The device offers a breakthrough approach to rapidly identifying the most effective, targeted antibiotic therapy, drastically reducing the time required for critical decision-making in patient care.

Cytecom partnered with Smallfry with the ambition to translate their lab-proven method into an optimised diagnostic platform suitable for industry adoption.

To achieve this, we collaborated with Cytecom to undertake in-depth research into the needs of the working environment and its personnel within clinical laboratories. This research unearthed insights that formed the foundations for the design process that ultimately delivered the system – optimised to integrate seamlessly and exceed laboratory requirements, and ultimately save lives. Since our involvement, Cytecom has commercialised its first research-use device and is now securing funding and initial clients in the academic sector.

This week’s BBC coverage followed the Mayor’s visit to see the diagnostics system in action, where Smallfry’s senior designer, Charles Jones, talked through our design approach and the insights that informed the final concept model.

The Cytecom project was made possible through the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator, which connected us with Cytecom as part of our role as a delivery partner.

From front-end research to a refined concept design, grounded in the needs of the market and ready to pitch to investors, this project demonstrates how Smallfry’s design expertise delivers innovation with measurable business impact.

Smallfry will be sharing the full story in an upcoming case study.