Design thinking MRI – rethinking MRI

In order for us to be able to delve into the topic of design thinking MRI, first the basics must be clarified. Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI for short, is probably the highest standard in imaging diagnostics in many areas of modern medicine. Since the procedure, unlike computed tomography (CT), works without X-rays, it is considered to be particularly patient-friendly and thus forms an elementary part of advanced X-ray diagnostics. What is already possible with an MRI today is certainly only a taste of what the next generation of design thinking MRIs will bring. Because particularly design thinking MRI can set the next milestone in medicine. Not only in terms of technology, but also in terms of patient benefits.

What will the future hold for the design of MRI? In this post, we will look at how design thinking can rethink MRIs and the possibilities of clear and goal-oriented benefits for patients and physicians.

Since the 1970s, MRI has shown what's become possible over the years in the field of diagnostic imaging. Whether it's brain diagnostics, analysis of the heart and blood vessels, the detailed examination of the musculoskeletal system or the functional recognition of internal organs - MRI shows its versatile qualities in many areas. The question that inevitably arises is what will the design thinking MRI of the future be able to do? And what role does medical product design play in this?

Design thinking follows the theoretical approach of developing a solution to a problem based on new ideas that always focus on one thing: the needs and wishes of the user. The base for this are variable spaces, multidisciplinary teams and an open way of thinking and acting. User research forms the foundation of Design Thinking MRI. What makes a Design Thinking MRI even more user-friendly for the attending physician? What challenges does an MRI scan entail for the patient? Questions that lead, for example, to a concept that distracts children from the loud background noise during the procedure. It is therefore not only a question of expertise in all aspects of the technology, but also in the intelligent design of medical devices.

Design Thinking MRIs only become possible when the focus is uncompromisingly thinking from the user's point of view throughout the entire process. Only then can answers to the following questions be found: "How can devices be developed even more quietly?" How can processes of design thinking MRIs be automated further, through the progess of digitization and addition of AI, in order to reduce mistakes close to zero?”, “How can the diagnostics for patients be made even more reliable through the use of design thinking MRI?”, or “How can treatment times for patients be made even shorter through design thinking MRI and technical assistants?”.

When medical design and design thinking MRI goes hand in hand, MRIs will be rethought innovatively both for patients AND physicians, their use cases become more versatile and their comfort even greater.

Understanding, observing, defining new perspectives, finding ideas, developing and testing prototypes - these are the phases of design thinking that form the basis for the design thinking MRI of the future. These so-called iteration loops can be repeated as often as desired until the result is correct and it is ensured that it is feasible and marketable. Especially in the context of medical technology, design thinking MRIs must meet the strict requirements for medical devices according to the "Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte" (BfArM). A component that can already be taken into account during product development.

With design thinking, MRIs can be designed to be slimmer, smaller and easier to use, while at the same time receiving BfArM approval. Even mobile MRI scanners for emergency care are conceivable. The development of prototypes based on future-oriented ideas becomes feasible with the innovation method design thinking. The world of MRIs will change. Keep your finger on the pulse with us and thus always informed about the latest news. Held+Team is already setting new standards in medical technology design. Always striving to develop the next milestone.

If you have any further questions about design thinking MRI, you're welcome to contact us at any time. We look forward to your inquiry.