Depuy Synthes / JNJ Single Use Instrument Strategy
The first product aligned to this strategy is a pre-sterilized, all-in-one wrist fracture fixation system. It integrates 2.4 mm VA-LCP plates, screws, and single-use instruments, improving OR efficiency by eliminating over 60% of reusable processing steps and saving $267–$285 per procedure through reduced sterilization, transport, and handling costs.
Creative working sessions
Early branding meetings for a new product included inspiration sessions and Post-it ideation workshops. Teams explored visual references, tone, and brand personality while generating ideas for names, messaging, and positioning. Using rapid brainstorming and affinity mapping, they identified themes, aligned stakeholders, and defined target users, creating a broad creative foundation before refining into a focused brand strategy.
Process
This project transformed a costly reusable surgical system into a single-use solution through a structured, iterative process. It began with research to define the problem, moved into rapid concept visualization, advanced through prototyping and user testing, and evolved through repeated feedback cycles to refine and validate the final design.
The problem
Replace a costly surgical tool system with a sterile, single-use kit for distal radius procedures. Emphasize cost reduction, user-centered design, and improved ergonomics while ensuring instruments remain durable, intuitive, and easy to handle, maintaining a substantial feel without compromising usability or performance.
My role
Lead UX designer, Industrial designer, UX researcher, and Product development.
Contextual and formative research
Throughout the process, interviews with doctors, nurses, and clinicians informed ongoing design decisions. Research was conducted in hospital settings and at J&J’s bioskills lab, providing critical context. Direct observation and shadowing revealed key behaviors, needs, and preferences, deepening insight and guiding iterative improvements to the design.
Distal Radius Sterile Kit design
The JNJ Distal Radius Sterile Kit was developed to reduce overall procedure costs by replacing traditional reusable instrument sets with a single-use, fully sterile solution. By eliminating the need for preoperative sterilization, the system streamlines surgical preparation and lowers operational expenses.
Challenges with the Current System Include:
Usability is hindered by complex, multi-instrument setups that increase cognitive load and setup time for surgical teams.
Efficiency is impacted by time-intensive sterilization, assembly, and turnover processes that can delay procedures.
Cost remains high due to ongoing expenses associated with reprocessing, maintenance, and instrument management.
Advancements with the New System Encompass:
Enhanced usability is achieved through integrated, ergonomically designed instruments with highly tactile surfaces that improve handling and reduce user error.
Increased efficiency comes from a pre-assembled, procedure-specific kit that enables faster setup and quicker turnover between cases.
Cost reduction is realized by eliminating sterilization and maintenance requirements, lowering overall surgical overhead.
