Democratizing sequencing through design and clarity.
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.
“Creativity + Strategic Thinking = RKS. Atypical of many design firms, Ravi and Lance have brought together a team of passionate, talented designers, researchers, strategists, and experience experts that deliver quality results.”
Chief Design Officer of Life Technologies
Research Insights & Discovery
Key Outputs
- User Personas
- Psycho-Aesthetics® 2.0 Map
- Benchmarking
- Opportunity Areas & Design Criteria
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.
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.
Industrial Design Concept Development
Key Outputs
- Form Factor Concepts
- CMF Strategy
- Refined Industrial Design Language
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.
UI/UX Design Development
Key Outputs
- Information Architecture
- Touchscreen Interface Design
- Custom Iconography & Visual System
- Interactive Prototypes
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.
Key Outcomes and Results
Key Accomplishments
- Became a flagship for Life Technologies instruments
- Received industry acclaim and major design awards
- Elevated global brand trust and coherence across multiple products
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.
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