Research and medical product design for Eyestar 900 from Haag-Streit
How do you turn a technological innovation into a commercially successful medical device that performs in everyday clinical practice? Based on a novel 3D swept source OCT technology, Milani partnered with Haag-Streit to develop the Eyestar 900, a user friendly eye analysis device that redefined measurement, imaging, and diagnostics for the company.
Challenge: translating advanced technology into clinical value
With the development of a new swept source OCT technology, Haag-Streit had created a highly innovative foundation for three dimensional analysis of the human eye. The challenge, however, was not the technology itself. The challenge was transforming it into a product that would work seamlessly in the complex environment of clinics and ophthalmology practices.
The future device needed to meet the requirements of multiple user groups, including ophthalmologists, clinical staff, and patients. At the same time, complex measurement procedures had to be simplified, diagnostic precision maintained, and clinical workflows supported as efficiently as possible. The central question was how to transform technological innovation into an intuitive, easy to use, and commercially successful medical device.
Approach: from field research to validated product design
Milani supported Haag-Streit throughout the entire development process, from early user research to the final product design. The project began with extensive field research. Through interviews with ophthalmologists, optometrists, clinical staff, and patients, Milani identified real world workflows, user requirements, and pain points. These insights formed the basis for the development of initial use cases, product concepts, and design directions. In close collaboration with Haag-Streit’s development team, Milani created functional prototypes that were continuously tested and refined with users throughout the development process.
This iterative approach ensured that the final product not only leveraged the full potential of the technology but also addressed the practical realities of everyday clinical use. In parallel, Milani developed the product language, interaction concept, and visual design with the goal of reducing complexity, improving orientation, and creating a seamless user experience.
Result: greater efficiency, better usability and a strong market position
The Eyestar 900 became a fully automated OCT based eye analysis system capable of capturing high resolution images and precise measurements of both eyes in less than 40 seconds. Automated workflows reduce operator effort and allow clinicians to focus more on diagnosis and patient care.
The design ensures comfortable use for a wide range of patients regardless of age or physical condition. The high level of automation improves patient comfort while increasing the quality and repeatability of measurements. Its compact footprint also allows the device to be integrated easily into different practice and clinical environments.
For Haag-Streit, the Eyestar 900 created a clear point of differentiation in the market. The combination of advanced technology, user centered design, and efficient workflows strengthened the company’s competitive position and established a strong foundation for long term commercial success.
Milani services
- Medtech Product Positioning and Strategy
- Field Research and Application Analysis
- Medical Design and Product Language
- Product Graphics
- Prototyping and Testing
- Art Direction through to Serial Model
