StrokeDx

An automated, wearable stroke detection system designed for bedside use—enabling rapid identification of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes to speed treatment and improve patient outcomes.
Traditional stroke diagnosis—via CT/MRI—is slow, costly, and requires patient transport, delaying critical treatment. StrokeDx tackles these limitations by providing a compact, automated scanning helmet that enhances speed, accuracy, and access to lifesaving diagnosis.

Fast, automated stroke detection—right at the bedside

Front-facing image of the StrokeDx head imaging system with open circular frame, blue accents, and clear patient interface
RKS Design conducted in-depth research into existing stroke detection methods and hospital workflows. Understanding the limitations of current diagnostic tools, we identified opportunities to enhance automation and efficiency at the point of care. Our team collaborated with medical professionals to evaluate usability challenges, ensuring the StrokeDx device would fit seamlessly into emergency and clinical environments. By testing early concepts and gathering stakeholder insights, we established the foundation for a solution that improves speed, accuracy, and ease of use.

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.

A collage of 16 images featuring medical technologies, including websites, people wearing headgear or neck braces, medical illustrations, brain imaging devices, and diagrams related to neurological care.
Our strategic approach focused on making StrokeDx an intuitive, accessible, and highly effective tool for emergency stroke detection. We prioritized automation to streamline the diagnostic process while ensuring a non-invasive, patient-friendly experience. RKS Design explored various configurations to optimize ergonomics, balancing compactness with the necessary technical integrations. By aligning functionality with real-world clinical needs, we set a clear direction for a device that could be rapidly adopted in hospital settings.

Industrial Design Concept Development

KEY OUTPUTS

Form Factor Concepts
CMF Strategy
Refined Industrial Design Language
Open StrokeDx device showing internal head support, designed by RKS Design.
RKS Design applied a human-centered approach to StrokeDx’s product development, combining cutting-edge medical technology with an intuitive form factor. We developed a sleek, protective enclosure that enhances patient comfort while housing advanced diagnostic components. The design included an optimized patient interface, ensuring proper head positioning for accurate readings. Prototypes were created with an emphasis on durability, hygiene, and ease of integration into medical workflows, reflecting a balance of aesthetics and practicality.

Engineering Validation

KEY OUTPUTS

Engineering Evaluation Prototypes
Tolerance Analysis & DFM Refinements
Validation Reports
A high-tech medical device with a blue and white exterior, shown in a partially transparent view revealing its internal components and seating area, crafted by an industrial design firm for advanced imaging or diagnostics.
During execution, RKS Design refined StrokeDx through multiple prototype iterations, testing for accuracy, reliability, and user interaction. Engineering teams worked closely to transition the device from concept to functional proof-of-concept, ensuring seamless operation. We supported manufacturing handoff and clinical validation efforts, enabling StrokeDx to move toward regulatory approval and commercialization. The final design delivers a groundbreaking, automated stroke detection solution that enhances emergency care and accelerates critical treatment decisions.

Appearance Prototype & Manufacturing Support

KEY OUTPUTS

Production-Quality Appearance Prototype
Tool-Ready CAD & Technical Drawings
DFM & Vendor Support
Usability testing of StrokeDx with a patient
StrokeDx represents a profound leap forward in stroke care accessibility: an automated, wearable, bedside diagnostic device born from deep clinical insight and human-centered engineering. With RKS Design guiding industrial form, workflow integration, prototyping, and emotional mapping—all complemented by early funding validation—StrokeDx is poised to transform stroke triage and accelerate care protocols globally.

Key Outcomes and Results

Key Accomplishments

Advanced wearable prototype nearing clinical validation and pilot deployment in hospital settings.
StrokeDx was named MedTech Innovator Global Competition Grand Prize Winner in October 2023
Raised a $5 million+ oversubscribed Series Seed round
A futuristic medical device with a transparent dome is displayed beside text that reads, “Revolutionizing Stroke Diagnosis. RKS Design & Stroke Dx,” highlighting innovation from a leading Medical Device Design Firm on a light gradient background.

ready to partner with us?

You have signed up for the designer!

Welcome to a world of design and innovation

Your download has started!

If this is not the case, then click the button below to start it