Microlab Prep

To design a product that truly resonates with lab professionals, RKS began with deep user-centered research. Through on-site observations, stakeholder interviews, and application of our proprietary Psycho-Aesthetics® methodology, we uncovered the emotional and functional needs of diverse users, from seasoned researchers to lab technicians. Key insights revealed pain points such as workspace crowding, intimidation by overly complex automation systems, and the desire for approachable, intuitive tools. These discoveries shaped the design strategy, guiding us to create a solution that not only performs reliably but also inspires confidence and fits seamlessly into everyday lab workflows.

RKS translated research insights into a refined design language that balanced performance, clarity, and emotional resonance. Our team explored multiple form factors with a focus on reducing visual clutter, improving workspace integration, and creating a product that evokes confidence. The result was a compact, approachable form that communicates precision and ease-of-use: key emotional drivers identified during research. Every design element, from button placement to CMF, was intentionally crafted to align with lab culture, reinforce brand perception, and elevate the everyday lab experience.

To complement the intuitive physical design of the Microlab Prep, RKS crafted a digital interface that simplifies lab workflows and enhances user confidence. We focused on minimizing cognitive load through clean layouts, guided interactions, and real-time feedback. The UI was designed to be accessible for both new and experienced users, balancing technical depth with approachability. Our UX strategy emphasized clarity, efficiency, and trust, ensuring users could confidently execute tasks without training fatigue. Extensive prototyping and usability testing helped refine the experience and align it with real lab needs.

RKS worked closely with Hamilton’s engineering team to refine and validate the internal architecture of the Microlab Prep, ensuring it met performance, manufacturability, and regulatory standards. We conducted rigorous evaluations of part tolerances, thermal behavior, airflow, and user safety across multiple prototypes. Our engineering validation process focused on real-world reliability, longevity, and maintaining the compact footprint required by lab environments. This phase ensured that the final design not only looked polished, but was also fully functional, production-ready, and aligned with lab-grade precision.

In the final stage, RKS supported Hamilton in bridging design intent to production reality. We built production-quality appearance prototypes that captured the exact CMF, detailing, and visual fidelity of the final product for executive review and marketing purposes. In parallel, we provided full manufacturing support: tool-ready CAD, technical documentation, vendor collaboration, and DFM consultation. Our team worked closely with manufacturing partners to ensure every part aligned with performance, cost, and regulatory requirements while maintaining the integrity of the original design.

The Microlab Prep has significantly improved laboratory efficiency by automating repetitive pipetting tasks. Users have reported increased accuracy and time savings, leading to higher throughput and reduced human error. This project exemplifies our commitment to creating innovative solutions that address real-world challenges in laboratory environments.