Packaging design for a PoC diagnostic

Designing a user-friendly, cost-effective packaging ecosystem

LumiraDx, a diagnostics start-up, came to Team Consulting to help develop its next-generation Point of Care (PoC) platform. As part of the development, they needed a bespoke packaging and information design solution that would help to onboard users.

Drawing on contextual research, we designed an intuitive packaging solution that would be effective at communicating key information to its target users. The result was a user-friendly, cost-effective packaging ecosystem, which LumiraDx could put into immediate, large volume manufacture. This included a multi-regional user manual, a quick reference guide, packaging of the device’s consumables, accessories and accessory cartons, as well as a bespoke, durable carry pack.

Diagnostics | Industrial design | Human factors | Packaging

diagnostic device in open carry case with multiple compartments and pockets

A bespoke packaging solution

LumiraDx needed a bespoke packaging solution that would effectively onboard users and communicate key information, while conforming to their brand identity and the high quality “look and feel” of their product. They required a design that would be adaptable to future changes, allowing them the flexibility to introduce new products within the packaging, including re-badged, third-party accessories.

Hands touching smartphone diagnostic prototype sq

Contextual research and human factors studies

We wanted to ensure the packaging solution would add significant value to LumiraDx’s end users and positively influence their perceptions of the brand. To achieve this, we began the design process by conducting contextual research and human factors studies, involving key stakeholders throughout to ensure their requirements were met. This involved visiting different healthcare settings, including pharmacies, GP surgeries, A&E and labs across global locations, to understand regional differences in the context of use.

Carton accessibility in clinical settings

The diagnostic platform was developed for use in both clinical and resource-scarce settings, meaning the carton packaging needed to be adaptable for a range of different use cases. We designed the cartons to hold strips in quantities of 25, 50, 100 and 250, to suit settings from GP surgeries to larger hospital labs. Having observed how users interact with consumables in lab settings, we also designed the carton lids to be easy to ‘tear-off’ to improve access when placed in trays.

Hand inserting strip into diagnostics device

Guiding user behaviours

We used various parts of the packaging to guide correct behaviours and provide a smooth user experience. One of the key requirements was ensuring that users insert the microfluidic strip in the correct orientation. To support this, we designed a foil pack which tears away near the top, to encourage users to hold the right area of the strip prior to insertion in the device.

Diagnostics device in cardboard packaging sq

‘Sleeve over carton’ approach

We opted for a simple, high quality printed ‘sleeve over carton’ design for the diagnostic device and accessory packaging. The sleeve includes targeted imagery to act as ‘behavioural nudges’ for important use steps. We also attached a user manual and quick reference guide to the underside of the lid, to aid with set up and first use of the device.

Quick reference guide

During our early research, we discovered that many institutions created their own quick start guides to support the use of current diagnostic systems. These are often low quality, photocopied, laminated sheets attached to an adjacent wall or work via a lanyard. To improve the user experience, we developed a bespoke, ‘A-frame’ quick reference guide which could be stood on the table next to the instrument – stepping the user through the critical use steps in manageable chunks.

Sustainable packaging approach

We took a sustainable approach to the packaging design and only used raw, unprinted cardboard for the majority of the packaging elements. In addition to this, we designed the carton footprint to minimise shipping volume and optimise loading on pallets during transit.

Gloved hand pipetting blood sample into diagnostic device

Outcome

We worked with the client’s preferred packaging supplier to quickly iterate the design, producing a cost-effective, user-friendly packaging solution which LumiraDx could put into immediate, large volume manufacture.

LumiraDx’s Point of Care technology has now been acquired by Roche, which now aims to build on the technology and to continue exploring other potential targets for the platform.