BlueRidge Life Sciences, a life sciences consulting and services platform backed by Renovus Capital Partners, has acquired Design Science, a human factors and usability engineering consultancy that works with medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology companies.
Founded in 1991, Design Science advises clients on human factors engineering, usability testing, and use-related risk analysis for complex medical devices and combination products. The firm employs a multidisciplinary team spanning engineering, design, psychology, and research, and operates usability laboratories across the U.S. and Europe. BlueRidge said the deal strengthens its ability to support clients across the product lifecycle, particularly in areas tied to regulatory success, patient safety, and product adoption.
BlueRidge CEO Ian Kelly said human factors and usability engineering have become increasingly important to meeting regulatory requirements and improving safety outcomes. Design Science will continue to operate under its existing brand while integrating into the BlueRidge platform. Design Science CEO Katie Hansbro will remain in her role and continue leading the business with the current leadership team.
BlueRidge said the acquisition expands its offerings to include formative and validation usability studies, risk analyses, labeling and training development, and ethnographic research, while creating opportunities to collaborate across its broader platform to serve global pharmaceutical and medical device sponsors. Renovus Capital Partners Principal Pat Heath said the transaction reflects the firm’s focus on building services businesses around specialized expertise and talent, and positions BlueRidge to deepen its capabilities in solving complex client challenges.
KEY QUOTES:
“This acquisition meaningfully expands BlueRidge’s capabilities across the product lifecycle. Human factors and usability engineering are increasingly critical to regulatory success, patient safety, and commercial adoption. Design Science brings exceptional talent, a strong culture, and a best-in-class scientific approach that complements our existing offerings and strengthens the value we deliver to clients.”
Ian Kelly, Chief Executive Officer, BlueRidge Life Sciences
“Joining BlueRidge is an exciting next chapter for Design Science. Our teams share a commitment to scientific rigor, collaboration, and client impact. Together, we will be able to offer more comprehensive solutions to life sciences innovators as products move from development through commercialization.”
Katie Hansbro, Chief Executive Officer, Design Science
“This acquisition underscores our belief that differentiated knowledge and exceptional talent are the foundation of enduring services businesses. Design Science has built a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and designers with deep domain expertise in human factors. By joining BlueRidge, that talent and institutional knowledge become an even more powerful asset—enhancing BlueRidge’s ability to solve complex problems for clients and create meaningful opportunities for the professionals who do this work.”
Pat Heath, Principal, Renovus Capital Partners
