How do you turn lab-grade spectroscopy into a rugged, field-ready tool anyone can use?
When Si-Ware set out to miniaturize a high-performance FT-IR spectrometer into a handheld device, they weren’t just solving a technical puzzle, they were opening a new frontier. Their goal? To make spectroscopy accessible to farmers, field technicians, QA teams, and operators who don’t speak the language of wavelengths and calibration curves, but still need instant, reliable answers.
That’s where Pilotfish came in - to help humanize groundbreaking tech through industrial design and user experience, and to ensure that a lab tool became a trusted field companion.
What was the biggest challenge or breakthrough moment in bringing this product to life, and how did Pilotfish contribute to overcoming it?
“Shrinking a high-performance FT-IR spectrometer down to handheld size using MEMS technology was groundbreaking, but it meant reengineering everything from optical components to calibration workflows. And even with great hardware, usability was the real barrier.”
Bassam Saadany, CTO and Founder at Si-Ware, recalls that even the most powerful tool can go unused if it’s intimidating. Pilotfish helped translate the complexity into intuitive touch-and-go workflows and a rugged, ergonomic form that made the device feel more like a field tool than a lab instrument.
Was there a specific design decision or feature that became a game-changer?
“The inclusion of interchangeable sampling accessories, like the scoop, rotator, and liquid modules, was huge. One device could now adapt to multiple workflows with no user error.”
This modularity made the scanner fit for purpose across verticals, simplified onboarding, and opened new markets. Instead of confusing menus, users could just attach and scan.
“It dramatically increased adoption and made the scanner a platform, not just a product.”
How did this product shape or redefine the industry, and what role did Pilotfish play in its evolution?
“NeoSpectra democratized spectroscopy, moving it out of the lab and into the field. Combining MEMS with cloud and AI made it powerful, but Pilotfish made it usable. They bridged the gap between design and manufacturability without compromising vision.”
From cosmetics to agriculture to supply chain fraud detection, users found ways to apply the device well beyond its original intent. Pilotfish ensured the scanner was ready for it all - durable, scalable, and intuitively beautiful.
Looking back, what was the most surprising outcome of launching this product?
“We expected adoption in specific verticals, but users started experimenting—textiles, art restoration, supply chain integrity... it became a platform much faster than we anticipated.”
Because it was so adaptable and easy to use, customers made it their own. That unplanned creativity became a business driver—and validated the design strategy.
What’s one lesson from this project that has stayed with you and influenced your work since?
“Design for the non-expert user, not just the expert.”
This mindset reshaped how Si-Ware approached product development. It led to simplifying interfaces, embedding intelligence, and shifting from control to confidence. It’s a principle they’ve carried into every project since.
🙏 Thank you, Bassam Saadany
Your vision, trust, and curiosity helped turn a complex scientific tool into a human-centered platform that’s already impacting global industries. Thank you for letting us be part of your journey, and for sharing your insights with us as part of Pilotfish’s 25-year anniversary series.
Here’s to the next generation of tools that empower people and simplify science.
