Life Technologies Global Brand Language - Preparing a Company to Sell

Ion Proton™ Sequencer

A next‑generation semiconductor sequencing platform that introduced high-throughput genomics in a compact, emotionally engaging, and globally consistent product language

Life Technologies needed to unify fragmented instrument platforms and elevate its visual brand identity ahead of acquisition—while pioneering a radical next-gen sequencer. RKS worked to develop a scalable global design language and intuitive product industrial design for the Ion Proton™, balancing emotional resonance, lab integration, and corporate positioning.

Democratizing sequencing through design and clarity

Client

Markets

What We Did

We conducted immersive user research across global scientists, lab directors, and technicians to understand pain points in sequencing workflows and existing brand disunity. Leveraging our Psycho‑Aesthetics® method, we defined an opportunity zone emphasizing empowerment, clarity, and visual familiarity.

Research Insights & Discovery

KEY OUTPUTS

User Personas

Psycho-Aesthetics® 2.0 Map

Benchmarking

Opportunity Areas & Design Criteria

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.

The Ion Proton™ chassis was designed to consolidate new semiconductor sequencing technology into a cohesive, bench-forward form. The architecture supports front access, simplified servicing, and a unified aesthetic that signaled next-gen capability.

Industrial Design Concept Development

KEY OUTPUTS

Form Factor Concepts

CMF Strategy

Refined Industrial Design Language

RKS developed a global instrument design language to visually elevate Life Technologies across device lines—balancing technical precision with emotional impact. The system reinforced profile clarity, lab trust, and brand coherence.

UI/UX Design Development

KEY OUTPUTS

Information Architecture

Touchscreen Interface Design

Custom Iconography & Visual System

Interactive Prototypes

The collaboration on the Ion Proton™ Sequencer showcases RKS’s ability to transform complex life-science tools into emotionally powerful, globally unified offerings. Through strategic user insight, cohesive branding, and refined industrial design, we helped Life Technologies bridge innovation and investor readiness—playing a pivotal role in its transformation into Thermo Fisher’s multi-billion valuation entity. Let me know if you’d like to include user testimonials, design iterations, or acquisition narrative visuals.

Strategy

Design

Development

Ion Proton™ Sequencer

Democratizing sequencing through design and clarity

Client

Markets

What We Did

Research Insights & Discovery

KEY OUTPUTS

Industrial Design Concept Development

KEY OUTPUTS

UI/UX Design Development

KEY OUTPUTS

Key Outcomes and Results

Key Accomplishments

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