Industrial & Brand Design forGratXray by FOND Design

Scanning me softly

The Breast Computed Tomography (BCT) device Senoa was developed for GratXray, a spin-off of the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) and ETH Zurich. Working with the engineering team, we designed the system’s formal appearance and all physical touchpoints. We also defined the ergonomics, usability and overall user experience of the device—supporting accurate and painless breast cancer diagnosis.

Industrial & Brand Design for GratXray by FOND Design
Industrial & Brand Design forGratXray by FOND Design
Industrial & Brand Design forGratXray by FOND Design

The device presents a calm, non-threatening and professional appearance. The form language conveys a humane and reassuring character, helping patients feel comfortable during the examination. The X-ray source remains visible and clearly integrated, without being visually emphasised in a threatening way.

Industrial & Brand Design for GratXray by FOND Design
Industrial & Brand Design forGratXray by FOND Design
Industrial & Brand Design for GratXray by FOND Design

The ergonomics ensure that the patient remains safely positioned outside the X-ray field. Winglets on both sides of the torso guide the body and prevent the arms from entering the radiation zone. The system is arranged so that medical staff retain clear access to the breast, both when seated and standing, allowing the same device to be used for procedures such as tissue sampling.

Das PSI liegt rechts und links der Aare im Kanton Aargau

GratXray, a spin-off from the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) and ETH Zurich, has been a long-standing client of FOND, as have a number of other Swiss medical technology companies.

Medical devices require long development cycles due to strict regulatory requirements and clinical validation. Over the years, we have built experience and expertise in this field, supporting projects through the extended timelines typical of medical technology development.

What to consider when designing Class IIb medical devices?

X-ray imaging systems are typically classified as Class IIb medical devices under the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR). Their development follows strict standards such as IEC 60601 for medical electrical equipment, IEC 62366 for usability engineering and ISO 14971 for risk management. Working in this context requires close coordination between design, engineering and regulatory processes. Design decisions must remain fully traceable, while aspects such as radiation shielding, safety distances, cleanable surfaces and service access directly influence the form and layout of the device.

User-centric development therefore extends beyond medical staff and patients to include cleaning personnel, service technicians and hospital management, who must ultimately justify investment decisions to municipalities or governing boards. Addressing these different and sometimes conflicting perspectives requires an empathetic and holistic approach, integrating functional, operational and institutional needs into a coherent and realistic product solution.

Industrial & Brand Design for GratXray by FOND Design

Client

GratXray

Designers

Philipp Bühler, Meret Wacker

Services

Industrial Design

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