RAINDANCE TECHNOLOGIES
Gene Sequencing System
RainDance partnered with PI to help develop a high through-put platform for their Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) target enrichment system.
PI was brought in at the very early stages to develop a system architecture that could support the team’s goals for usability, performance, manufacturability, and service.
In collaboration with the client, an options matrix was created to capture all variables in play for the new platform, from the basic form factor of the device to how it manipulated consumables and processed waste products. PI then iterated on these variables in brainstorm sessions, illustrating with quick thumbnail sketches the basic ideas and potential solutions for each variable. These thumbnails allowed the team to more easily weigh the options and begin down-selecting and combining them into sets for further development.
Through the process of down-selection, a basic system form began to take shape. To evaluate layout options our design team built basic volumetric models of key components for users to manipulate and interact with in physical space.
The successful collaboration with PI early in the instrument's development was beneficial to the client and user in several ways:
-Layout optimized for its environment
-New & used chips easily accessible and separated
-Left-to-right flow of inputs and outputs within color coded and labeled zones
-Liquid consumables located at front to minimize spills
-Open deck for ease of access
-Large but compact door
-All service access from front
The Raindance Thunderstorm System was recognized with a Good Design Award and a Red Dot Award, both in 2012.
