2. Use Empathy to Optimise Efficiency
We interact with our phones over a hundred times a day, meaning a single bad design decision can repeatedly irritate us from sunrise to sunset. A poorly placed button, a slow-loading page, an unexpected outcome to a task can all lead to frustrating experiences. Of course, a good user interface isn’t simply how it looks; it’s how it works, how it makes us feel, how eager we are to continue using it and how it fits seamlessly into our daily routine.
If that error existed on an interface design used to perform critical tasks, like synchronising production lines, or optimising a machine’s throughput, it would impact productivity to the point of operator frustration, loss of performance and even affect safety of the worker and the end product.
Using interactivity to show only the most relevant data
A well-designed HMI can promise customers faster throughput and reduced down-time. To achieve this optimisation, start with a focus on the operators on the front line. Understand their needs and motivations. Spend time with them to find insights on how they really use the system, how they take shortcuts, how their experience can be enhanced and how potential risks can be mitigated. For instance, if information is displayed on the screen that is not critical to their task at hand, remove it. Or, in a highly automated system where operators are not always near the screen, the information should be visible from a distance (and at-a-glance). Or, if there is an issue with the machine, guide them towards resolving the problems through the UI. Let those insights drive optimised processes that keeps users in a constant state of flow.
User Testing – a critical part of the product development process
Testing, iterating and implementing this process will lead to measurable improvements in efficiency as well as unlocking a valuable side effect – increased job satisfaction. Which happens to elevate a user’s productivity even further.
3. Innovate with Data
Industry 4.0 offers an abundance of avenues for businesses to innovate; machine learning, augmented reality, artificial intelligence…etc. They all hold the promise of a future where services are automated, issues are anticipated, and decisions are clearer. Connectivity markedly adds customer value – the ability to upgrade software periodically as well as benefits like predictive maintenance and remote diagnostics. However, a large side effect of this exceptional evolution is sensory overload – mountains of data that require siphoning and interpretation.
Find innovative ways to interact with many data points
Complicated arrays of information can be transformed into beautiful, interactive tools when the relevant data is handled with care and consideration; shifting the perception from perplexing to intuitive. Smart use of data visualisation and interactive infographics provide users with lots of dynamic feedback while reducing their cognitive load. This can be particularly true when considering the advantages of augmented reality in the industrial context. By removing complexity and presenting the most meaningful data in a clear and concise manner, you achieve greater user engagement and build innovative differentiation into your service.
Design systems that consider how data behaves over time
The industry is slow in harnessing the value of design, meaning now is the time to leapfrog the competition. Making design both strategic and actionable can provide better customer experiences, optimise efficiencies, reduce costs and build market recognition. When developing new Human Machine Interfaces think holistically about all the user touchpoints. Find insights from the operators on the front line that lead to dramatic optimisation. Innovate with data by removing complexity and being smart about how users interact with it. Focusing on these design practices will set the solid foundation for growth and innovation.