Using Design to Advance Women’s Healthcare
A Collaborative Approach to Innovating Women’s Healthcare
Beyond Design partnered with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and the Querrey InQbation Lab to develop GentleView, an innovative gynecological device designed to revolutionize women’s healthcare. Traditional vaginoscopy procedures have relied on cold, metallic instruments that can make patients uncomfortable. These tools are outdated and need a modern design approach.
Recognizing the need for a modern design approach, we focused on creating a non-invasive device that utilizes modern technology and ergonomic principles to improve the user experience for both healthcare professionals and patients.
Research, Development, and Prototyping
Our project began with user-centric research with healthcare providers and consumers as end users (including gynecologists, proctologists, and gastroenterologists). We gained valuable insights into the structure of OBGYN operations and how this product can be integrated into the current healthcare system.
To communicate design ideas and features, Beyond Design created sketches and built physical prototypes. We carefully examined the entire product lifecycle, focusing on how it can be manufactured, used, and disposed of responsibly. We then developed CAD models for detailed design and ergonomic evaluation. Finally, the prototype was assembled, adding camera and lighting components to ensure the GentleView design is functional and satisfies users.
The GentleView greatly improves the experience for both patients and healthcare providers during vaginoscopic examinations. While the project is still in the incubation stage, Northwestern Medicine, InQbation Lab, and Beyond Design now have a functional prototype for demonstrations and educational use. If adopted in modern healthcare facilities, GentleView has the potential to change women’s healthcare practices and enhance user experiences.