FINNZYMES OY
THE PIKO™ THERMAL CYCLER FOR DNA ANALYSES
Design: Reijo Markku, Juhana Karhu / Design Reform Oy 2005
Previously concentrating on biotechnical reagents and enzymes, Finnzymes expanded its business to producing laboratory equipment and developed a device for amplifying DNA that is quick, accurate, small and profitable.
Established in 1986, Finnzymes Oy is Finland’s leading company in cellular and molecular biology. It develops reagents and research services for DNA analyses and microbe diagnostics. The products and services of Finnzymes are particularly used for research purposes, but also for example in defining the pedigree of animals, forensic investigation, and for diagnosing various genetic and microbiological illnesses.
PCR, the polymerase chain reaction, is the main factor in DNA analyses. It is a process whereby DNA can be amplified, making even a small sample sufficient for a large number of different analyses. Finnzymes is one of the world’s leading firms concentrating on PCR. It used to provide reagents and enzymes needed for the process, but in 2005 the idea arose to expand the company’s business into laboratory equipment.
The Piko™ Thermal Cycler for performing the PCR reaction was launched in the autumn of 2006. The process requires precise control of reaction temperature and duration and aseptic conditions throughout the reaction. Through careful planning and the use of other Finnzymes innovations, the device could be made much smaller than competing products – a significant advantage in a market where manufacturers compete over laboratory table space. Owing to its technological innovations, the device is also precise, quick and easy to use, and less costly than similar products on the market.
The design agency, Design Reform Oy, which also designed the Piko™ Thermal Cycler, has been involved in developing the Finnzymes corporate image for over ten years. From the very beginning, Finnzymes has regarded design to be a self-evident way of distinguishing itself in the market. A visual identity was first created for Finnzymes and trade fair exhibits were designed. This work later expanded into design management and its development.
The design agency has been engaged in developing the Piko Thermal Cycler from the very beginning. The work began with a market survey. User studies were applied in the design of the actual device. Design emphasized, among other features, the small size of the device, with the bevelled sides making it look even smaller. Similar properties will be applied in the design of a larger family of products. Ergonomics and usability were also important factors. The user interface, the digital display, was created in cooperation with users.
The agency also designed the packaging and marketing material for the device. They followed Finnzymes’ visual image, expressing cleanliness, among other features. The packaging was also designed to give the impression of a high-standard, well-finished product.
The Fennia Prize jury noted the importance of the product-development group in the designing of the product. There are no obstacles to creating a successful product when marketing, technological product development and industrial design are all involved in the process from its very beginning.
Finnzymes Oy
Keilaranta 16 A. FI-02150 Espoo
Tel. +358 (0)9 584 121
Fax +358 (0)9 5841 2200
fz@finnzymes.fi
www.finnzymes.fi
Reijo Markku and Juhana Karhu