Optimising dynamic ultrasound workflows: Designing a complementary software solution for ProbeFix Dynamic
Future Software Technologies
Semester programme:Master of Applied IT
Research group:Interaction Design
Project group members:Branimir Borisov
Jori Verbeek (stakeholder)
Victor Donker (stakeholder)
Project description
My main research question was: What software solution can be designed to address the challenges of the users of ProbeFix Dynamic in learning and interpreting dynamic ultrasound imaging, when treating a musculoskeletal injury?
Context
The project operates within the domain of medical imaging and sports medicine, specifically focusing on dynamic musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound.
The context centers on the ProbeFix Dynamic product, which is wearable equipment that allows clinicians to capture ultrasound images while an athlete is in motion, addressing the critical need to monitor MSK injuries under active load.
The project arises from a gap between the hardware's capabilities and the users' workflow needs. While the device is widely used by physiotherapists and sports physicians globally, the initial investigation of this project highlighted a lack of digital infrastructure dedicated to support it.
The goal of designing a dedicated complementary software solution for ProbeFix Dynamic addresses many user needs, including: educational support, image analysis support, cross-platform availability (desktop, mobile, tablet) and more.
In essence, the project aims to design the interface and structure of the digital ecosystem necessary to maximise the utility of the ProbeFix Dynamic hardware.
Results
The primary outcome of this project is an interactive prototype for a complementary software platform designed to empower ProbeFix Dynamic users.
Validation results from semi-structured interviews and the System Usability Scale (SUS) demonstrate that participants found the platform easy to use and devoid of unnecessary complexity or inconsistency.
Regarding the Technology Readiness Level (TRL), I argue that my research and development has advanced the solution from Level 1 (basic stakeholder's vision) to Level 6 (demonstration of pilot-scale system prototype on a real problem).
About the project group
My name is Branimir Borisov, a 24-year-old ambitious and creative Fontys ICT bachelor's graduate student. I graduated with a specialisations in Front-end development, UX/UI design and mobile development. Ever since my first academic steps at the Fontys bachelor program, I have been inclined towards the visual and user-interaction side of software.
Over the last 16 weeks, I dedicated 40 hours a week to this project. My process was highly methodical: I analysed the problem, defined the requirements, advised my stakeholders, prototyped solutions, and finally designed, coded, and validated the software product I built.
I worked closely with my stakeholders, Jori Verbeek and Victor Donker, the owners of Usono B.V. Given their own backgrounds in Industrial Design, our collaboration was very productive, and they were available to support me for approximately 4 hours per week.
