The Allergan Juvederm ergonomic filler syringe designed by RKS.

Juvederm Syringe

Syringe designed to elevate ergonomics.

Enhancing precision, comfort, and brand confidence in aesthetic medicine.

Injectables are core to aesthetic procedures, yet conventional syringes fall short in ergonomics, control, and brand experience. Allergan needed a syringe that reduces fatigue, improves tactile control, and reinforces its premium Juvederm positioning.

Client
Allergan
Markets
Medical, Consumer
Hand holding an Allergan syringe with teal finger grips and plunger pad, needle touching a reflective surface

Research Insights & Discovery

Key Outputs

  • User Personas
  • Psycho-Aesthetics® 2.0 Map
  • Benchmarking
  • Opportunity Areas & Design Criteria

RKS launched a global discovery effort across North America, Germany, and Korea, engaging with dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons, and patients. Through user interviews and observational studies, we uncovered pain points like hand fatigue, imprecise control, and weak brand cues. Employing our Psycho‑Aesthetics® methodology, we quantified emotional resonance and mapped the syringe’s “enriched quadrant” driving higher interactivity and care confidence.

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.

PA Map of RKS Design's project with Allergan for their Juvederm Fillers
Grid of 16 syringe research slides: competitor benchmarks, practitioner personas, concept options and Psycho-Aesthetics maps

Industrial Design

Key Outputs

  • CAD models of ergonomic grip zones
  • Physical mock ups
  • Design for manufacture guidelines

Our design team translated insights into an organic, sculptural form that aligns with hand anatomy. We engineered finger supports, thumb rest, and calibrated plunger friction to optimize precision. A clean, flowing silhouette with discreet brand zones ensures intuitive grip without interfering with sterile technique.

Early drawings of Allergan Juvederm syringe

Product Engineering & Development

Key Outputs

  • Functional prototypes
  • Material & batch testing documentation
  • inal CAD/CAM files and production ready tooling specs

RKS engineers developed a compliant, US‑Ergo/Human Factors certified design, adjusting barrel dimensions, material selection, and friction mechanisms. We ensured compatibility with Juvederm vials, sterility protocols, and global regulatory requirements. Rigorous validation resulted in a form that unites usability and safety.

Allergan Juvederm syringe usability testing
Cover page of European patent EP 3 439 716 B1, Aspiration and Injection Device, with Allergan, Inc. listed as proprietor
Patent drawing, Fig. 1, of a syringe-style injection device with winged finger grips and a textured plunger pad, parts numbered

Prototyping Validation

Key Outputs

  • Production material prototypes across sterilizable finishes
  • Usability test reports and physician feedback logs
  • Manufacturing run checklists and supplier technical support

Through rapid prototyping and user testing, we refined ergonomic nuances, finger shelf depths, plunger travel smoothness, and insertion angles. We supported with manufacturing vendors to validate assembly workflows, DFM guidelines, and ensure regulatory compliance in packaging and sterile handling.

Allergan Juvederm syringe research
Different design solutions for Allergan Juvederm syringe

Real-World Results & Impact

Key Accomplishments

  • Achieved US‑Ergo and Human Factors certification
  • Improved physician satisfaction
  • Strengthened brand perception
  • Global regulatory readiness

RKS elevated a seemingly simple medical device into a strategic brand asset, by harmonizing ergonomic excellence, tactile sophistication, and visual refinement. Through a structured, research driven process spanning Psycho‑Aesthetics® to manufacturing, we delivered a globally certified syringe that enhances practitioner performance and strengthens Allergan’s Juvederm brand identity.

Three syringes standing upright, with purple, gray and teal finger grips and matching plunger pads

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