San Francisco, CA (February 2010) -- LUNAR announces its role in the development of the Illumina HiSeq 2000, a genome sequencing system that represents a new benchmark in the field of genetic analysis. HighSeq 2000 technology can sequence individual genomes at unmatched speed and coverage with dramatically lower cost. With a streamlined aesthetic and an operational solution designed for intuitive use by lab workers of any skill level, LUNAR's design for HiSeq 2000 is a progressive addition to the Illumina product family, reinforcing the brand's position at the forefront of technology and setting a new industry standard for usability and efficiency.

To be a success, HiSeq 2000 needed to be easy to operate by experts and encourage adoption by new users; providing intuitive processes for loading samples, monitoring runs and troubleshooting issues. LUNAR conducted an exhaustive human factors audit of the system’s predecessor in labs across the country to learn about the challenges and opportunities for HiSeq 2000. The results of this study informed system configurations, user touch points and on-screen UI, resulting in a system and interface that is highly intuitive and efficient. The HiSeq 2000 design features include accessible “front doors” for quick and efficient loading of materials, a compact footprint, easy access service panels, and a light bar that clearly displays the sequencing status at a glance.

Once the system operation and configuration had been optimized, the design of HiSeq 2000 had to reflect the product's role as an industry game-changer. LUNAR worked with the existing brand aesthetic to create a more evolved, striking design that coexists visually with other products in Illumina's suite. Interlocking pieces built around a central spine represent the intersection of technology with humanity and evoke the role of genes as building blocks for individual human beings. The high-contrast palette and Mondrian jigsaw effect retains a family resemblance to the geometric panels of the Illumina iScan, also designed by LUNAR – reinforcing Illumina’s brand leadership in this industry.

“HiSeq 2000 represents an apex of meaningful design,” said John Edson, president of LUNAR. “Through our collaborative relationship with Illumina and multi-faceted approach to design, we have created a product that not only speaks directly to its users, but encourages and comforts them as they learn to use this incredible new technology.”

About LUNAR
LUNAR creates winning consumer, technology and medical products that make a difference to its clients’ stakeholders, brands and markets. With a portfolio of highly successful products that have generated tens of billions of dollars in sales, LUNAR has consistently held a spot among the top 5 award-winning product design firms for the last 10 years, according to Business Week magazine. Founded in 1984, LUNAR provides full-service product development with offices in California, Hong Kong, and Europe. LUNAR’s current and past clients include Apple Computer, Cisco Systems, Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft Corporation, Motorola, Philips, Oral-B, Palm, Pepsi, and Sony.

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