Hamilton Microlab Prep - Pipetting Automation Increases Efficiency

Microlab Prep

A compact, automated liquid handler designed to streamline laboratory workflows.

Laboratories often face challenges with repetitive manual pipetting tasks, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors. The Microlab Prep addresses this by providing an affordable, user-friendly automation solution that integrates seamlessly into existing lab environments.

Revolutionizing Lab Efficiency with Compact Automation

Client

Markets

What We Did

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.

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.

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.

Industrial Design Concept Development

KEY OUTPUTS

Form Factor Concepts

CMF Strategy

Refined Industrial Design Language

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.

UI/UX Design Development

KEY OUTPUTS

Information Architecture

Touchscreen Interface Design

Custom Iconography & Visual System

Interactive Prototypes

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.

Engineering Validation

KEY OUTPUTS

Engineering Evaluation Prototypes

Tolerance Analysis & DFM Refinements

Validation Reports

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.

Appearance Prototype & Manufacturing Support

KEY OUTPUTS

Production-Quality Appearance Prototype

Tool-Ready CAD & Technical Drawings

DFM & Vendor Support

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.

Strategy

Design

Development

Microlab Prep

Revolutionizing Lab Efficiency with Compact Automation

Client

Markets

What We Did

Research Insights & Discovery

KEY OUTPUTS

Industrial Design Concept Development

KEY OUTPUTS

UI/UX Design Development

KEY OUTPUTS

Engineering Validation

KEY OUTPUTS

Appearance Prototype & Manufacturing Support

KEY OUTPUTS

Key Outcomes and Results

Key Accomplishments

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