A smart doctor’s idea can be the origin of a great medical device. GI Supply had lots of smart ideas. Founded by a gastroenterologist, the company had access to the best talent in the field. And GI Supply enjoyed a successful business in medical garments—selling the disposable clothing worn by patients and professionals. But the business needed to expand into durable medical devices. What they lacked was a partner to help them validate their ideas and develop those ideas into successful medical devices.

Forging a Partnership Based on Innovation

Starting with an industrial design project, the relationship between BOLTgroup and GI Supply has grown into an ongoing partnership birthing 10 new products and spanning 15 years. BOLTgroup provides research, strategy, industrial design, engineering, branding, packaging, and trade show marketing—GI Supply achieves world-class innovation without the burden of a large in-house staff. BOLTgroup has become a trusted advisor and close friend.

Understanding Human Needs

From GI Supply’s initial ideas our team configures each product to meet the needs of the doctors, nurses, and patients who will purchase and use the product. This process includes observational research during the medical procedures. We analyze the tasks and sequences of the procedure, and we gain a deep understanding of the complex human factors involved. Our team has conducted research in a wide range of hospitals from Johns Hopkins in Baltimore to the University of Texas in Galveston.

Designing Complete Solutions

Innovative aesthetics, ease of use, and manufacturing cost are optimized by our industrial design and engineering teams. We then fabricate prototypes used in clinical trials—often for FDA submissions. Product naming, branding, and packaging are also crucial to the success of these innovative products. And our design of sales collateral and trade show exhibits help communicate the innovations to the medical audience.