Client
Merz
Industry
Medical Aesthetics
The Merz Utherapy device is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure tool to lift and tighten skin. We set out to re-imaging the user interface to increase user impressions and the perception of efficacy.
Ultherapy uses micro focused ultrasound to generate a thermal effect under the skin. This effect essentially jump-starts your body’s own process to create fresh, new collagen.
My Role
Initiated & led the conceptualization & design development of the Ultherapy device. Re-defining the overall interface, impression & visual brand language.
Challenges
We encountered several key challenges, including navigating an outdated interface, overcoming regulatory constraints, and ensuring familiarity with the current device.
Solution
Outcomes
We enhanced the interface to achieve a sleeker, more user-friendly design, elevating user confidence and ensuring alignment between aesthetics and functionality for enhanced usability and efficacy.
"You guys nailed it on the screen UI. I love it." Clinician
Before
After
Design Process
Discover, Define, Develop & Deliver
Discover
What Folks are Saying
Key Use Insights
Persona
Define
Heuristic Analysis
A heuristic analysis of the Merz Ultherapy device identified usability issues, aiming to enhance interface efficiency, user satisfaction, and navigation in medical settings.
Strategic Framework
Step – Incremental improvements to the existing layout
Stretch – Significant changes that build on existing layout
Leap – "Radical" changes that push the layout
Visual Concepts
Three design concepts (Simple, Sleek, and Savvy) were proposed to visualize the primary user screen, incorporating UI design principles such as familiarity, clarity, user control, hierarchy, and negative space.
These concepts were presented to the Merz team for consideration.
Simple “with a little more color”
Merge the layout of Simple with some of the aesthetics of Savvy.
Develop
Design Refinements
Refinements included applying brand colors to primary action buttons, removing line weights from buttons, updating logos, and refreshing the avatar.
Style Guides
Text and Color guides were developed based on the refined design.
Design Assets
Components were crafted and structured in Figma, capturing various states of each element including default, active, and inactive states.
Mockups
Mockups were constructed following component creation, with layouts for all screens derived from the existing product layout.
Deliver
Testing
User Testing
A small group of users conducted simulated routine procedures to test the DeepSEE 2.0 GUI redesign. They were prompted to "think aloud" during tasks, and targeted questions assessed the ease of finding and understanding information on the screens.
Stimuli
Working prototype developed by the Software team to test on users.
Findings
Pros:
- Participants universally appreciated the GUI's aesthetic and physical design, describing it as modern, fresh, contemporary, and sophisticated.
- Positive feedback included comments like, "You guys nailed it on the screen. I love it!"
Cons:
- Some participants found the spacing of drop-down menus too tight.
- A few users noted potential reflectiveness of the display.
- Reset functionality received increased visibility, although it wasn't directly related to DeepSEE 2.0 GUI updates.
- Tab differentiation posed challenges for some users..
Final Handover
Refinements
Minor refinements were made to improve:
- The Reset Button
- Tab Color
- Finger Spacing on drop down menu
Handover
Final design file was delivered to the software team. (Figma)
Learnings
What I Learned
The nature of this project challenged us to think about how people perceive usability & aesthetics and the significant role it plays. The device was well-received during user testing, prompting the team to refine and improve its design in numerous ways.
Special thanks to my team; Jacki Cocker (UX Researcher), Christina Morgan (PM) & Alex Dupont (Industrial Design)
