Building bridges between humans and medical technology

Back when he was studying Product Planning and Design, Timo Röhrig deliberately chose to focus on medical devices: “When everyday clinical practice doesn’t run smoothly, design can create real added value by making technology user-friendly and easy to understand.” 

For Röhrig, this means gaining a precise understanding of the needs of users and applying well-considered design methodologies to create solutions that fit seamlessly into clinical workflows.

Research shows that digital applications in healthcare are most widely accepted when the user experience (UX) is positive [1]. That’s why UX teams must be involved from the very beginning, because user experience is shaped at every interaction: Is the system intuitive? Can information be found quickly? Does the application convey a sense of safety? And does it respond fast enough when it matters?

In interventional procedures, every second counts – especially when external expertise is needed at short notice. Yet bringing in specialists quickly is cumbersome, time-consuming, and dependent on many intermediate steps. That’s why Röhrig is working closely with clinical teams on a digital solution that enables external experts to join the interventional suite or hybrid operating room (OR) remotely and without delay.

The platform is intended to be built on a secure, encrypted video architecture and enable high-quality image transmission. “We plan to use an existing solution that connects our ARTIS systems with modern audio-video functionalities to further enhance image guidance and digital connectivity in the cath lab,” Röhrig explains. This opens new opportunities for patient care, supported by digital interaction. “Our aim is to coordinate complex procedures even more efficiently in the future and thereby improve treatment outcomes.”

Another example of his work is a digital dashboard that provides physicians with all crucial information at the start of a catheter procedure. Röhrig’s vision is clear: the moment the team enters the cath lab, the patient’s full medical history, current and prior lab results, as well as relevant imaging data such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, should be instantly available. “We designed the prototype so that you can dive right in. The first level displays exactly the information relevant to the specific clinical question. Additional details can be accessed with a single click. The solution is meant to feel like a consumer product and seamlessly fit into everyday clinical practice,” he explains.

Although both solutions are still future concepts, Röhrig is convinced that tomorrow’s medicine will not work without digital tools that reduce complexity and make information available exactly when and where it’s needed.

What keeps him motivated during lengthy projects? “I love diving into complex problems and explaining them in simple terms. Working with physicians and nursing staff is incredibly inspiring. You’re constantly learning, always with the goal of helping people.” 

In his free time, surfing teaches Röhrig to read the ocean, choose the right moment, and commit. He brings the same mindset to UX design: by observing carefully and spotting opportunities, he explores new paths together with clinical teams and colleagues. With this human-centered approach, Röhrig creates solutions that improve workflows in healthcare and build trust–a vital foundation for tomorrow’s medical technology.