Innovating to Stand Out in the Medical Field
01.Brief
DMS IMAGING is developing a compact radiology mobile unit, an innovative product designed to meet the demand for flexibility in hospital settings. This premium-positioned equipment emphasizes elegant design, high-quality materials, and user-friendliness. The objective is to create strong perceived value through a user-centered approach while adhering to technical and environmental standards.This mobile unit, named ONYX, embodies DMS's ambition as part of the France Relance initiative,with local production in Gallargues-le-Monteux (30). The design and manufacturing of a radiology mobile unit are entirely new endeavors for DMS. This project represents a significant challenge, especially for the development team, which faces unprecedented issues and must tackle technical complexity head-on.
02.The product must be very simple to use even for non‑expert users.
The design and manufacture of a radiology mobile is new at DMS. This project represents a real challenge, in particular for the development team, which faces unprecedented issues and must tackle all the technical complexity head-on.
03.Design guide DMS
Entering a new market provides an excellent opportunity to stand out from competitors and build a strong brand identity. To define the brand attributes and ensure product consistency, we supported DMS IMAGING in creating a design guide.
We conducted a collaborative effort with the marketing and management teams, leveraging the company’s strategy. This enabled us to refine the brand’s positioning and identify key areas of differentiation. These elements were then translated into guidelines for the design of all products.
For ONYX, these guidelines are reflected in the following aspects:
- The compact head, thanks to the use of carbon nanotubes, serves as a technological signature.
- A protective zone around the head (a sensitive component) is integrated into the trolley design.
- Large wheels enhance the perception of mobility.
- Ergonomic handling zones and mechanical joints are highlighted to improve readability and understanding of the product.
04.Key Steps in Achieving Compactness and Mobility
To achieve compactness while preserving the operating range of the mobile arm, we followed two critical steps. These steps accelerated the product development process:
- Sketching and evaluating various kinematic solutions for the trolley and mobile arm.
- Using "monster" mockups to determine dimensions, joint positioning, and validate the kinematics of the mobile arm.
This phase enabled the definition of the product's main physical characteristics at a low cost, before moving on to the more expensive development and prototyping stages.
05.A Certification‑Oriented Collaboration
Developing a medical product must comply with strict standards regarding materials, safety, and reliability. The design process was also integrated into this regulatory framework.
Throughout the project, we documented all our research on product usage, technical architecture, and key points from the specifications in a collaborative table. Based on this data, the DMS Imaging team had access to all necessary elements to justify their design choices and streamline the product’s certification process.
Results
Positive impact
With the development of ONYX, DMS contributes to France's sovereignty in the production of medical equipment.
Simplicity
The ease of use and formal simplicity guided us throughout the project. A great challenge for such a technical product.
Satisfaction
ONYX is a reassuring medical product that provides comfort and efficiency in the daily routine of healthcare staff.
