Hamilton VENUS Lab Automation Software
Flexible, user friendly lab automation software
Laboratories face complexity, training bottlenecks, and error prone setup in robotic liquid handling. Hamilton’s VENUS software needed to lower the barrier—making lab automation accessible, precise, and adaptable across diverse workflows and skill levels.
Powerful automation. Simplified.
We conducted field observations across academic, clinical, and industrial labs to identify users’ emotional needs—clarity, trust, adaptability, and empowerment. Many faced overwhelming complexity, awkward navigation, and anxiety about reagent handling. By positioning VENUS in the “empowered clarity” quadrant, we created an interface that feels approachable while delivering robust automation.
Research Insights & Discovery
KEY OUTPUTS
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.
RKS rapidly translated concepts into tangible, testable models—starting with low-fidelity wireframes to validate structure and interactions, then advancing to high-fidelity prototypes to refine ergonomics, usability, and brand expression. This iterative process minimized risk, accelerated decision-making, and ensured design intent carried through to production.
Prototyping
KEY OUTPUTS
Validated user flows and functionality early in development
Optimized ergonomics and usability through iterative testing
Delivered final pre-production prototype aligned with manufacturing
RKS crafted an intuitive, modular interface. Built around drag-and-drop “Power Steps,” guided workflows, and real-time run monitoring, VENUS reduces setup time and cognitive load. Effortless onboarding meets powerful flexibility—whether building a new protocol, debugging an error, or deploying via REST API and remote monitoring.
UI/UX Design
KEY OUTPUTS
Power Steps: Simplify common workflows like serial dilutions or replating with structured, visual shortcuts
Dynamic Scheduling & Deck Visualization: Graphical labware layout preview aligns spatial awareness with operations
Remote Monitoring & REST API: Track status, receive alerts, and integrate with LIMS or other systems from any device
Error Detection & Traceability: Real-time pressure (TADM), droplet control (ADC), and volume verification (MAD) for confidence under the hood
VENUS showcases RKS Design’s ability to humanize complex automation systems. By translating deep user empathy into interface clarity and software sophistication, we elevated lab automation into an empowering, accessible experience. Instead of intimidating pipelines, users now command powerful workflows with confidence—merging precision with simplicity.
Key Outcomes and Results
Key Accomplishments
Status: Fully implemented control software across Hamilton’s Microlab STAR and VANTAGE systems
Impact:
Rapid adoption: VENUS now powers thousands of systems worldwide
Ease of use: Training times shrank from weeks to days
Trusted across spectrum — from novice technicians to automation specialists
- Automation intelligence: flexible programming for high throughput with intuitive interface
