Wearable personal kinetigraph

Global Kinetics set out to modernize their Personal KinetiGraph (PKG) smart watch — a device used to monitor Parkinson’s Disease tremors — to look and feel like an everyday wearable. The original version, essentially an accelerometer in a box, had evolved into a functional but clinical wrist-worn device. Global Kinetics needed a next-generation design that retained its powerful medical monitoring capabilities while removing the stigma of wearing an obvious medical device.

Outerspace partnered with Global Kinetics during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating supply shortages and remote working challenges. By combining our expertise in medical device development, electronics, and industrial design, we helped transform the PKG watch into a discreet, smart, patient-friendly product ready for clinical and research applications.

Industry

Medical and Scientific

Expertise

Industrial Design
Mechanical Engineering
Electronic Engineering
Firmware Design
Systems Engineering and Program Management
Product rendering of the Different colourways available in the Outerspace developed Parkinson's tracking watch for Global Kinetics.
Product rendering of the PCB layout in the Outerspace developed Parkinson's tracking watch for Global Kinetics.
Product photo of the PCB and firmware review of the Outerspace developed Parkinson's tracking watch for Global Kinetics.
Our approach began with a systems engineering process that defined clear technical and user requirements. Outerspace’s design and engineering teams collaborated with Global Kinetics to scope the project, assess risks, and set achievable milestones. A new high-resolution color display and bespoke user interface were introduced to give the watch a modern look while simplifying the patient experience. When global shortages made the preferred microprocessor unavailable, our team quickly pivoted, restructured the electronics, and optimized firmware to deliver the same functionality within existing hardware constraints. Mechanical and industrial designers worked in parallel to develop a sleek new casing, interchangeable straps, and improved charging dock — resulting in a smart watch that balances advanced functionality with everyday usability.
Product photo of the firmware review of the Outerspace developed Parkinson's tracking watch for Global Kinetics.
Our systems engineering team set the direction by mapping user needs against regulatory and technical requirements. Electronic engineers developed the screen specification, sourced a custom TFT screen, and integrated it with the hardware, while firmware engineers optimized performance within the limitations of available processors. Technical challenges included maximizing screen refresh rates, refining power efficiency, and ensuring seamless UI operation. The multidisciplinary team also tackled mechanical challenges such as minimizing the electronics footprint, integrating haptic feedback and sensors, and ensuring durability through waterproofing and impact testing. By blending systems engineering, electronics, and firmware development, Outerspace helped Global Kinetics overcome regulatory, technical, and supply-chain hurdles to deliver a world-class medical wearable.
Product Rendering of the Outerspace developed Parkinson's tracking watch for Global Kinetics. The rendering shows different colourways available
Product rendering of the Different colourways available in the Outerspace developed Parkinson's tracking watch for Global Kinetics.
“A broad range of industry experience from the Outerspace team challenged our assumptions and led to a much better design solution.”

Jim Gallagher

“Our long association with Outerspace has delivered substantial benefits to our development process. This has resulted in medical products that now receive international attention and are achieving record sales.”

Warwick Freeman – Compumedics

“Outerspace proved to be the ideal partner working closely with our hardware design, manufacturing and software teams around the world to realise our vision”

Geoffrey Wanless

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