Improving patient comfort during eye examinations
From research to reality: Improving ergonomics, usability & design for the chin rest of an eye care device
UX Lab
Chin Rest for Ophthalmological Devices
In ophthalmological examinations, the chin rest is specifically designed to ensure precise positioning of the patient. Patient comfort is often disregarded. Our design process for this essential component began with in-depth research, identifying challenges with existing devices and transforming them into an innovative, user-centered solution.
Insights from Research
Our research with eye-care practitioners uncovered numerous pain points with current chin rests. For instance, chin rests placed too far behind the table edge make it difficult for patients with wheelchairs, larger body shapes, or other physical constraints to position themselves — sometimes making examinations impossible.
Ergonomics and User-Friendliness
Ergonomic adjustments were at the core of our design development. We developed a height-adjustable chin rest tailored to the patient’s head size, ensuring it accommodates individuals of all shapes and sizes for a comfortable and precise fit. Special attention was also given to the ergonomics for the medical personnel, who often conduct examinations while standing.
From Ideation to Rendering
The design process began with intensive ideation and the exploration of various concepts. From overhanging chin rests to forward-positioned designs and tables with cutouts, we explored a range of approaches.
Following an extensive concept development and sketching phase, we translated our ideas into 3D-data and realistic renderings, laying the foundation for prototyping and gaining user feedback.
