear that the technical complexity of the system had to be translated into a workflow that would function in a structured, comprehensible and reliable manner in everyday clinical practice. A particular focus was placed on clear user guidance, comprehensible interactions and seamless integration into existing clinical processes.
02
Define workflow
The next step was to transfer the preoperative assessment process into a consistent procedure. The aim was to structure the individual work steps in such a way that users are guided safely through preparation, measurement and evaluation. In particular, the design of transitions, status displays and system feedback played a central role. Users should be able to see at any time whether a step has been successfully completed and when interventions or corrections are required. This resulted in a workflow that reduces the complexity of the underlying technology and at the same time supports reliable implementation in everyday clinical practice.
03
Iterative concept phase User interface
Based on the defined processes, initial interface and interaction concepts were developed, which were iteratively refined together with the project team and adapted to real application scenarios.
The focus was not only on the design of the screen interfaces, but also on the interaction between the software, physical product and application steps in the clinical environment. In particular, the preparation of the measurement and the placement of the LynxPatch had to function reliably and consistently, even under time pressure.
A central component of the concept phase was therefore the development of a system consisting of visual guidance, clear statuses and direct feedback during the measurement. Users should be able to recognize errors during execution and receive targeted support.
04
Concept phase Product design
The first concepts for the system’s product design were developed in parallel with the development of the interfaces. The focus was on designing a product that integrates clearly, calmly and naturally into everyday clinical practice. The device consists of two parts: the LynxBase and the LynxPatch. The LynxBase is the central interaction and information point of the system. It guides users through the entire workflow and also serves as a charging and storage station for the LynxPatch. The LynxPatch contains the sensor technology for measurement. It is placed wirelessly on the patient and is designed for easy and safe handling in everyday clinical practice.
05
Product design in detail
In the next phase, the product design was further developed and tailored to the requirements of the clinical environment. The focus here was on ergonomics, readability and safe handling. The LynxBase has a tilted display so that content can be easily viewed both when sitting and standing. At the same time, the base integrates the charging and storage function of the LynxPatch directly into the workflow and thus supports a structured workplace. The LynxPatch was also iteratively optimized in terms of shape, size and feel. The aim was to create a design that supports quick removal, safe handling and intuitive use in everyday clinical practice.
06
Formative evaluation
In order to test the developed concepts under realistic conditions, formative usability tests were carried out with doctors and clinical staff from preoperative working environments. The focus was on the reliable implementation of key application steps – from preparation and measurement to the interpretation of system feedback. Particular attention was paid to how reliably users are guided through the workflow and how comprehensibly status and quality information is perceived. The evaluations provided important insights for the further optimization of user guidance, interaction and information presentation and helped to identify potential uncertainties early on in the development process.
07
The result
Lynx360 is a system that transforms complex preoperative assessments into a clearly structured and reliable process. Users are guided safely through preparation, measurement and presentation of results, while the system continuously checks the quality of the measurement and provides direct feedback during use. The combination of product design, user guidance and real-time feedback helps healthcare professionals to make consistent and informed decisions faster in the preoperative process.
Let’s get started!
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