Turning high-stakes genomics into seamless lab workflows.
Researchers and clinicians grappled with bulky, slow, and inflexible sequencers. Singular Genomics aimed to deliver unprecedented throughput, intuitive operation, and plug‑and‑play integration, without compromising scientific precision or compact lab footprint. RKS Design
Research Insights & Discovery
KEY OUTPUTS
- Lab workflow and persona mapping
- Emotional journey insights
- Benchmarking
- Opportunity Areas & Design Criteria
- How We Used Psycho-Aesthetics™ to Identify Unique Opportunities in the Project.
RKS engaged deeply with genomics researchers, technicians, and lab managers to map operational pain points: workflow inefficiencies, setup complexity, and cognitive load during high-throughput tasks. Using Psycho‑Aesthetics®, we placed G4 in the artistic quadrant, balancing technical power with emotional clarity and environmental integration.
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
- CAD studies optimizing bench footprint
- CMF Strategy
- Refined Industrial Design Language
We engineered a compact, sculptural chassis with modular access panels and integrated status lighting. The tower-like form allows front-side consumable access (sample cartridges, SBS reagents, flow cells) and emphasizes visual clarity in labs.
UI/UX Design Development
KEY OUTPUTS
- Information Architecture
- Touchscreen Interface Design
- Custom Iconography & Visual System
- Interactive Prototypes
The user interface guides scientists through setup, status monitoring, sequencing, and export with minimal navigation. Visual feedback and status illumination simplify real-time diagnostics and reduce cognitive load.
Branding Design
KEY OUTPUTS
- Cohesive visual identity aligned with brand and product values
- Marketing visuals
We established a modern identity system (logo, typography, lighting treatments, and messaging) that communicates innovation, academic credibility, and approachable technology, supporting early-stage investor and user adoption.
Product Engineering & Development
KEY OUTPUTS
- Functional engineering prototypes
- CAD/CAM deliverables optimized for manufacturing and maintenance
- Reliability testing and thermal performance validation
Collaborating closely with Singular’s internal teams, engineers developed fluidics integration, cartridge mechanisms, thermal architecture, and optical imaging stacks. The result: a highly calibrated, repeatable sequencing instrument.
Key Outcomes and Results
Key Accomplishments
- Seamless compatibility with established sample prep kits.
- Singular Genomics secured over $294M in funding aligned to the G4 platform.
- Wide adoption across oncology, immunology, and research settings globally.
Singular Genomics G4™ exemplifies RKS Design’s ability to elevate complex instrumentation through human-centered design. By harmonizing high-performance sequencing chemistry with emotional design clarity, lab integration, and brand elevation, we delivered a platform that empowers scientists to accelerate discovery without compromise. The modular G4X expansion further cements the platform’s leadership in next-gen and spatial multiomics.
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