The design history of YpsoDose
Designing something simple is never simple. Delivering large volumes of biologics subcutaneously places specific demands on device design — from managing viscosity and injection duration to ensuring drug stability, wearability, and ease of use. When Ypsomed set out to develop a patch injector that could deliver high volumes subcutaneously, the goal wasn’t just to address these specific demands, it was also to make it feel effortless for the user.
YpsoDose, our pre-filled, ready-to-use patch injector, is designed for the subcutaneous self-administration of large volumes of biologics, enabling patients to comfortably and safely manage their treatment at home. It was developed in anticipation of the demands brought by the rise of complex biologics, many requiring larger injection volumes that traditional devices can’t handle easily. What was needed was a wearable solution that could deliver higher volumes comfortably and reliably, while remaining safe, and above all, simple to use.
That marked the beginning of our Human Factors (HF) journey, long before the first product was ever manufactured. Over 5 years, through multiple tests, we worked closely with patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to evaluate what worked, what didn’t, and where we could improve. This blog takes you behind the scenes of that process.
Laying the groundwork: Prototypes and principles (2016–2017)
Every great design starts with questions. In the early days of YpsoDose, we considered a number of key design choices which went on to shape the very core of the product. These ranged from the filling and assembly methods through to the type of drive system. In the end we explored five device variants, with different shapes, buttons, and layouts, to find the right mix of form and function. We tested with people unfamiliar with the project to get unbiased, gut-level reactions.
Two UI concepts stood out: the “ring” and the “backbone.” Each had its own take on feedback and injection status, some with LED rings, others with light bars, but these weren’t just design flourishes; they were potential sources of confidence or confusion.
Wearability was another early focus. Would users feel comfortable moving, stretching, and sitting down with the device on? Adhesion, size, and skin contact all came under scrutiny. Those first studies set the tone for everything that followed: keep it clear, keep it comfortable, keep it intuitive.
Bringing in the users: Refining with feedback (2017–2019)
Between 2017 and 2019, we moved into real-world testing. Patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals in the U.S. joined formative studies, simulating use of increasingly functional prototypes.
Participants injected into pads, mimicking real conditions. They wore the device on their abdomen or thigh, went through instructions, and navigated simulated app pairing. Some had limited hand mobility, others were completely new to injection devices. All brought valuable, candid insight.
To further validate the user interface, we ran an eye-tracking study at ETH Zurich and assessed the progress bar and status light, refining their size, position, brightness, and segmentation to ensure they were intuitive at a glance. It confirmed a key lesson, that feedback must be easy to spot and interpret, even when the user isn’t focused directly on the device.
Final touches: Scaling up and design freeze (2019–2021)
YpsoDose’s volume was scaled from 5 mL to 10 mL in response to growing market demand for higher-volume biologics. This change triggered focused refinements to ensure that usability and comfort remained uncompromised. We tested new adhesive materials to support secure patch adhesion during daily activities and across body types, and introduced body detection features to support proper application.
By 2020, refinements to liner separation and ease of removal, as well as improvements to the clarity of the medicine viewing window and plunger visibility, were explored. The start/pause button was also examined in terms of size, shape, and activation feedback to support more intuitive and accessible operation.
In 2021, a human factors study was conducted to examine potential areas for improvement, including IFU clarity, labeling, injection site selection, site preparation, and the pause function. The study also assessed the usability of features such as the UI feedback system, adhesive performance, and the inclusion of a removal aid for users with dexterity impairments. These insights informed further refinement of the platform to support a more intuitive and reassuring injection experience.
Why it matters: Patient-centric by design
Here’s what sets it apart:
- Simply patch and inject – all it takes is the push of a button. The intuitive two-step use requires no cartridge or drug handling, and the device is pre-filled and pre-connected, ready to go.
- Reliable injections under all conditions – whether it's orientation, viscosity, temperature, or fill volume, YpsoDose is engineered to deliver consistently.
- Electronic skin contact detection – confirms proper placement and supports safe administration before, during, and after injection.
- Clear patient guidance – visual and audible feedback provides reassurance at each step of the injection journey, perfected through the detailed HF feedback process.
- Built-in sterility – the needle remains hidden before, during, and after use, supported by a sterile fluid path and pre-assembled cartridge to minimize handling risks and associated risks of contamination.
The result is a worry-free, self-injection experience that supports therapy adherence and patient independence without the stress. This blog offers a glimpse at how that experience was created, through iterative design, rigorous usability testing, and a relentless focus on the real-world needs of patients. With YpsoDose, ease and confidence come built in. For more information, visit:
Author
Christian Schmid
Christian Schmid is a Senior Human Factors Manager at Ypsomed. He joined Ypsomed in 2020 and has more than 10 years of experience in Human Factors and Usability Engineering. His areas of specialization include usability engineering, ergonomics, user experience, user interface design, and product development for medical devices and drug-device combination products. He has been contributing to the design and evaluation of pen injectors, patch injectors, connected devices, and insulin pumps. Christian holds a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Design from the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Requirements Engineering.
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