Next Generation RF Coblation System
Redefining design and innovation in user experience
Extensive design research with Arthroscopy clinicians
Console industrial and UX design focus on sports medicine
Intensive collaboration with CMO to preserve the brand intent
BlackHägen Design, in partnership with Metaphase Design Group, has teamed up with ArthroCare Corporation to design and develop the next-generation RF Coblation surgical system, “Werewolf.” The collaboration aims to set a new standard in design, ergonomics, and engineering, reinforcing ArthroCare’s leadership in innovation and user experience. The scope includes the industrial design and ergonomics for the RF Handpiece, foot pedal, console, and cart, along with formative testing of concepts and prototypes. BH will also create design control drawings and CAD surface files for these components to guide manufacturing, as well as packaging design for the sterile handpiece, console, and cart. The project will culminate in summative testing and vendor liaison support to transition to manufacturing.
•Comprehensive Design Development: BH and Metaphase Design will collaborate with ArthroCare on the design of the Werewolf RF Coblation system, including the RF Handpiece, console, foot pedal, and cart.
•Design Control & Packaging: The project includes creating design control drawings, CAD files, and packaging designs for the handpiece, console, and cart to guide manufacturing.
•Testing and Vendor Support: Formative and summative testing will be conducted, with vendor liaison support for the transition to manufacturing with ArthroCare’s partner, Jabil.
Contextual Inquiry and Design Development
• ArthroCare (Smith and Nephew) wanted to create a consumer-like design that would appeal to sports medicine clinicians
• Resulting console and handpiece concepts introduced a fresh design language that exuded dynamics and consumerism
• UX design borrowed cues from automotive infotainment graphic design and workflows but ensured surgical suite ergonomics were satisfied
• Overall user-experience was carefully evaluated while finalizing system logic, qualitative vs quantitative information presentation and display resolution
• Custom peristaltic pump featured a novel, patented closure system that maximized pump access and visualization during setup, while protecting the end-user during operation
• BH worked closely with the CMO and molding vendors to finetune the Console design, cosmetic details and Color/Materials/Finish specifications
