The Force Threshold: New Data on Accessible Device Design
Author: Max Au, Device Engineer, Rocket Science Health
Rocket Science Health recently completed a formative usability study evaluating how our intranasal delivery device, also known as our olfactory delivery device, performs for older adults with arthritis. This is a population that can face distinct physical challenges with device handling. The study is one piece among several currently informing our device design process, and reflects our broader aim to put patients first.
This work is a direct extension of Key Enabler 1 in our design philosophy: patient-centric design. If you missed that article, here is a link to it: Hitting the Mark: The Real Measure of Precision Olfactory-to-Brain Delivery. Feedback from real end-users, gathered early and often, is what separates a device that works on paper from one that works in someone's hands, where ‘working’ means one can deliver their medicine comfortably, accurately, repeatably and with confidence. Rocket Science Health is committed to testing assumptions against lived experience — where subjects using the device face dexterity-related physical limitations.
Study Overview
The study was conducted with a group of older adults with arthritis, along with a participant with cerebral palsy, to assess the usability and feasibility of candidate design elements of our olfactory to brain drug delivery device. Participants worked through a series of representative handling tasks, including priming and preparing the device for use. The goal was to understand which design characteristics are manageable for users with reduced hand strength and motor control.
Rocket Science Health Devices are intended for at home self administration by patients and caregivers.
What the Study Found
The results were extremely informative, confirming some existing assumptions while surfacing new design considerations. The difference between arthritic and non-arthritic users was noticeable: at lower operating forces, the two groups rated the device's ease of use almost identically, however as operating force increased, arthritic users hit a usability limit well before the general population did.
We were able to identify specific operating force thresholds for this population, along with the movements they could comfortably and repeatedly complete as part of daily use. Other specifics such as grip geometries and preparation workflows were also evaluated. Confirming our existing design approach, lever-style motions drew consistent pushback — participants found these difficult and unintuitive, despite the mechanical advantage they offered.
The study reinforces our understanding of key thresholds for gripping, handling, and actuating devices, and confirms our ability to accommodate users with strength, dexterity, and motor control limitations.
Acceptable Force Required for Physically Impaired Participants vs Non.
This work builds on Rocket Science Health's broader Human Factors research program, which also includes Human Factors in Intranasal Drug Delivery: New Research Validates Rocket Science Health's Device Compatibility with Diverse Nasal Anatomies.
Rocket Science Health has incorporated these considerations into its novel delivery platform. We are pursuing programs related to CNS indications where the patient population requires this level of device compatibility. If you’re empowering patients with physical limitations, don’t miss the opportunity to engage with the leaders in the olfactory-to-brain space.
About Max
Max Au is a device engineer at Rocket Science Health, where he works on design, innovation, and performance testing. A British Columbia local and mechanical engineering graduate from McGill University, Max brings a detail-oriented and open-minded approach to any challenge he faces. Outside the lab, he’s usually playing word games (and winning) or on the volleyball court.
About Rocket Science Health
Rocket Science Health, founded by Canadian business leader Kenneth Irving, develops precision drug delivery technologies focused on brain-targeted therapeutics and vaccines. Our needle-free intranasal device enables non-clinical self-administration for at-home care of brain related conditions from CNS to mental health; emergency rescue, and mass immunization. Its fluidics are specifically engineered for today's delicate biologics and dose-dependent drugs. As a team, we are driven to create innovations that expand access to care — especially for under-resourced communities and for individuals who face physical, cognitive, or challenging care environments where thoughtful design can improve health outcomes.
Contact: hello@rocketscience.health
