An active, performance grade orthopedic brace with sleek athletic styling designed to support everyday movement without sacrificing confidence or comfort.
Ovation Medical sought a back brace that was more than medical device—it needed to feel like premium athletic wear. The goal: engineer a support solution that discreetly integrates into daily life, empowering users through both function and form.
Through ethnographic observation and stakeholder interviews, we uncovered users’ emotional needs—discretion, dignity, and sporting confidence. Guided by Psycho‑Aesthetics®, we positioned Ovation in the “artistic” quadrant—prioritizing empowerment and aesthetic appeal alongside therapeutic efficacy.
Emotional mapping supporting brace-as-athletic accessory
Persona profiles balancing medical need with lifestyle aspirations
Innovation positioning to align brace design with athletic product expectations
How We Used Psycho-Aesthetics™ to Identify Unique Opportunities in the Project.
Using our proprietary Psycho-Aesthetics® 2.0 framework, we conducted in-depth interviews and ethnographic observation in diverse lab settings. We identified key emotional and usability pain points — such as intimidation with complex interfaces, workspace clutter, and trust in precision. These insights guided both the form and interface strategy, ensuring approachability and confidence in operation.
We transformed traditional rigid braces into a low‑profile, breathable garment made with athletic-material sensibility. The fuse-molded “Fusion Form” construction provides structural support with lightweight comfort, while targeted spinous relief zones deliver precision spinal unloading without bulk.
CAD models featuring tapered ergonomic form
Prototypes achieving slim profile and ease-of-wear
Material & finish specs prioritizing durability, airflow, and aesthetics
Engineers translated the industrial design into mass-producible reality. The Fusion Form process bonded supportive elements without stitching, enhancing strength-to-weight efficiency. Custom fit contours ensure precise spinal alignment while breathable zones address skin comfort.
Engineering drawings tuned for fusion molding and fit optimization
Performance testing reports validating strength, comfort, and usability
Manufacturing specifications supporting cost-effective scale-up
The Nu‑Form Brace highlights RKS’s ability to humanize medical devices through emotional, aesthetic, and functional integration. Combining deep user empathy, advanced material innovation, and refined industrial design, we redefined what a back brace can be—support that feels less clinical and more empowering.
Status: Fully designed and prototyped; ready for production deployment
Impact:
Delivers discreet, effective back support with athletic aesthetics
Breathable, low-profile design enhances long-term wearability
Represents a new category of lifestyle-integrated orthopedic support
Strategy
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