Theta
A wireless charging system for a seizure prevention device.
Spring 2023
10 week team project conducted with Nathanael Spurling
This project is a redesign of the existing Responsive Neurostimulator System (RNS) to improve device performance and experience for the patient. These products use current technology to solve common problems that patients with epilepsy face every day.
Design Objective
Longevity
Unobtrusive
Rapport
Epilepsy
3.4 million Americans suffer from epilepsy and the seizures it causes.
30% can’t control their epilepsy with medicaiton.
What is RNS?
RNS, or a Responsive Nuerostimulator, is an implant that monitors brain waves and administers a small shock if abnormal brain waves are recognized. This device is implanted into the skull of the patient. it is a relatively new technology and is reserved for patients who suffer from frequent seizures which is not treatable with medication.
Story Board
The patient begins their journey by receiving their RNS which is implanted in a carved portion of their skull and probes are implanted in their brain.
A large wand is used to send information from the implant to the doctor. It must be scanned at least once every other day.
Ecosystem
Taking into account the scope of this project and our design goals, a three part ecosystem was developed consisting of the RNS, a charging base, and a digital interface.
The Charging Base is used to wirelessly charge the RNS using low frequency radio waves. Which charges the RNS reducing the need to receive more surgeries. The RNS also sends information about the patients condition through a BLE transmitter which can be viewed on the app. Allowing the user and the doctor to monitor the seizures and the device.
3 LED lights are used to quickly and subtly indicate the battery level on the RNS.
A detachable hanging mechanism allows Theta to be removed from the wall for a long trip away from home.
Theta uses an array of patch antennas to emit the radio signal to charge the RNS.
The new RNS design is 40% smaller due to the reduction in battery size and increase in battery quality.
It uses a graphene battery which lasts longer and degrades less with recharging than lithium-ion batteries. It also has a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) transmitter which sends a low range encrypted signal to the phone.
UX Development
80% of healthcare digital interfaces use the color blue because it is often associated with trust, reliability, and professionalism, making it suitable as the primary color for a medical app. Followed by gray and green.
The patient has 3 options in the app.
Report incidents will ask the patient information about their episode and how they felt to send it to their doctor to review.
The consultation is to get quick answers to questions, schedule appointments, or ask their doctor questions directly.
The history gives patients an intuitive layout of their number of seizures over time and individual episodes. This information gives patients the ability to understand their implant which can reduce fear and anxiety.
Story Board
The patient begins their journey by receiving their RNS which is implanted in a carved portion of their skull and probes are implanted in their brain.
They receive a Theta and are introduced to their app. Now they do not have to be concerned with surgery or forgetting to sent important information to their doctor.
The new RNS design increases the longevity of the implant which reduces the number of surgeries required.
Theta is unobtrusive by recharging the RNS without the need for the patient to interact with any device.
The digital interface improves the patients rapport by increasing understanding of the implant and interaction.
Process and Ideation
User
Sarah Ericson
42 year old
Accountant and Mother
Sarah had been living with epilepsy since childhood and had always struggled with the daily challenges it brought. Sarah’s doctor recommended a neurostimulator implant to help manage her seizures. Sarah noticed a significant reduction in the frequency of her seizures. However, Sarah had to undergo surgery to replace the batteries when they ran out every 4 years.
“With the RNS I have maybe a flash or two every other day and sometimes I completely forget about it because it lasts only a couple seconds. ...The only concern I have is the surgeries that will be happening every 4 years. “
Insights
RNS reduces sezures over time and has helped many people treat their epilepsy.
Currently the RNS is not rechargeable.
The battery lasts 4 years.
The process of surgery is expensive, costing anywhere from $15,00 to $50,000.
Patients must be bald for surgery.
Research
The RNS is charged by the base, which sends a low frequency radio signal that is received by the RNS.
The RNS uses a Bluetooth Low Energy transmitter to sent data to the digital interface.
RF charging is the most efficient and can travel over a distance of 6 feet. This is the optimal charging method due to its unobtrusive design.
The company Energous is using radio waves to wirelessly charge devices up to 6 feet with FCC approval for power transmission.
Ideation
Longevity
Unobtrusive
Rapport
These mood boards focus on each of the design goals. Longevity focuses on a timeless design that is also durable. Unobtrusive focuses on material and form that blend into the home to be hidden in plain sight. Rapport is how to communicate quick and intuitive information.
Forms began focusing on a wall mount device with a rectangular form. However the designs quickly started to appear like WIFI routers with the one white plastic material. Designs then started to evolve with a more friendly rounded form and CMF variation.
Discussion about CMF and what natural materials are used in homes such as wood, fabric, and stone.
Sketch models testing out scale, material, color, and form. The final appearance model is centered.
What I Learned
-
This project required multiple components to fulfill the users needs, as well as create a functional and user friendly experience.
-
This was my first experience with UX Design. Discovering how to create an app flow and organizing the actions required to complete the desired functions and a flow that would be understandable to the user.
-
This product was designed live in view of the user so it required a design that would be fitting in any home style. The CMF was designed to create a warm and natural astatic which felt natural and clean in any bed room.