Medical device design that enables microarray mixing up to 10 times faster than other methods

Trig worked with Redbud Labs of Chapel Hill, NC to develop their Stage device. The benchtop system combines a driver for their microfluidic mixing chip, MXR, with precise thermal control to accelerate microarray assays - a crucial step in the preparation of laboratory tests and clinical diagnostics, and a process traditionally plagued by slow speed and poor results. The process pioneered by the Stage enables microarray mixing up to 10 times faster than other methods.

Redbud's challenge to create a visually impactful design to showcase the technology spurred Trig's designers to seek inspiration from objects that eschewed the character of existing laboratory devices, and embodied the concept of motion the machine promised: fast cars, and dynamic animals. Above all, the design also had to be compelling to look at and intuitive to operate.

Thermal management, internal configuration flexibility, and ease-of-assembly were also paramount to the success of the design. We worked with Redbud to solve all of these issues while never compromising the exterior aesthetics. A high-trust relationship and the willingness of the client to push the boundaries of equipment design made this project one of the most rewarding we have done. The result makes the Stage like no other product likely to be found on a lab bench or clinic.

Learn how Redbud Stage and MXR enable faster molecular diagnostics.

The Stage went on to earn recognition as an IDEA award finalist. The International Design Excellence Awards is a prestigious competition that Trig is proud to compete in regularly.

Read more about the 2018 IDEA Award journey for the Stage and Redbud Labs here.

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