VGX Vaccine Delivery Platform

Next-gen DNA vaccine delivery.

VGX approached RKS to transform an animal only DNA vaccine delivery system into a safe, FDA approvable platform fit for human use. The core challenge: ease clinician handling, mask the visual impact of needles and electrification, and reduce patient anxiety, all while maintaining high performance electroporation and rigorous sterilization standards.

Reimagining vaccine delivery for human use

CELLECTRA 3000 medical device interface and applicator on desk in clinical setting

RKS conducted ethnographic studies with clinicians and patients, understanding emotional triggers and workflows. Using our Psycho‑Aesthetics® framework, we placed the product in the enriched quadrant, focusing on non threatening, intuitive control. Pain points identified included fear of needles and lack of confidence in multi step electroporation.

Research Insights & Discovery

KEY OUTPUTS

Clinical and patient persona mapping
Emotional journey maps revealing anxiety triggers

Opportunity brief emphasizing hidden needle delivery, simplicity, and empathetic feedback

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.

PA Map for RKS Design's Project for the development of VGX Inovio
A collage of presentation slides showing medical equipment, dental tools, procedural steps, patient preparation, charts, and diagrams, with images of healthcare professionals and patients in clinical settings.

Inovio was designed to be as user friendly as possible, featuring a one button operation and an ambidextrous design. Safety was paramount, with a disposable component ensuring the well being of both the practitioner and the patient. Our design approach focused on creating a soothing environment with ergonomic shapes and friendly colors, turning a potentially tense situation into a comfortable and effortless experience.

Industrial Design Concept Development

KEY OUTPUTS

Ergonomic CAD models emphasizing comfort and control

Concealed needle/shroud integration

Visual design language projecting calm and precision

VGX Inovio DNA Vaccine dispenser usability research
Inovio DNA Vaccine Delivery System
Side-by-side comparison: on the left, a bulky black medical device with wires labeled Before; on the right, Inovio’s sleek, modern VGX white and blue medical device labeled After.

Clinician interfaces, both on device and via connected software, feature clear step by step visuals and status feedback for each stage of electroporation. Visual cues help build procedural confidence and reduce errors. Our task was to make it consumer friendly, hiding its potential scariness while prioritizing the comfort of both clinicians and patients.

UI/UX Design Development

KEY OUTPUTS

Information Architecture
Touchscreen Interface Design
Custom Iconography & Visual System
Interactive Prototypes
VGX Inovio Product Image 7

RKS aligned mechanical components, needles, motors, shuttles, with back end electronics and firmware for dose delivery and capacitive sensing. Developed ambidextrous handpieces and support units to ensure reliability and scalable manufacturing.

Engineering Validation

KEY OUTPUTS

Functional prototypes combining mechanics, electronics, and firmware

Tool ready CAD/CAM data and component spec documentation

Vendor coordination and manufacturing readiness strategy

VGX Inovio Research 1 Product Design
Inovio DNA Sequencer
We strived to humanize the device, maximizing its potential for the best possible experience. This project presented both challenges and rewards, as we dedicated countless months to bring Inovio to life. The journey of evolution and refinement has led us to this proud moment, where we can showcase the culmination of our efforts. We thrive on tackling unconventional and complex tasks, constantly pushing boundaries to create transformative solutions.

Key Outcomes and Results

Key Accomplishments

Platform designed for FDA approval and human clinical use

Elevated clinician confidence through guided workflows and visual feedback

Positioned Inovio/VGX for scalable, empathetic deployment in human vaccine programs

VGX Applicator 190 Product Design

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