Redesigning a Mobile Gas Detection Device

Dräger is a leading global provider of innovative medical and safety technology solutions. Professionals worldwide trust their products and services to protect and save lives, from hospitals to industrial sites. They focus on quality, reliability, and continuous innovation, ensuring a safer, healthier future.

I led all research activities as the lead researcher in charge of the design and prototype phase. I drafted a comprehensive research plan and moderation guide, ensuring they aligned with stakeholder needs and the project objectives. I also managed the participant recruitment process through in-house contacts and moderated all interviews. I conducted data analysis and synthesis activities. Lastly, I presented the final report of research insights to the project and product management, UX design, and mechanical and data engineering teams.

Dräger aimed to upgrade its mobile gas detection device, the X-act® 5000 Basic, by integrating it with a device from another company.

However, this integration proved challenging due to the complex functions of the X-act® 5000 Basic and its lack of a lightweight case. As a result, the device was losing market share in the tube business. The X-act® 5000 Basic was developed without incorporating direct user feedback or proper research, which meant that this top-down approach—although efficient—may have overlooked the actual needs and expectations of users.

After taking over the initial usability testing from my research colleague, which focused on the hardware components, the UX design team incorporated user feedback and adjusted the prototype accordingly. Once the first fully functional prototype was redesigned, it was ready for software testing. I developed a usability script to conduct internal usability testing.

I moderated 8 in-house interviews with internal employees who used the predecessor of the product, the X-act® 5000 Basic, on a daily basis.

During the interviews I tested the software with two different menus and functionalities: the customer menu and the service menu. For each menu, the participants were given 4 realistic tasks, such as performing a leak test, performing a gas measurement, changing the filter and updating the date, changing the login PIN, determining the battery capacity and operating hours, changing the customer PIN, updating the date of the last service and updating the date of the SO3 filter change.

By conducting usability tests, we aimed to gain insights into how users interacted with the Dräger X-act® 5100. Our focus was on their behaviors and attitudes towards the device. The tests identified design and usability pain points, as well as the features that users found most useful and the areas that did not meet their expectations. Based on this, I provided recommendations to enhance the user experience, suggesting improvements in software and future research activities.

The X-act® 5100 is a sleeker, lighter redesign of its predecessor, the X-act® 5000 Basic, with a focus on safety, efficiency and staying ahead of the competition.