Human Centered Design in the realm of Medical Devices is not just about meeting regulatory standards but also about actively providing the safest and best user experience for patients !
Basava Kumar, our next pathbreaker, works as Senior Usability Designer at Philips, overseeing Ultrasound devices at Philips India Ltd.
Basava talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about the significance of Usability Engineering in the field of medical device design & development.
For students, we all are aware of the disastrous consequences of a poorly designed medical device. So, be open to exploring this niche field of design !
Basava, can you tell us about your initial years?
I grew up in the town of Kampli, located in Karnataka, India, as part of a middle-class family. My educational journey began at Bharati Shishu Vidyalaya (BSV) in Kampli, where I completed my schooling. During my school years, I was an average student, not particularly studious, and didn’t achieve top scores. However, I had a natural inclination towards design, which manifested in my active participation in various drawing, painting, and structure modelling competitions. Additionally, I held the position of House Captain at school and enthusiastically participated in athletics, volleyball, cricket, and carom.
Being the eldest child in my family, I didn’t have a clearly defined career path to follow. However, I had a strong passion for building and creating things, which had been ingrained in me since childhood. I constantly sought out new and exciting experiences, as I easily grew bored with everyday routine activities. As a curious child, I would often dismantle household equipment and attempt to reassemble them, purely driven by my desire to understand how they functioned.
My father worked as a manager for a function hall, while my mother was a homemaker. They were both noble individuals who always placed their trust in me and motivated me to strive for excellence. Over time, I developed a deep interest in understanding the mechanics behind various machines. This fascination with machinery ultimately led me to realise that design engineering was the perfect field for me to pursue. It served as the initial stepping-stone on my path toward studying mechanical engineering and design.
What did you do for graduation/post-graduation?
After completing my schooling, I enrolled in the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering program at Sandur Polytechnic Yeswantnagar in Karnataka, India in 2007. Fuelled by my passion for the subject and my thirst for knowledge, I emerged as a Gold Medalist, securing the top position in my college and ranking at the state level. Subsequently, I cracked the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (K-CET) with a single-digit number, which granted me admission to one of India’s premier engineering colleges. I pursued a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Rashtriya Vidyalaya College of Engineering (RVCE) in Bangalore, India, graduating in 2010.
During my time at RVCE, I actively contributed to the college community as the Treasurer of the prestigious national-level college fest called 8th Mile. Additionally, I was involved as an active member of Friends of Children Trust, an NGO in Bangalore that promotes computer literacy, and I took on the role of Event Coordinator for the CAD event during the RVCE techno-cultural fest. Despite being a college topper and achieving a state-level rank under Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), I attempted the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) exam twice during my bachelor’s, but unfortunately, couldn’t clear it.
With a desire to explore my career options further, I secured a campus placement at Essar Steel Ltd in Hazira, Gujarat in 2010. However, after working there for a year, I realized that the work didn’t align with my aspirations. This realization prompted me to make a decisive move—I resolved to attempt the GATE exam once again, determined not to miss the opportunity this time. Fortunately, my perseverance paid off, and I successfully cleared the GATE exam. This achievement opened up possibilities for pursuing a Master’s in Technology (MTech)/Master’s in Science (MSc) at prestigious institutions like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and National Institutes of Technology (NITs), as well as Master’s in Design (MDes) courses at the IITs.
After a challenging journey through the interview process and meeting the selection criteria (which can be demanding for General Category candidates), I secured admission into the Design Discipline at one of the renowned IITs. Thus, I embarked on my post-graduation journey, pursuing a Master of Design (MDes) degree from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK), which I successfully completed in 2014. During my master’s program, I had the opportunity to contribute to the field through my research and innovation. I wrote two technical papers and filed four patents, showcasing my dedication to advancing knowledge and making a meaningful impact.
What were some of the influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional and unique career?
Like many students, I found myself grappling with the question, “what is my calling?” and what path I should take in life. Throughout my journey, my family played a pivotal role as key influencers, inspiring me to push my boundaries every single day. Their unwavering support has been a constant source of strength. In addition to my family, I have encountered numerous remarkable individuals who have left a lasting impact on me at every stage of my academic and professional endeavours. From teachers to friends and even family relatives, they have all played a significant role in shaping my career trajectory. Under their mentorship, my willpower grew stronger, and I learned to overcome challenges with determination. I am grateful for the presence of supportive friends who have stood by me through thick and thin as I pursued my career goals. Their shared vision and unwavering encouragement have motivated me to persevere, even during the most difficult times. Meeting each of these remarkable individuals has been a stroke of fortune, and I recognize that I wouldn’t be the person I am today without their influence. To all of them, I extend my heartfelt gratitude.
Reflecting on my schooling and college days, several significant events stand out. During my diploma program, I worked on a project titled “Mini Thermal Power Plant,” which became a highlight of my final year. I was recognized as the winner of the gold medal and best student awards, and I secured the 5th rank in the Diploma CET-2007, along with securing the 1st rank in the Diploma Course.
In my bachelor’s program, I focused on a project called “Axial Pump Design and Analysis” during my final year. My academic achievements included attaining the 2nd rank in B.E. Mechanical Engineering under VTU (Visvesvaraya Technological University). Furthermore, I was honoured as the best outgoing student of the Mechanical Engineering Batch-2010 at RVCE.
When I initially appeared for the GATE exam, I lacked confidence and had experienced previous failures. Little did I know that I would eventually crack the exam. However, I firmly believe that when one is passionate about a dream, the universe conspires to make it a reality, as long as one maintains consistent effort and determination. Thoughts manifest into reality, but action is the key. My success in cracking the GATE exam propelled me into various rounds of tests and interviews at multiple institutes. This rigorous process bolstered my confidence and prompted me to transition from engineering to design as a career choice.
During my M.Des (Master of Design) program, I received a monthly stipend, which was a generous amount for a student. The M.Des program at IIT was focused on nurturing creative ideas, enhancing user-centric thinking, and overall design skill development. As a designer, I greatly valued these skills. I was always captivated by the way designers conceptualize ideas and create meaningful experiences through products. Initially, I had assumed that IIT was solely a technology-focused institute. However, during my time there, I underwent a transformative journey, broadening my horizons both in terms of breadth and depth. Shifting my mindset from a purely technical approach to a creative one wasn’t easy, especially coming from an engineering background with industry experience.
I had to embrace the role of a student once again, which posed initial challenges. However, immersing myself in this new culture helped me evolve into a confident individual, preparing me for future endeavours. My passion for solving user problems and creating meaningful solutions drove me towards this career path. Our lives are intertwined with numerous products, and I have always been fascinated by the process of their creation and the joyful experiences they provide. The two-year M.Des program exposed me to thinking from a user perspective, honing my problem-solving skills, and equipping me with the ability to develop solutions.
During my master’s program, I delved into a project titled “Interactive Walking Stick” for my final year. I maintained an exceptional academic record with a CGPA of 10 (on a scale of 10).
Each of these experiences has shaped my journey and contributed to my growth as a professional. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had and the lessons I have learned along the way.
How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Or how did you make a transition to a new career? Tell us about career path
After my first job, I found myself going through a significant career transition. Coming from a middle-class background, I had always prioritized job security and a stable career path, without much room for experimentation. Like many others, I followed the conventional route and joined a company to secure a stable salary and settle into a comfortable life. I worked as an Assistant Manager in the Maintenance and Operation Department in the Blast Furnace at Essar Steel Hazira Ltd in Surat. During this time, I had a realization that the work I was doing at the steel plant did not bring me the satisfaction I desired. It made me reevaluate my choices and contemplate what I truly wanted to achieve in my life based on my interests and inner calling. I had always possessed a creative side, observing things from a different perspective and having a natural inclination towards design. However, I was uncertain about what I should study further or what career path I should pursue.
In order to find clarity, I decided to take the GATE exam once again. This time, I cracked it and gained admission into the Design Discipline at IIT-Kanpur. This decision marked a significant turning point in my career. The two years spent pursuing my Master of Design (MDes) degree at IIT-K completely transformed my outlook on design education. During my master’s program, I delved into the realm of user-centered design, where the needs and aspirations of users are at the core of the design process. This involved various aspects such as user research, human factors, product design, ergonomics, interaction design, engineering design, and user experience (UX) design. It was during this period that I discovered the intersection between the medical field and the design field, which I hadn’t realized I was seeking. I worked on several healthcare-related projects, one of which involved designing a Phototherapy Device for treating Neonatal Jaundice.
As a result of my work on the medical device project, I had the opportunity to intern at Stanford India Biodesign, AIIMS, New Delhi, after the first year of my master’s. This internship, offered through the Stanford India Bio Design (SIB) Program, provided me with specialized training in health tech innovation. It was an invaluable experience where I had the chance to understand the complexities and stakes involved in healthcare. I collaborated with engineers, doctors, and manufacturers, gaining insights from non-designers, and working collaboratively to create impactful solutions. During the internship, I served as a product design intern for Saakar Kit, a highly portable medical kit consisting of interchangeable medicine and vaccine boxes. My responsibilities included identifying needs through clinical observations, conducting user research and analysis, establishing market and design requirements, ideation and conceptualization through sketch drafts and 3D modelling, building prototypes, gathering feedback from users, and developing a business plan. This internship reinforced my passion for the medical field and provided valuable experience for my future endeavours.
Following my master’s degree, I worked as a Project Manager and System Architect at Coeo Labs Private Limited, a division of InnAccel Technologies Pvt Ltd, in Bangalore, India, from September 2015 to December 2019. In this role, I led a passionate multidisciplinary team in developing an innovative medical product for emergency and critical care. The product, called “SAANS: World’s first low-cost, easy-to-use, and multi-powered Transportation neonatal CPAP device,” received 10+ awards and garnered attention in national newspapers and magazines. SAANS was designed to maintain Continuous Positive Airway Pressure for premature neonates with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) during transportation to higher centres for advanced care or in any clinical setting.
These experiences and milestones have shaped my career trajectory, allowing me to pursue my passion for design, particularly in the field of medical device design. Each step, from deciding to pursue post-graduation to my time at IIT-K and subsequent work experiences, has played a crucial role in defining my professional journey.
How did you get your first break?
During my bachelor’s degree, I had the opportunity to work at Pentagon Turbines in Bangalore as a Mechanical Engineer Intern. I was involved in a project called “Governor,” which focused on understanding the construction and functionality of a Hartnell governor. I also had the chance to design a detailed computer-generated 3D model using CATIA software.
After completing my bachelor’s degree, I faced a series of rejections during campus placements, which left me feeling disheartened. It was a challenging phase of my college life, especially when I saw my peer’s securing placements while I struggled to find a job. However, I refused to give up or settle for backup plans. Instead, I decided to work on my weaknesses and devoted myself to practicing for written and technical interviews. With consistent effort and perseverance, I managed to overcome these obstacles. After three months of continuous preparation, I successfully cleared the interview rounds conducted by various companies and received three job offers during my bachelor’s. This breakthrough led me to secure my first industry position at Essar Steel Ltd through a campus interview.
My journey into the field of design began when I cleared the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) and obtained admission to IIT-Kanpur for my master’s degree in design. This marked a significant turning point in my career, opening doors to new opportunities and expanding my knowledge in the realm of design.
Further on, I experienced my first breakthrough as a Team Lead when I joined HuNet Technology after completing my master’s. This role allowed me to take on leadership responsibilities and manage a team, enhancing my skills in coordination and project execution.
My next breakthrough came when I transitioned into the role of a Project Manager & System Architect at Coeo Labs. This position provided me with the opportunity to oversee and guide projects, utilizing my expertise in both management and system architecture.
Expanding my horizons in the field of design, I secured a role in Design Consulting at Observe Design and Solar Box, where I was involved in offering design solutions and insights to clients.
Finally, I achieved a breakthrough in Usability within a top-tech company, Philips India Ltd. This opportunity came about through a referral from a former colleague, and I had to undergo a rigorous interview process, consisting of more than six rounds, before successfully joining the company.
Each of these breakthroughs has played a crucial role in shaping my career trajectory, providing me with valuable experiences and opportunities for growth.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
Life is full of challenges, and it’s important to confront them head-on and seek solutions. Throughout my journey, I have encountered various challenges that have tested my abilities and pushed me to grow. Let me share a few examples:
Survival outside my hometown: Moving away from my hometown presented a significant language barrier. With limited proficiency in English, I realized that adapting to the new environment would be challenging as the medium of instruction changed. To overcome this hurdle, I dedicated extra time to improving my English skills. I practiced by engaging in conversations with myself and friends, watching movies in English, and rephrasing sentences in my own words. This perseverance allowed me to become more comfortable and confident in communicating in English.
Preparing for the GATE Exam: While working at Essar Steel Ltd, I faced the daunting task of preparing for the GATE exam. Initially unsure of how to approach it, I sought guidance through coaching and diligently studied the exam brochure. With a consistent practice routine and countless hours of preparation, I managed to secure a commendable rank, standing below 700 in the country. This achievement taught me the importance of discipline and perseverance in reaching my goals.
Transitioning to the Usability/UX Design Role: Shifting from a managerial position to a usability/UX design role presented its own set of challenges. These two fields employ vastly different approaches, requiring me to acquire new skills and develop a passion for design. Through continuous learning and self-improvement, I successfully made the transition and secured a job as a Usability/UX designer. This experience taught me the value of adaptability and the willingness to venture into unfamiliar territory.
Surviving in the Industry: Once I entered the corporate world, I faced a multitude of challenges on a daily basis. Some hurdles were technical, while others involved effective communication. I encountered failures along the way, but I treated them as opportunities for growth and learning. Each new phase of my career initially left me feeling overwhelmed and lost. However, I quickly adapted by immersing myself in the team dynamics and seeking guidance from colleagues and seniors. It took time to grasp the industry jargon and understand the accents of foreign counterparts during meetings, but I remained persistent and committed to continuous improvement.
These challenges have shaped me into a resilient individual who embraces difficulties as opportunities for personal and professional growth. I have learned to tackle obstacles with determination, seek guidance when needed, and persistently strive for success.
Where do you work now? Tell us about your current role
I currently hold the position of Senior Usability Designer, overseeing Ultrasound devices at Philips India Ltd. Previously, I worked on new product developments for the Mobile Surgery C-ARM product at Philips India Ltd, where I joined in January 2020. In this Interview, I aim to share my extensive experience in Usability within the healthcare industry, highlighting the significance of Usability in the design and development of medical devices.
What problems do you solve?
My expertise lies in effectively conceptualizing, designing, and adapting products to meet user needs. From the careful selection of materials to rigorous design testing, I focus on evaluating product feasibility and ensuring it aligns with user requirements. By leveraging my background, I have excelled in creating user-friendly and trendsetting products that not only achieve customer objectives but also yield accelerated positive outcomes.
In the medical industry, the current emphasis on usability engineering primarily revolves around meeting regulatory standards. However, it is crucial for us to shift our mindset from merely fulfilling these requirements to actively providing the safest and best user experience for medical devices. At Philips, our core values revolve around patient safety and quality. As a member of the usability team, I am proud to be part of this journey and fully committed to placing the user at the center of our efforts. I consider myself fortunate to be engaged in work that brings me genuine enjoyment and fuels my passion.
When we speak of “usability,” we refer to the ability to effectively use a system, encompassing both hardware and software interface features that make a product efficient, easy to learn, and satisfying. In the context of medical devices, “usability” entails optimizing the safe and effective use of devices for their intended users, uses, and environments. This involves considering human behaviour, abilities, limitations, and other characteristics, going beyond mere ease of use, user-friendliness, or mitigating user errors.
What skills are needed in your role? How did you acquire the skills?
A Usability Designer plays a crucial role in ensuring that products are user-friendly and meet high standards of usability, with the ultimate goal of creating safe, effective, efficient, and satisfying user experiences. They collaborate with integrated project teams throughout various stages of the product development process, from the initial proposition to the final product launch. Their primary responsibility is to gather and analyze user information, including cognitive, physical, and situational factors, as well as post-market data, to inform the team’s decision-making.
One important aspect of the Usability Designer’s role is to identify potential user errors and propose User Interface (UI) mitigations to prevent users from making such errors. They manage and conduct usability evaluations, both formative and summative, to assess the usability-related risks associated with the product. Formative evaluations help identify new risks, while summative evaluations assess the effectiveness of previously identified risk mitigations. By involving users from diverse backgrounds and geographical locations throughout the product development process, the Usability Designer contributes to the development of products that adhere to Patient Safety and Quality standards.
It is worth noting that usability engineering extends beyond just user testing. In my experience, I have recognized that usability engineering encompasses a broader range of activities, including research, user interface analysis, risk management, and design control. In my role, I have been involved in defining usability guidelines, developing usability training programs, integrating usability engineering into the Excellence Framework, and establishing best-in-class capabilities to enhance patient safety and quality standards. Our team follows a structured and state-of-the-art Human Factors/Usability process to ensure that the products we develop meet the highest usability standards and deliver exceptional user experiences.
How does your work benefit society?
When medical devices are poorly designed, it can have serious consequences and lead to increased use errors that can harm patients. According to a study conducted by John Hopkins, more than 250,000 people in the US die every year due to medical errors, making it the third leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer. A significant portion of these errors are attributable to use errors or human mistakes.
The root cause of these errors often lies in the lack of consideration for use-specific risk factors and the neglect of the usability engineering process during the design and development of medical devices. Usability plays a critical role in preventing use errors and ensuring the safety of medical devices. It involves understanding the users and patients in their real-life environments, considering factors such as workload, emotions, and the context in which the device will be used. By incorporating this understanding early on in the design process, usability professionals can help mitigate risks and improve the overall user experience.
The primary responsibility of a Usability Designer or Engineer is to ensure that usability is given due attention throughout the entire product development lifecycle. They play a vital role in identifying user needs, conducting user research, and applying human factors principles to design intuitive and user-friendly interfaces. By focusing on user-centered design, they can help reduce the likelihood of use-errors, enhance device usability, and ultimately improve patient safety.
Usability professionals work closely with cross-functional teams to integrate usability considerations into the design process. They collaborate with engineers, clinicians, regulatory experts, and other stakeholders to conduct usability evaluations, identify potential use errors, and propose design improvements to mitigate risks. By actively involving users and gathering feedback through formative and summative evaluations, usability professionals ensure that the final product meets the highest standards of safety, effectiveness, and user satisfaction.
In summary, the role of Usability Designers/Engineers is pivotal in addressing the challenges associated with medical device use errors. Their expertise in understanding user needs, applying human factors principles, and integrating usability considerations throughout the design process can significantly contribute to the development of safer and more effective medical devices. By prioritizing usability and incorporating user feedback, we can strive to reduce medical errors and improve patient outcomes.
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!
I would rather not speak about the confidential happenings at Philips/my previous companies. However, I would like to share a few things here in my academic and professional career, I have achieved significant milestones and received recognition for my accomplishments. One of my notable achievements was being awarded for the “life-saving clinical performance” of the Saans Device. This recognition highlighted the impact of my work in improving patient safety and outcomes through usability and design activities.
Furthermore, I was honoured to receive the prestigious “Philips India CEO Award 2023” in the category of “Champions of Patient Safety.” This award acknowledged the significant contributions I made towards enhancing patient safety through my expertise in usability and design.
In addition to these achievements, I have made valuable contributions to the field of innovation and intellectual property. I have filed six patents, presented eight paper publications, and obtained two trademarks and one design registration. These intellectual property filings reflect my commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and creating novel solutions in the healthcare industry.
Throughout my career, I have actively pursued professional development opportunities to enhance my skills and knowledge. I have participated in various training workshops and events, including those focused on ISO 13485 (quality management for medical devices), Six Sigma, and other quality management tools. These training programs have equipped me with the necessary tools and methodologies to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety in my work.
Moreover, I have had the privilege of participating in several industry events and workshops that have shaped my professional journey. These include GoAustria 2017, the Network Entrepreneurship Program, COMSNETS 2018 and 2019 conferences, IEDEC 2014 conference in Santa Clara, CA, TED-MINT 2013 product design and development workshop by KTH, Sweden, Gurukul 2013 design workshop by IIT Kanpur, Saans Product Showcase at Rashtrapati Bhavan and Vigyan Bhavan in 2016, typography workshops, product eco-system workshops, user experience design training, product design and development workshops, CATIA workshops, industrial and product design workshops, Lean Six Sigma training, patents and startups workshops, as well as various technical training sessions such as lathe assembly and two-wheeler assembly training and shaft making assembly training.
These diverse experiences have played a crucial role in shaping my professional growth and have broadened my perspective in the field of usability, design, and medical device development. They have contributed to my skillset, enabling me to excel in my role and make a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry.
Your advice to students based on your experience?
As a medical device usability designer, my role is to leverage my comprehensive design and development experience to enhance the safety and user experience of products. Through this interview, I aim to share my passion with the Engineer/Design community, emphasizing the significance of Usability Engineering in the field of medical devices. In the medical device industry, minimizing potential risks is of paramount importance, and the advantages of usability engineering extend beyond improved safety. I have observed that integrating human factors engineering throughout the product development process reduces the need for costly updates after market introduction and provides a competitive edge.
One crucial aspect of usability engineering is conducting thorough usability testing, which should be carried out in multiple iterations. I am enthusiastic about honing my skills and gaining a deeper understanding of user needs through this iterative process. I am grateful for the support and collaboration of my team, managers, cross-functional team members, and leadership in delivering high-quality and safe products.
To excel in the role of a usability designer/human factor engineer, certain key attributes are essential. These include knowledge and experience in conducting (medical) usability engineering activities, a comprehensive understanding of relevant guidelines such as FDA, IEC62366-1, ISO 9241-11 (2018), expertise in the latest technological advancements in the domain of medical usability, proficiency in requirements management encompassing usability and design risk management (e.g., Usability FMEA), proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods, project management skills including planning, monitoring, and escalation, and the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
Furthermore, I would like to offer some advice: Be open to exploring different career paths and be willing to learn new skills to adapt if necessary. It is unwise to remain in a career that does not bring you satisfaction. Aim to work for products or companies that have the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of millions. Find ways to give back to society. Listen to your heart and follow your passion. Each person is unique and possesses the potential to achieve something remarkable. Identify your passion and start working towards it. By doing so, you will fulfil your goals and find success and contentment along the way.
Future Plans?
In reflecting on my career transition, I have developed a flexible mindset when it comes to my career and future plans. I recognize the importance of continuous learning and acquiring in-demand skills to make a meaningful impact through my design work. Moving forward, I am eager to broaden my scope and engage in the full medical product life cycle, contributing to the growth and success of my work. This includes not only enhancing my technical expertise but also developing my leadership, project/program management, and entrepreneurial skills. I believe in adapting to new opportunities as they arise and performing excellently in my current role.
I always strive for challenging and critical roles within organizations, where I can creatively solve user problems and design products that offer exceptional functional utility, sales appeal, and cost-effectiveness within reasonable timeframes. Additionally, I aspire to find a balance between my work responsibilities, management duties, and leadership roles in the design and development process. My goal is to create products that are safe, effective, innovative, and successful in the marketplace.
Today, I feel humbled and privileged to be where I am in my journey. I will continue to follow the guiding principles that have brought me this far: believing that everything happens for a good reason, sharing knowledge, and working towards making the world a better place to live. I owe my achievements to the unwavering support of my friends, colleagues, and family members. I firmly believe that every person we encounter on our path to success has something exceptional to offer, as long as we remain open to receiving their insights and learning from their experiences. Throughout the chapters of my life, I have gained valuable lessons from the experiences of those around me.
With that, I conclude this interview for now. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If you have any questions or need guidance, please feel free to reach out to me via email at mbasavakumar@gmail.com or connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/basava-kumar-m-58676318/.
Until we meet again, thank you and best regards,
Basava Kumar M.