10X Genomics Xenium Analyzer | 2021-2023

Designers: Sunny Owen, Diego Almaraz, and Phil Bourgeois, StudioRed, Palo Alto, California, USA
Manufacturer: 10X Genomics, Inc., Pleasanton, California, USA

Overview The Xenium Analyzer is a bioscience instrument that streamlines spatial biology experiments, a process that detects the cellular localization of hundreds of RNA strands within a tissue section without the need for conventional sequencing. This gives scientists and researchers a detailed map of gene expression patterns. Allowing them to navigate the genesis of human disease and the pathway to discovering therapies.

Establishing a form factor that is driven by ergonomics and user behavior The key objective of the design revolved around examining the ergonomics of the user interaction, aiming to deliver a user experience that is both comfortable and intuitive.

The utilization of a swing opening door design reduces the distance needed for opening, ensuring an unobstructed user experience. Designed to accommodate lab technicians of different heights, the slightly tilted display and door configuration facilitates a natural user interaction, allowing for easy status checking on the screen during installation. In order to meet the height visibility requirements set for a lab setting, we ensured that the status bar, positioned above the door, provides users with a clear view and understanding of the machine's current behavior and status, even from a distance across the room.

Departing from the typical robotic and outdated aesthetic often found in biotech products, the design approach for the 10x product embraced three essential qualities: simplicity, timelessness, and reliability. The subtle softened recessed surface treatment on the door and keyboard tray indicates the primary user interaction areas while providing a clean and minimal look. At the same time, the white, smooth soft impression is both timeless and monumental in its presence while not being intimidating. It represents the future of the 10X Genomics brand for decades to come.

The repeated oblong patterns of the side venting holes bring freshness to the sides of the design while the blue accent colors on handles provide a clear visual cue to users where to interact. In addition, the enclosure was specially coated with a fine and semi-gloss finish, granting users the peace of mind of fingerprint-resistant touch surfaces. The design intended to present a powerful, reliable system solution for this large counter top machine.

Designing the interior of a large genomics product requires careful consideration of functionality, ergonomics, and the seamless integration of complex technological components. During the development of the interior of the 10X Xenium, a large focus was put on the Reagent bottle assembly since it was the main point of service for the target user.

Starting with the main point of contact, the reagent bottle dropdown, color splashes that are consistent around the unit were added to easily communicate to the user touch points as well as the correct spots for each reagent bottle.

When it comes to optimizing user comfort and efficiency, the ergonomic work done on the reagent bottle dropdown sets new standards. By lightly pinching blue bottoms, the drop-down disengages the bottles and moves up out of the way for an easy non obtrusive removal process.

Considering the need for convenient cleaning and dumping, we introduced a removable spill containment tray with a practical perforated false bottom. This innovative feature enables users to effortlessly remove full and heavy waste bottles, simplifying the overall maintenance process.