In order to tailor the BIOMATDB database & marketplace exactly to the requirements of the end-users, the BIOMATDB project conducted several rounds of end-user feedback collection. This included the development of surveys as well as in-person meetings to collect the inputs of stakeholders for the Biomaterial Database and Biomaterial Marketplace, ensuring that their needs are met effectively.  

The BIOMATDB project aims to develop a Biomaterial Database and a Biomaterial Marketplace, enabling direct access to biomaterial-related information and resources. To ensure that solutions are tailored to the need of the users, the BIOMATDB project included several rounds of feedback collection, among which was the setup of dedicated surveys to gather stakeholder input.

Database Survey

The Biomaterial Database aims to provide detailed information about a vast number of medical biomaterials. The consortium invited anyone interested in insights for their biomaterial or medical device research & development to participate in a dedicated survey, which aimed to collect opinions and requirements related to the first draft version of the database.

The survey collected basic demographic information from the participants, before moving on to the main part of the questionnaire. It included questions about the purposes for which stakeholders would use a biomaterial database, as well as current information sources, challenges faced when searching for biomaterial-related information, and desired features for the database. This included data visualisation tools that would be useful, search criteria, and options for customisable features. Lastly, the survey asked how biocompatibility data and adverse effects could best be displayed on the platform.

Marketplace Survey

The Biomaterial Marketplace will serve as a platform for anyone interested to find or learn about biomaterials and related services or medical devices. To ensure that the marketplace meets end-user needs, the consortium invited those seeking to find, purchase or learn about biomaterials, medical devices and related services to share their insights in a dedicated marketplace survey.

As the marketplace primarily targets two distinct user groups, a different set of questions was used for each of them. For those interested in presenting their company, products and/or services on the marketplace, the questionnaire first asked for general information about the company, its products, and means of distributions. It also included questions about the state of the products, as well as existing marketplaces. The second part of the survey was similar for both user groups, including questions for those interested in finding information about biomaterials on the marketplace. Furthermore, it asked about the process of gathering information, which types of information and features would be most useful, as well as obstacles encountered. Additionally, it inquiredabout existing services that are perceived as useful, as well as desired functionalities.

With these surveys, the BIOMATDB project was able to collect a variety of insights on visions and wishes for the project’s solutions, enabling the consortium to work on tailoring the database and marketplace exactly to their users’ needs.

Links

Website: www.biomatdb.eu

Keywords

Biomaterials, database, marketplace, end users, feedback, stakeholders, survey, questionnaire