Ultrasound

end to end design execution for a new ultrasound system

work experience

siemens healthineers / nov 2015 to oct 2018

collaborators

siemens healthineers design team

contribution

project management, user research, interaction design, visual design, usability testing

summary

Acuson Sequoia and the Acuson Origin are the next generation Ultrasound product platforms for Siemens Healthineers. Built from the ground up with input from users around the world, it has been created with users and patients in mind.

Addressing some of the prevalent challenges in Ultrasound imaging today: the imaging of different sized patients, ease of use, learnability and standardization of exams, the Acuson Sequoia was the most preferred Ultrasound device amongst it's main competitors as proven in an independent comparative usability study.

I was part of a 4-person UX team supported by Ultrasoud Human Factor engineers, and Clinical teams, that spearheaded designs for Siemens' groundbreaking Acuson Sequoia and Acuson Origin platforms. Our user-centered process led to intuitive interfaces favored by 82% of study participants, with a best-in-class 86 System Usability Score. It was also conferred the Red Dot Design Award in 2019.

Sonographers strongly preferred the Acuson Sequoia over the other devices - 82% of the participants preferred the Sequoia
Overvhelming preference for Acuson Sequoia · Image Credit: Siemens Healthineers / Macadamian Technologies

Acuson Sequoia

My contributions spanned competitive analysis, conceptual prototyping, information architecture, and summative testing for the Sequoia. I also was part of the FDA submission preparations to get the device ready for general availability in the market.

Acuson Sequoia Ultrasound Machine
Acuson Sequoia · Image Credit: Siemens Healthineers

Acuson Origin for Cardiology

I managed the multi-year redesign of the SC2000 PRIME cardiology system, managing timelines, budgeting, research, iterative workflow improvements, design documentation, and user evaluations with over 60+ global participants.

My ownership of these highly complex projects exemplified strategic planning, stakeholder collaboration, user empathy, data-driven decisions, and a commitment to user-centered design.

Acuson Origin Ultrasound Machine
Acuson Origin · Image Credit: Siemens Healthineers

role

My contributions were part of a team of four UX designers leading the the user experience and interaction design, working in collaboration with Human Factors, Project Management, Clinical, and Engineering departments within the Ultrasound division.

Our team, which operated as in-house consultants, worked on high-impact projects — such as comprehensive redesigns or strategically critical endeavors. Based in Princeton, we maintained a close partnership with the Seattle-based Ultrasound team, with regular travel for crucial meetings and user evaluations.

I was deeply involved in the early phases of the Acuson Sequoia's development, led the SC2000 PRIME (Cardiology) redesign and eventually returned to leading the Acuson Sequoia development.

background & brief

Ultrasound devices are indispensable, they are the most commonly used non-invasive tools in modern medical imaging used by sonographers and physicians to diagnose a variety of conditions across different populations. As medical technology evolves, these machines have become more complex, featuring multifaceted control panels and touchscreens that demand skilled navigation and expertise.

design challenge

There are specialization nuances within ultrasound imaging: General Imaging for body-wide diagnostics and Cardiology, with a focus on the heart's dynamic nature. Each comes with its unique imaging demands, shaping the specialized features and functions of these machines.

As the industry moves toward standardization to simplify the use and learning curve of ultrasound systems—similar to the automotive industry's approach to interface design—manufacturers strive to produce more user-friendly, compact devices.

Shortening the learning curve for sonographers - what employers of sonographers are looking for
Challenges with Ultrasound devices · Image Credit: Siemens Healthineers / Macadamian Technologies

The challenge in designing these systems lies in striking a balance between familiarity and innovation. Given today's clinical environment with staff shortages and the reliance on freelance sonographers, the need for immediate, intuitive operation of various ultrasound machines is critical.

elevating usability & workflow

My involvement began with the transition from the S3000 HELX to the Sequoia platform, where the aim was clear: to match or surpass the workflow of competitors and significantly enhance the system's walk-up usability. The goal was to deliver an ultrasound interface that could be easily and efficiently mastered by any practitioner, whether in a stable staff position or stepping in as a freelancer.

As the project evolved, I took on the leadership role in updating the SC2000 Cardiology platform as well, and migrating it to the Sequoia platform. The goal was to leapfrog the HELX platform and deliver an advanced, intuitive system that conformed with the overarching vision for user-friendliness, seamless workflow integration and improved walk-up usability.

The goal was to deliver an ultrasound interface that could be easily and efficiently mastered by any practitioner, whether in a stable staff position or stepping in as a freelancer.

sequoia foundations

I was first introduced to this project during my internship at Siemens Healthineers. I contributed to the early-stage research for the Sequoia ultrasound platform, evaluating design possibilities ranging from incremental changes to disruptive innovations. Our goal was enhancing walk-up usability through reduced control panel keys and exploring alternative input devices to improve cleanliness and differentiation—critical in sterile environments.

prototype development

I helped create functioning prototypes of Ultrasound systems using various technologies to simulate real-world use. User evaluations confirmed a preference for streamlined controls but mixed feedback on the innovative input device. While some liked its forward-thinking approach, others worried about the learning curve. We ultimately proceeded with the new device, eager to capitalize on its benefits yet underestimating comprehensive validation needs.

information architecture

Another key challenge was presenting the complex information architecture intuitively across modes. My analysis categorizing controls by type and availability was a valuable contribution that helped in mapping controls within the interaction framework. We also engaged with users and experts who provided insights into mental models that helped develop an intuitive information architecture.

These early user interface and input device decisions shaped ongoing Sequoia development, underscoring the importance of aligning bold vision with practical validation.

cardiology platform redesign

As the Sequoia project progressed, I got to lead the significant update to the Cardiology device as part of Sequoia platform development. Tasked with a complex multi-year redesign, I planned timelines for transitioning primarily hardware controlled system into a modern, partially digital interface for this highly complex medical device. The redesign required aligning with the Sequoia platform while uniquely tailoring it for specialized cardiology needs.

Acuson SC2000 Cardiology System
Acuson SC2000 Cardiology System · Image Credit: Siemens Healthineers

project management

Using an iterative approach, we simultaneously engaged in discovery and definition conducting extensive research for Cardiology and adapting concepts based on insights from the Sequoia’s development that was being done parallely.

Our approach consolidated existing cardiology-specific features into a more intuitive interface, leveraging Sequoia’s work. Executing this project in parallel allowed each team to inform the other through shared learnings and cross-pollination, maximizing efficiency and innovation.

The planning and execution, while challenging, showcased the power of adaptive planning, collaboration across functions, and unwavering commitment to user-centric design.

control panel design

I leveraged existing research and conversations across teams to glean pivotal insights for our first cardiology imaging interface iteration. A competitive analysis, heuristic evaluation, and global contextual inquiries gave a well-rounded view of expectations and gaps.

For the next phase, we refined concepts and prepared to test with external users, maintaining alignment with stakeholders. I organized research with 30+ customers across key markets in USA, Germany and China, conducting interviews and onsite inquiries to grasp diverse needs and workflows.

Our preliminary research indicated the need for further research into an innovative direction the Sequoia platform had taken for the main input device. I used research to identify an evaluation method based on Fitts's law, enabling objective performance data collection.

During our global user evaluations that encompassed a spectrum of users, we were able to contrast an individuals’ performance and impressions while using this input device. Results showed slower response times and higher errors with the new device, that are especially relevant for precision tasks critical in cardiology.

These insights sparked intense debate but led us to recommend improving the alternative input device or reconsidering the traditional one, mitigating usability risks. Grounded in data, we advocated for addressing limitations before adoption to senior leadership. After a long round of discussions, our recommendation was accepted and the input device was reconsidered for both devices.

Armed with evaluation findings, we finalized an optimal control panel layout and initiated touch screen definition, having bolstered confidence in our design choices through aligning with user needs over multiple iterations.

digital interface design

With control panel specifics defined, we shifted focus to detailing the touch screen and monitor interaction, mapping existing functions into a new user-friendly framework that retained familiarity while improving learnability and usability.

We dived deep into features systematically via targeted design sprints, carefully considering each element’s redesign extent while balancing importance and engineering bandwidth. Cross-functional collaboration played a crucial role, and we worked closely with the Ultrasound team to scope features, and changes carefully.

Solid documentation structures became essential to convey intent clearly amidst the framework transformation and to stay ahead of engineering. We developed detailed templates to share workflow details with engineering teams enabling a smooth engineering handoff.

Formative evaluations with prototypes validated directions and allowed symbiotic insight exchange with the Sequoia team to improve the overall platform for both General Imaging, and Cardiology.

outcomes

The result was a system built around customer needs, workflows and requirements. Before the official launch of the Sequoia, around the summer of 2018, a third-party research agency Macadamian was contracted to evaluate and benchmark the system against it's main competitors.

We expected good results for the system based on our own internal evaluations, but were pleasantly surprised by the dramatic positive reactions from customers.

Acuson Sequoia was rated as the easiest to use - a 4.54 rating on a 5 point scale
Ease of Use Rating · Image Credit: Siemens Healthineers / Macadamian Technologies

Published results of that study can be found here, along with a video presentation of the results.

Acuson Sequoia was the clear standout leader in the comparative study
Preferred Device · Image Credit: Siemens Healthineers / Macadamian Technologies

reflection

This complex project proved to be the most demanding yet rewarding experiences of my design career. Imparting invaluable lessons for driving large initiatives to fruition through strategic execution, collaboration, and adaptability.

Key Takeaways:

Leverage organizational expertise: Tap into the collective wisdom across teams and departments to inform and elevate projects. Cross-functional insight strengthens solutions.

Adapt the process: Navigating design phases with an open mind enables deeper problem understanding to shape subsequent stages. Creativity in applying tools and engaging stakeholders is vital.

Decision driven by evidence: Remaining objective combats overconfidence, ensuring logical, judicious choices. Fact-based rationale grounds effective determinations.

Compassion powers collaboration: Recognize unseen barriers teammates face through empathy. Understanding constraints enables priority alignment and cooperation essential for on-target delivery.