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Message N’Vision Medtronic brought to IDEO the task of creating a new handheld programmer for an array of pain-management devices. The new programmer would integrate into a single unit the functions of two different programmers, one for implantable infusion pumps implanted near the abdomen for timed medication release and one for neurostimulators that send mild electrical impulses through implantable medical wires. In addition, the new programmer would provide a platform to support all future devices. In addition to addressing the significant technical challenges, the design team conducted an extensive research and observation effort in order to understand the needs of the patients, physicians, clinicians, and Medtronic consultants who would use the programmer. This research led to a new understanding of the programmer’s role in the health care process. More than just an electronic device, it serves as the connection between the patient and the caregiver. Enabling one-handed use was a key test for most functions, as this allowed greater physical contact with the patient throughout the procedure. This greatly guided the interface design and led to the addition of a scroll-wheel on the side for greater one-handed control. The new programmer also presented several technical hurdles, including the need to support all past and future Medtronic implantable devices, reducing battery power consumption, and decreasing its manufacturing costs. The N’Vision supports five different wireless protocols and is easily configurable to support new features in the future. The extended battery life and significantly smaller size allows it to be carried more easily and be used in a greater number of patient contexts. And a uniform interface means decreased learning and programming time for caregivers, lowered costs for purchasers, and a better business model for Medtronic. http://www.ideo.com/work/nvision/