Audible Feedback for Long-Duration Autoinjectors: User Experience Considerations for Injections Beyond 15 Seconds

Autoinjectors typically deliver injections in under 10–15 seconds and rely on simple audible cues to indicate the start and completion of dose delivery. However, as biologic therapies increasingly require higher injection volumes and viscosities, delivery durations may extend to 30–60 seconds. In response, the industry has begun developing larger handheld autoinjector platforms capable of delivering these higher volumes, which can support longer injection times. While enabling new treatment possibilities, these longer delivery times introduce usability challenges, particularly in how audible feedback supports user reassurance, interpretation of device behaviour, and confidence in dose completion.

 

To explore this challenge, SHL Medical and Cambridge Design Partnership co-developed a testing platform capable of reproducing continuous audible feedback patterns during simulated injections lasting up to 60 seconds. Using this tool, multiple audible feedback patterns were evaluated in a simulated-use study involving injection-experienced and injection-naïve participants to assess how audible cues influence interpretation of injection progress and help prevent premature lift-off before dose completion.

 

The study explored how variations in audible feedback influence user perception of injection progress and completion.

 

This presentation will discuss lessons learned from evaluating different sound patterns and how audible feedback can inform device design for next-generation autoinjector platforms.