Rapid women’s STD diagnostics.
Clinics and physician’s offices needed a CLIA waived diagnostic system that delivers lab grade STD test results in 20–30 minutes, without specialist operators or week long wait times. Talis aimed to drastically improve the patient journey by integrating point of care diagnostics into everyday healthcare settings.
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.
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 clinical 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.
We began by mapping the clinical workflow across physicians’ offices, observing staff roles, time constraints, and pain points within STD testing processes. Through RKS’s Psycho‑Aesthetics®, we quantified emotional positioning, landing in a zone of high self actualization and controlled interactivity, ensuring the device felt both trustworthy and empowering
Workflow observations and staff role analysis
Psycho‑Aesthetics® maps for emotional alignment
User personas and task flow diagrams highlighting training needs
We crafted a step by step touchscreen interface guiding non lab staff through sample loading, test progress, and result interpretation. Clear visual cues, minimal cognitive load, and confidence driven messaging helped minimize errors and reassure both staff and patients.
Information Architecture
Custom Iconography & Visual System
Interactive UI prototypes with guided workflows
We integrated sample to answer automation: from precise reagent delivery and microfluidics to embedded heaters, optics, and cartridges. All modules were validated under clinical conditions, ensuring reliability and safety.
Our engineers integrated fluidics, electronics, thermal management, and software to ensure lab grade accuracy in under 30 minutes. The system architecture emphasized repeatability, robustness, and cross validation with existing laboratory workflows to support regulatory compliance.
Fully assembled functional prototypes
Engineering drawings for electronics, fluidic systems, and thermal control
Verification and validation test reports for CLIA Waived classification
Status: Developed and piloted in clinical settings
Impact Highlights:
Enabled STD results in ~20 minutes, transforming patient experience RKS Design
Contributed to Talis securing $10 M in combined funding from NIAID ($5.6 M) and CARB‑X ($4.4 M)
No lab technician needed, usable by medical assistants
Reduced patient anxiety, faster treatment decisions, improved follow through
Positive staff feedback praised ease of use and clarity of instructions
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