When creating a medical product design, you’ll need to have a way to activate its components. Using custom rubber molding keypads offers versatility in several aspects of the design, especially labeling. While in the design phase, you’ll need to decide how to direct the user what to do with your product. If it’s a medical testing device, for example, it will probably have a liquid silicone injection molding keypad that controls its functions. Proper labeling will lead to proper use of your product. One of the biggest questions in product design is how to convey the message of what each key does for the user. The message can be stated either through screen printed labeling or laser printed rubber keypads, but choosing what to say and how to say it is critical.
Language
Determining which language to use might be the most difficult choice. While English is the most common language of use for American products, Spanish and French are also options for use in North America. Of course, using universal symbols probably makes the most sense for machines with a single task and limited adjustments. Consider where your product will first be marketed and used. Go with that language or, if the task keys are simple and straightforward, use the universal language keys paired with color coding. If you plan to market overseas, do some market research to determine the most likely language of use.
Versatility
When choosing the language, keep in mind that quality medical keypad molding companies have the capability to print up to 18 different languages as needed. The screen printing and laser printing can be changed to accommodate a different language for production at a later time, if necessary. In other words, the same medical keypad molding can be made with different languages printed on it, depending on where the product will be marketed.
Bilingual Keys
While using one language at a time is the most practical, in some cases, having bilingual medical rubber keypads is important for marketing. For example, if it is going to be used in a place where you know people speak either Spanish or English and pictures or symbols are not helpful, words on medical rubber keypads can also be printed bilingually. Be sure there is enough room on each key for two languages, top and bottom. Use different colored inks for each language, and keep the placement consistent.
Function
Medical keypad molding for devices typically needs specific keys for specific functions. Choose a word, phrase or symbol that describes the function. Be consistent in labeling using appropriate descriptive words. The more keys and functions there are, more differentiation will be needed.
Universal Symbols
Universal language signs may be easiest for the user on medical rubber keypads if they convey the messages on and off, stop and go. Use colored keys or ink to aid in usage clues.
Direction
Use arrow keys to adjust the function in varying degrees once it has been activated. Arrows on rubber keypads can describe speed changes to faster and slower. Device positioning can be achieved with arrows for higher precision. Consider directional arrows for up and down versus right and left or forward and backward.
