illumina Microseq
2023
Spring
Transforming daily routines into lifesaving diagnostics
The Idea
Nobody likes a painful nose swab. I imagined a better way: what if diagnostics could be part of something as routine as brushing your teeth? The Illumina MicroSeq is a conceptual design for an at-home testing device that blends into daily life, collecting data to detect everything from COVID to genetic traits.
The Creation
I began with fast exploratory sketches, experimenting with silhouettes and proportions that could feel familiar but still convey precision. The goal at this stage was to explore how a diagnostic tool might blend into a daily routine without standing out. These drawings were loose, quick, and focused on building a visual language for the concept.
The Tools
Every prototype in this lineup was modeled in Fusion 360 and 3D printed to test form and proportion. I used Fusion not just for CAD accuracy, but to quickly iterate and compare variations at full scale. This hands-on process helped narrow dozens of ideas into one cohesive system.
The Final Product
The final design was presented as a speculative product at my graduation show. It tied together the daily ritual of brushing with the future of health diagnostics, framed as part of a larger ecosystem. The goal was to spark conversation around what healthcare could look like when it fits seamlessly into everyday life.