Winner of the 2016 GOOD DESIGN™ Award
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With the BioXp 3200 System, SGI-DNA sought to democratize the gene assembly process, allowing labs to build their own genes de novo in-house. Synthetic Genomics (SGI) selected DDSTUDIO to transform their box of components into a striking, compact, intuitive bench top instrument that could be produced at an affordable price point.
DDSTUDIO facilitated a Visual Brand Language workshop that defined the visual aesthetic & emotional tone for users. The preference was an angular form factor, muted colors and asymmetric windows that reflected the pattern of the BioXP ‘s Core Technology- The Gibson Assembly
A series of full scale mock-ups led to a clear winner – tray positioning, mechanism effectiveness, access for loading, maximum clearances. The distinctive asymmetrical window array reveals the technology in action and allows the user to see the interior green, blue, or red progress indicator lights from anywhere in the laboratory.
The graphical user interface became a focal point, providing the intuitive workflow usability that Synthetic Genomics desired. The user simply follows the prompts on the touchscreen to start the application run. The instrument then takes over, providing walk-away DNA fragment assembly from 400 bp to 1.8 kb in length in roughly 12-17 hours. With its fully-automated workflow, the BioXp matches the quality and reliability labs have come to expect from costly outsourced gene synthesis service providers.
DDSTUDIO designed BioXP 3200 to achieve an affordable price point by planning manufacturing options early. This requirement made it possible for a wide variety of labs to attain the device. DDSTUDIOs Human Centered Design process embraced the lab tech’s “day in the life” resulting in seamless workflow integration. It can even be upgraded and serviced independently through cloud enabled software.
The BioXp™ is world’s first DNA printer. Labs can create genes on their bench, hands-free. This technology dramatically improves workflows for protein production, antibody library generation and cell engineering.