Qmed Staff

June 22, 2016

4 Min Read
Why Medical Device Design Centers Are Dumb

Many Qmed readers tell us their medtech companies don't have them--and they don't want them.

Qmed Staff

"I guess the conference room was booked today."

With design gaining importance in the medical device industry, companies are increasingly creating design centers, also called innovation centers, in their workplaces.

The spaces are supposed to provide special, relaxing areas for workers to meet and get creative. But in a recent survey of Qmed readers, nearly two-thirds of the more than 50 respondents said their companies don't have them.

For the most part, the respondents didn't want them, either, saying they are dumb fads that get in the way of real R&D and innovation.

Here are some of the most choice responses:

Posers--innovation centers, "idea Olympics", and other "forced invention/innovation schemes" represent medical device management's gross misunderstanding what creativity is ... it's unfortunate that the industry seems to now be ran by those having little (to no) technical competence or understanding of the devices they manufacture.

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Romper room

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Great idea, won't last. Most large corporations are run by pathological control freaks that stifle creativity. This is what made these design centers necessary in the first place. As soon as they show effectiveness they will be seen as a threat to absolute control.

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I'm creative at my own desk.

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Passing fad. Too much fooling around and not enough innovative ideas.

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Innovation is determined by organizational culture and is independent of a "colored innovation center."

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Not a good idea, a GREAT idea. Innovation centers are the solution to get a device to market faster, contain development costs, and develop a more market-ready product. With companies reduced in-house R&D capabilities and personnel, these centers are the answer for next-gen innovative devices.

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Fantastic idea

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When used, it provides a comfortable space.  But it's used infrequently while traditional conference rooms are overbooked.

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Maybe a fad but I still think they have some merit.

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I personally don't think a design center sparks my creativity. I would rather leave the workplace and go visit another place. I find that this sparks my creativity. If I am confined to a room in the same building where we are slow to innovate, how can another room in the same non-innovative space strive creativity?

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This is yet another wacky, management-mandated, passing fad in the tradition of others such as Quality Management, Six Sigma, Open Office (no assigned office areas), etc. These are all essentially failures that eventually lead to poor morale and lower productivity!

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They are essential to our business and we have had one in place for >15 years.

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I believe that they can create conversation which can lead to excellent ideas. At worst, it creates a comfortable environment in the workplace which leads to more productivity among employees.

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Passing fad, especially at large companies. We constantly see companies standing up "innovation centers" but not changing the fundamental way they handle product development.  You can't just drop R&D teams into a snazzy new office space and have them innovate.  You have to clear the decks and allow the teams to focus, without the distractions of their everyday projects.  Either support a team whose only purpose is to innovate, or partner with an outside company. Expecting the team to be "innovative" on Monday/Tuesday and fight the never-ending R&D fires Wednesday-Friday is a recipe for disaster.

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Worthless fad

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Quirky fad that's useless without an accompanying company culture of creativity and commitment to innovation (the latter in terms of freedom, resources, incentives, etc...)

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Good in spirit but often used as the last meeting room when all the other ones are crowdy!

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Good idea

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They are a good idea. Need an environment that facilitates true innovation. Even being seen to recognise/respect/value innovation has the potential to make positive changes in traditional hide bound over regulated medical device companies. Even more vital in med device.

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It's a stupid fad.

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Yes and no--like always: It depends! They can be very useful, but not for every product. For some products/companies it even might not be reasonable or it could be a symptom of management giving emphasis on the wrong priorities, e.g. industrial design over usability (look and feel over safety and efficiency).

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These centers are a great support, if the overall mindset and structure support innovative thinking and acting.

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Passing fad. No true innovation has come of it in several years. But, it is a interesting place to relax. Horrible room for meetings.

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Ridiculous

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Only good for general discussion--too weak on innovation

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Not used. I'm over it.

Chris Newmarker is senior editor of Qmed and MPMN. Follow him on Twitter at @newmarker.

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