Olympus
Diego Elite
Micro-Debrider System
Next-generation ENT system redefined from the inside out
Olympus challenged us to develop a next-generation micro-debrider system capable of surpassing competitive performance while addressing critical usability challenges. As design lead, efforts centered on translating clinical insights into innovative functional solutions, guiding the development of the handpiece, control console, and accessory set. The resulting system delivered enhanced surgical precision, reduced fatigue, and a cohesive Olympus-branded experience from sterile field to equipment bay.
Capabilities Delivered
Design Strategy
We began by benchmarking the incumbent system against its leading competitor, synthesizing insights that informed a co-creation workshop with Olympus’ Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs). The resulting feature set shaped our functional targets and set the foundation for every design decision.
System Integration
Collaborating with engineering, we optimized internal component layouts to support ideal weight distribution, intuitive activation, and serviceability. The result: sleek, intuitive interaction with minimal user burden.
Human-Centered Research
Hands-on workshops with surgeons and support staff revealed critical issues with balance, weight, and hand fatigue. These insights drove our configuration studies and grip refinements, ensuring an ergonomic evolution for both pistol and pencil grip formats.
Prototyping & Validation
To evaluate effectiveness, we conducted cadaver lab testing with functional breadboards and static mock-ups. These real-world simulations ensured surgical confidence and guided the final design’s refinement.
Industrial Design
I spearheaded the design process from initial sketches to final execution, focusing on both the durable and disposable components of the handpiece, as well as the control console with its peripheral devices. Throughout the project, I tackled key functional, ergonomic, and visual design challenges. The final design effectively distinguished between reusable and disposable elements while seamlessly aligning with Olympus’s visual brand language.
Brand Alignment
From the handpiece contours to the console’s UI alignment and accessory interface, every component reflected Olympus’s premium quality and design language—delivering a consistent experience from sterile field to equipment bay.