Graphic overlays are a critical component of a medical device. They support device functionality and give users the ability to tap into features. If a medical graphic overlay fails, the entire user interface fails. The last thing you want is a nurse jamming buttons on your ventilator because of a faulty medical graphic overlay.
Since user experience is essential for medical device success, it’s important to understand how graphic overlays are used in the medical industry. Here’s a breakdown of the common types, their benefits, and how to incorporate them into your product design.
What Are Graphic Overlays?
Essentially, graphic overlays are visual representations of interface panels or switches, which enable users to interact with medical devices. Virtually all electrical products have some kind of interface, such as buttons, toggles, dials, and joysticks. Without a graphic or written depiction of what each interactive part does, however, a user is likely to find the product hard to operate.
For medical industry applications, graphic overlays serve many purposes:
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Promote Safety
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Offer Clear Instructions
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Provide Lighting
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Improve Usability
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Prevent Moisture And Debris Intrusion
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Boost Durability
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Extend Switch Actuation Life
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Promote Company or Device Branding And Imagery
Graphic overlays make it possible to design user interfaces that are high-quality, easy to use, and durable. An aesthetically pleasing user interface design appeals to both the buyer – a medical device company – and the user – a doctor, nurse, or technician – increasing the potential to capture a larger market share for your product.
Moreover, graphic overlays have also been shown to support Human Machine Interaction, or HMI. Put simply, HMI is how humans interact with machines. This is especially important in hospital settings, where the experience of operators and patients is paramount.
Common Medical Graphic Overlay Types
When it comes to medical device applications, there are many graphic overlay options. Just like products have different buttons, switches, and readouts, many base materials, inks, and adhesives can be combined to achieve a desired graphic overlay result. There are plenty of ways to customize a medical graphic overlay, including color matching to your brand’s aesthetics.Common materials for medical graphic overlays include:
Polycarbonate Overlays (PC)
Naturally transparent and useful when impact resistance and transparency are required, polycarbonate overlays are easy to die cut, apply texture to, and screen print. Hard coat protection is available for applications where exposure to chemicals is expected.
Polycarbonate offers superior heat resistance and can be combined with flame-retardant materials if the product is intended for environments where heat is a factor. Polycarbonate is a top material when it comes to impact resistance.
Polyester Overlays (Polyethylene Terephthalate, or PET)
Polyester is the most commonly used plastic in the world because of its use as fibers for clothing and plastic consumer bottles. PET has good chemical resistance and can be used in applications where the product may come into contact with chemicals, cleaning agents, and harsh environments.
Acrylic Overlays (Polymethylmethacrylate, or PMMA)
Acrylic is clear, lightweight, strong, and stiff. As a result, it’s incredibly durable and perfect for signs or displays. PMMA is also well suited for diffusing and transmitting light.
Graphic overlays are both practical and necessary, and they need to be carefully thought out and tested during the design and development phases. The result is a medical device with a graphic overlay that is easy to use and will hold up long-term.
Improving Medical Device UX Together
Whether you’re looking to improve your current medical graphic overlays or develop new ones from scratch, Butler Technologies, Inc. (BTI) is here to help. As an ISO 13485:2016-certified manufacturer of printed electronics, we have the design and manufacturing expertise needed to support you during graphic overlay design, development, and implementation.
Once you have the graphic overlay you need, we’re happy to kickstart full-scale production.
Let’s Get Started
If you need help determining the right design and type of healthcare graphic overlays, please reach out to BTI. We have the expertise, personnel, and equipment to move your innovative idea from design to production on time and at competitive prices.
Contact us to learn more about our capabilities for medical graphic overlays.
Meet the Author
Courtney Houtz is the marketing lead for Butler Technologies, Inc. In her role, she is responsible for content strategy, branding, and project management. She is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in social relations and policy.