Yiran Ren - VizCare

Sep. 2019 - Jul. 2020, MedInnovate Graduate Programm, Visual Testing Device and Software

designed by Yiran Ren, Magomed Abdulaev, Anna Zapaishchykova, Leonardo Sepúlveda

Project Overview

As the main designer, leading with Bio Design principles, I conducted numerous interviews and observed over 20 clinical procedures. Throughout the comprehensive bio design process, we developed a VR solution for patients with Multiple Sclerosis. This solution aims to improve their hospital experience and provide more accurate treatment options.

Observations

The team visited the neuroradiology department at Klinikum rechts der Isar, led by Prof. Dr. Claus Zimmer. Over a period of nearly two weeks, we conducted detailed observations to identify the needs of the neuroradiology department. During this time, the team actively engaged in diagnostic processes, participated in procedures, and interacted with patients. We identified numerous challenges and issues. For each identified problem, we outlined several corresponding needs that required solutions.

The team began by meticulously documenting all observations, noting each with the date, name, and a detailed description. In the initial phase, we collected 170 observations and identified corresponding needs.

Part of the observation documents

User journey in the clinic from the observation and research

Needs

First, the team formulated the needs statements consistently with three components: solutions, helps, targets, and clinical problems. We then eliminated duplicates and applied two filters: the magnitude of the problem and its feasibility. Through group voting, we narrowed the list down to 30 high-priority and 40 medium-priority needs. In the next step, the team voted on these 70 needs using two additional filters—market size and interest. After thorough discussion and group voting, we identified the six most critical needs.

How we filtered the 170 needs down to 6 needs

Part of the filtering process: how we filter and narrow down the problems and needs

Needs

Statements

Here are six refined needs statements:

1. Blind Needle: A way for doctors to avoid complications during epidural injections by addressing weak guidance.

2. 90s Calendar: A way to enhance the workflow for technical assistants by addressing complex scheduling issues.

3. Chair Problem: A way to alleviate symptoms of long workdays for doctors in a quiet work environment.

4. Bullet Coins: A way for technical assistants to check for dangerous objects before an MRI scan, addressing potential safety risks.

5. Freshman: A way to expedite diagnosis in complex cases for doctors, addressing the challenges posed by inexperience.

6. UX: A way to enhance the patient experience during radiology scans, aimed at reducing stress in highly tense situations.

Subsequently, to refine the list from six needs to a single, primary need, the team conducted extensive secondary research, held seven interviews in the neuroradiology department, sent 15 emails to experts and doctors, and convened seven additional group meetings.

Interview questions

6 Needs

Needs

Secondary Needs Filtering

The team evaluated each need against six criteria: potential solutions, cost, competitor analysis, market size, affected population, and concept ideas. Initially, multiple solutions such as research papers and products were identified for all needs.

Consequently, the focus shifted to the Freshman need, aimed at reducing diagnosis times in complex cases due to inexperience. This need had several supporting research papers and FDA approvals (limited to Mammography), with 3-5 competitors indicating a viable market entry. With 40 million MRI scans annually in the U.S., the impact potential was significant. Possible concepts included diagnostic recommendation tools and interactive learning aids. Further research led to the identification of two more specific needs to refine the concept.

Me writing down the criteria for filtering secondary needs

Secondary needs filtering

Need 1

The first need is A way to identify brain tumors in early stages for doctors to address the problem of late diagnosis.

There are different possible noticeable symptoms for brain tumors: severe, recurring headaches, vision loss or seeing double, difficulty remembering, seizures, nausea, and vomiting, difficulty hearing or speaking, trouble swallowing or controlling facial muscles, and prolonged, unexplained fatigue.

Patient journey Brain and spinal cord tumors are usually found because of signs or symptoms a person is having. If a tumor is suspected, tests will be needed to confirm the diagnosis. There are four diagnose for brain and spinal cord tumors today. Medical history and physical exam which are eye, hearing and reflex test, sense of touch and smell test, mental status and memory checking; Imaging test such as MRI, CT, PET; Biopsy and lumbar puncture; Blood and urine tests; genetic testing; laboratory tests; pathology reports; Biomarkers. Enable to see the exact problem of the process of the diagnosis, and the team evaluated all diagnosis for a brain tumor.

Patient journey for the case of brain tumor diagnosis and its problems

Need 1

Concept

The first concept addresses brain tumor diagnosis by using inhaled contrast media to enhance early-stage detection. Traditional contrast agents, used in MRIs and X-rays, increase radiodensity or alter relaxation times to improve imaging contrast. However, these agents, typically injected intravenously, can cause discomfort and allergic reactions. Our alternative proposes the use of non-invasive inhaled gases, already utilized in brain CTs, which can increase O2 levels to improve vein contrast. Given that cancer cells metabolize differently from healthy cells—consuming more glucose and oxygen—this method could leverage gas inhalation to measure and compare O2 levels before and after inhalation, offering a simple and fast diagnostic approach.

Concept 1

Concept 2

Need 2

Patient Journey for MS Diagnosis

The second need focuses on standardizing the pre-assessment for MRI scans to address iatrogenesis in Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Given the complexity and variability of MS, there is no single diagnostic test, making standardized pre-assessment protocols crucial for accurate MRI evaluations.

Patients with suspected Multiple Sclerosis (MS) initially undergo a series of physical tests and provide relevant medical history at the clinic. Based on these preliminary assessments, doctors decide whether an MRI is necessary for further investigation.
Diagnosing MS is challenging as there are no specific tests for the condition. Diagnosis typically involves a differential process to exclude other diseases with similar symptoms. This can lead to subjective decisions and potential misdiagnoses, particularly with inexperienced physicians.
Current diagnostic tools include blood tests (to rule out other conditions), spinal taps (to detect markers like elevated IgG antibodies, oligoclonal bands, and high white blood cells, though 5-10% of cases show no abnormalities in cerebrospinal fluid), evoked potential tests (measuring brain activity in response to stimuli, while ensuring no other ocular issues are present), and MRI scans.
Given these complexities, the team is considering shifting towards more quantitative, objective testing methods to reduce the reliance on subjective judgment in diagnosing MS.

Possible noticeable symptoms for multiple sclerosis

Patient journey for MS patient in clinic

Change the current solution to the quantitive objective tests

Need 2

Concepts

We have developed two concepts to address this need:

1. "All-in-One Set"

Monitoring the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) relies on a range of functional assessments, including mobility, dexterity, and cognitive tests. However, these evaluations are often performed separately, making it difficult for clinicians to gain a consistent and holistic view of a patient’s condition over time.

To address this, we designed an All-in-One Assessment Tool that integrates the key functional tests into a single, standardized workflow. Built around the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC) framework, the solution consolidates walking, hand function, and cognitive assessments into one unified experience, enabling clinicians to evaluate disease progression more efficiently and consistently.

2. "Computer-Aided System"

We designed an AI-assisted diagnostic tool to help radiologists differentiate MS lesions from MRI artifacts. By reducing ambiguity in MRI interpretation, the system supports more accurate diagnoses and improves confidence in assessing disease progression.

Concept 1

Concept 2

First Concepts

We narrowed our focus to two concepts: a breathalyzer for measuring brain tumor or cancer markers, and a medical device equipped with a projector for visual testing in MS diagnosis. However, due to insufficient research, evidence, and experimental support for the brain tumor breathalyzer concept, we decided to proceed with the medical device for MS diagnosis.

Sketch concept of MS visual test device

Sketch concept of the brain tumor measuring breathalyzer

First concept

Problems

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease that affects movement, vision, and cognition. Because symptoms vary greatly between patients, monitoring disease progression is complex and relies on multiple clinical assessments.

During our research, we discovered two major challenges:

- Functional assessments were fragmented and lacked standardized evaluation.

- MRI scans were expensive and not suitable for frequent monitoring.

These findings revealed an opportunity to improve how clinicians assess disease progression while reducing the burden on patients.

First concept

Patient journey

Vision assessments for MS patients typically require referrals to an ophthalmologist, as neurology departments often lack the necessary testing equipment. This fragmented workflow results in multiple appointments, long waiting times, and delays in treatment decisions, while also reducing patient compliance.

In addition, the high cost of conventional visual field analyzers limits their availability in neurology practices, creating a barrier to routine vision monitoring.

To address these challenges, we explored an affordable, portable vision testing solution that enables neurologists to perform visual assessments during regular consultations, reducing unnecessary referrals, shortening the diagnostic journey, and improving the overall patient experience.

First concept

Competitive Analysis

We evaluated existing vision assessment solutions to understand the market landscape and identify opportunities for differentiation.

1. ViewMind leverages eye tracking to measure cognitive and functional performance but did not offer a commercially available product at the time of the research.

2. Micromedical Devices provides portable vision testing solutions; however, the level of clinical validation was unclear.

3. Essilor, Oculus, and ZEISS offer industry-leading visual field analyzers with advanced capabilities. While clinically robust, these systems are expensive and primarily designed for ophthalmology practices rather than neurology clinics.

Our analysis revealed a clear gap in the market: there was no affordable, easy-to-use vision assessment solution tailored to the needs and workflows of neurologists. This insight became the foundation of our product vision and design strategy.

First design concept statement

How did we get there

Physical products

First concept

Feedback and research

Early feedback from clinicians and industry experts challenged our initial concept. While the device addressed a real user need, its hardware-centric approach offered limited differentiation and was difficult to justify from a cost perspective compared to existing solutions.

Rather than pushing forward with our original idea, we returned to discovery. We conducted additional expert interviews, expanded our research, and re-evaluated the problem from multiple clinical perspectives. This iterative process allowed us to refine the product vision and identify a more compelling opportunity.

Over the course of the project, we:

- Conducted 36+ hours of clinical immersion

- Reviewed 79+ scientific publications

- Interviewed 15+ medical experts and MS patients

- Collaborated with 10 mentors specializing in healthcare and entrepreneurship

These insights enabled us to evolve the initial concept into a solution that better aligned with both clinical workflows and user needs.

Competitors

Business model

Final Concept

In order to solve the current shortcomings, VizCare has been created. With the new solution, VizCare uses Virtual Reality in combination with Visual Tests to track the progression of patient health and MS disease.

Final concept

Solution

Portable VR-Based Vision Assessment

VizCare reimagines vision assessment by replacing traditional visual field analyzers with a portable VR-based testing experience.

Unlike conventional solutions, which require dedicated examination rooms and expensive equipment, the VR headset creates a standardized testing environment anywhere. This enables neurologists to perform vision assessments directly during routine consultations, reducing referrals, shortening the diagnostic journey, and improving patient convenience.

The platform was also designed with scalability in mind. Beyond multiple sclerosis, the same hardware can support additional vision assessments for conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular diseases, neuromyelitis optica, and idiopathic intracranial hypertension, extending the product’s long-term value.

Vision Assessment & Intelligent Reporting

VizCare integrates five core vision assessments—including low contrast, visual acuity, color vision, visual field, and depth perception—into a single, standardized workflow. Test results are automatically synthesized into an intelligent report, enabling neurologists to evaluate disease progression more efficiently and consistently.

Visual example of low contrast, visual acuity, color vision, visual field, and depth perception

Final concept

Solution

VR solution

By integrating vision assessment into a portable VR platform, VizCare enables more frequent and accessible monitoring without requiring specialist equipment or dedicated testing rooms.

Patients benefit from shorter diagnostic journeys and more timely treatment decisions, while clinicians receive standardized results through automated report generation, reducing administrative effort and increasing clinical capacity.

Eye tests VR program

Different screens and tests design for the VR demonstration

3D model for the VR visual test background. The form is based on the nigh in the forest

The demonstration screens of the low contrast test

Final concept

Impact

Better Outcomes for Patients

VizCare empowers patients to monitor their vision more frequently from home, reducing the need for specialist appointments and enabling earlier intervention when changes occur. More regular monitoring also provides greater transparency into disease progression, helping patients feel more confident and in control of their condition.

More Efficient Clinical Workflows

By integrating vision assessments into routine neurology consultations and automatically generating standardized reports, VizCare reduces administrative effort, shortens the diagnostic journey, and provides clinicians with more consistent longitudinal data to support treatment decisions.

Long-Term Healthcare Value

Earlier detection of disease progression and more informed treatment decisions have the potential to reduce unnecessary referrals, prevent inappropriate treatments, and improve the overall efficiency of MS care. The portable platform also creates opportunities to support additional neurological and ophthalmic conditions in the future.

Final concept

Evaluation

In the concept phase, we also assessed regulatory and reimbursement constraints to ensure the solution was technically and commercially viable. This influenced how we defined the product scope and roadmap.

Logo Design

The logo concept is the combination of the abstract form of VR glasses and the beginning letter of VizCare – „V”. in order to present that our product is for medical caring, the medical cross is in the middle of the logo. Moreover, the color definition is also according to the medical color, which is white and blue.

Concept presentation video

Key Takeaways

One of the key things I learned from this project was the Biodesign methodology. Specifically, how to identify unmet needs by observing real problems in clinical settings and narrowing them down through structured research.

The most interesting part for me was spending time in the clinic: observing day-to-day challenges, speaking directly with doctors, and witnessing surgeries and patient treatments firsthand. It was both inspiring and challenging to identify needs that could lead to meaningful improvements in the lives and work of both patients and healthcare professionals.

Flyer design

Website design on different devices

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