FLUKE CRADLE
Fluke Cradle (“Fluke PS402”) is a fetal simulation device that recognizes monitor models, supports testing procedures, and records maintenance history. Designed for intuitive use, it accommodates technicians with varying levels of experience and can be configured for different testing setups.
SCOPE
Industrial Design
UX/UI Design
TIMELINE
Fall 2024
Ten Weeks
TEAM
Lindsay Hult
Kristin Tapang
STUDIO SPONSOR
Fluke Corporation
FLUKE CRADLE
Fluke Cradle (“Fluke PS402”) is a fetal simulation device that recognizes monitor models, supports testing procedures, and records maintenance history. Designed for intuitive use, it accommodates technicians with varying levels of experience and can be configured for different testing setups.
SCOPE
Industrial Design
UX/UI Design
TIMELINE
Fall 2024
Ten Weeks
TEAM
Lindsay Hult
Kristin Tapang
STUDIO SPONSOR
Fluke Corporation
FLUKE CRADLE
Fluke Cradle (“Fluke PS402”) is a fetal simulation device that recognizes monitor models, supports testing procedures, and records maintenance history. Designed for intuitive use, it accommodates technicians with varying levels of experience and can be configured for different testing setups.
SCOPE
Industrial Design
UX/UI Design
TIMELINE
Fall 2024
Ten Weeks
TEAM
Lindsay Hult
Kristin Tapang
STUDIO SPONSOR
Fluke Corporation
SUBOPTIMAL EQUIPMENT
Fetal monitors are critical for tracking uterine contractions and fetal heart rate in high-risk pregnancies, yet they are often difficult to test and maintain in real-world clinical settings.
CHALLENGES IN MAINTENANCE
Interviews with medical professionals and biomedical equipment technicians (BMETs) revealed three key reasons why fetal monitors are often difficult to maintain and test:
Limited Training
With heavy workloads, BMETs often have limited time to learn proper calibration procedures.
Complex Process
Multiple wires and devices make it difficult to determine which ports correspond to the correct connectors.
Lack of Standardization
Healthcare providers use a range of fetal monitor models, each requiring different manuals and testing parameters.
“The hardest part isn’t using the monitor—it’s figuring out how to set up the simulator correctly every single time.”
— Biomedical Equipment Technician
LIMITATIONS OF CURRENT SIMULATORS
Further investigation into fetal monitor simulators revealed that these devices often introduce new frustrations. They have steep learning curves, unintuitive interfaces, and a disconnect between simplicity and functionality.
SUBOPTIMAL EQUIPMENT
Fetal monitors are critical for tracking uterine contractions and fetal heart rate in high-risk pregnancies, yet they are often difficult to test and maintain in real-world clinical settings.
CHALLENGES IN MAINTENANCE
Interviews with medical professionals and biomedical equipment technicians (BMETs) revealed three key reasons why fetal monitors are often difficult to maintain and test:
Limited Training
With heavy workloads, BMETs often have limited time to learn proper calibration procedures.
Complex Process
Multiple wires and devices make it difficult to determine which ports correspond to the correct connectors.
Lack of Standardization
Healthcare providers use a range of fetal monitor models, each requiring different manuals and testing parameters.
“The hardest part isn’t using the monitor—it’s figuring out how to set up the simulator correctly every single time.”
— Biomedical Equipment Technician
FETAL SIMULATORS ARE THE PROBLEM
Further investigation into simulators used to test fetal monitors reveled that these devices are often the source of frustration themselves. They have steep learning curves, unintuitive interfaces, and an imbalance between simplicity & function.
HOW MIGHT WE
How might we simplify fetal monitor maintenance while increasing user confidence?
OBJECTIVES
The UI should support new users while guiding them clearly through testing procedures.
The device should reduce setup confusion and provide a clear understanding of functions.
The product should streamline and standardize fetal monitor testing workflows.
HOW MIGHT WE
How might we simplify fetal monitor maintenance while increasing user confidence?
OBJECTIVES
The UI should support new users while guiding them clearly through testing procedures.
The device should reduce setup confusion and provide a clear understanding of functions.
The product should streamline and standardize fetal monitor testing workflows.
HOW MIGHT WE
How might we simplify fetal monitor maintenance while increasing user confidence?
OBJECTIVES
The UI should support new users while guiding them clearly through testing procedures.
The device should reduce setup confusion and provide a clear understanding of functions.
The product should streamline and standardize fetal monitor testing workflows.
DURABLE, INDUSTRIAL, RUGGED
The product should communicate safety, confidence, and capability.
CONCEPT EXPLORATION
We studied how existing fetal simulators function while identifying opportunities for a more intuitive testing experience.
FORM SKETCHING
PROTOTYPING
We prototyped the ergonomics of our concepts to refine the overall form.
REFINED MODEL
Led by Kristin Tapang.
CONCEPT EXPLORATION
We studied how existing fetal simulators function while identifying opportunities for a more intuitive testing experience.
FORM SKETCHING
PROTOTYPING
We prototyped the ergonomics of our concepts to refine the overall form.
REFINED MODEL
Led by Kristin Tapang.
BALANCING SIMPLICITY AND FUNCTION
Functional details, such as grips and labels, support a more intuitive and adaptable user experience.
CABLE MANAGEMENT
Plug-in ports and electrocardiogram (ECG) pins are separated to maintain a clean workspace and reduce confusion when identifying connections for different fetal monitor models.
VERTICAL OR HORIZONTAL USE
The kickstand and form allow Fluke Cradle to adapt to different work environments and testing setups.
THREE SETTINGS
Depending on a user’s level of maintenance experience, Fluke Cradle offers three distinct settings: Training Mode, Experienced Mode, and Testing Parameters.
AUTOMATIC MODEL RECOGNITION
Training and Experienced Mode use the rear camera to recognize a fetal monitor model and quickly pull up the appropriate manual in one place.
TRAINING MODE
Training Mode provides visual diagrams and clear step-by-step instructions to confidently support technicians through maintenance procedures.
EXPERIENCED MODE
Experienced Mode provides the monitor manual and allows technicians to manually input testing parameters.
TESTING PARAMETERS
If a technician does not need manual guidance or model recognition, they can select Testing Parameters to go directly to the testing screens.
BALANCING SIMPLICITY AND FUNCTION
Functional details, such as grips and labels, support a more intuitive and adaptable user experience.
CABLE MANAGEMENT
Plug-in ports and electrocardiogram (ECG) pins are separated to maintain a clean workspace and reduce confusion when identifying connections for different fetal monitor models.
VERTICAL OR HORIZONTAL USE
The kickstand and form allow Fluke Cradle to adapt to different work environments and testing setups.
THREE SETTINGS
Depending on a user’s level of maintenance experience, Fluke Cradle offers three distinct settings: Training Mode, Experienced Mode, and Testing Parameters.
AUTOMATIC MODEL RECOGNITION
Training and Experienced Mode use the rear camera to recognize a fetal monitor model and quickly pull up the appropriate manual in one place.
TRAINING MODE
Training Mode provides visual diagrams and clear step-by-step instructions to confidently support technicians through maintenance procedures.
EXPERIENCED MODE
Experienced Mode provides the monitor manual and allows technicians to manually input testing parameters.
TESTING PARAMETERS
If a technician does not need manual guidance or model recognition, they can select Testing Parameters to go directly to the testing screens.
©2026 MRMD
©2026 MRMD
©2026 MRMD