professional interaction / Tomra Digital Transformation

Simplifying Complexity

Our rigorous research included visiting thirteen factories, mines and facilities in six countries and the detailed analysis of a dozen of their varied, existing machine interfaces. As the complexity of the initiative became evident, and as the conflicting requirements of each industry emerged, we established a clear project mission: to create a design system, philosophy and set of rules that can be applied across all Tomra’s industries that revolutionises their human-machine interactions.

BEFORE: One example of a machine user interface that required much-needed attention

Optimising Workflows

Close collaboration between Design Partners and Tomra was the key to success. To optimise the workflow for their end-users required a deep understanding of the operators, the machines and their environment. For example, we observed operators being ten feet away from the screen while reviewing recycled materials and trying to glance back at the screen to assess the live status of the sorting process. Insights such as this led to a considerably improved and simplified user experience with the new graphical user interface encompassing a one-screen layout, so users can see all critical information and real-time sorting data at a glance.

Visionary

The ambition, to optimise our planet’s resources, combines environmental concerns with commercial objectives. This vision became the cornerstone for decisions made on the project: an experience that empowers users to have better control over our earth’s resources.

The design was awarded a prestigious International Design Excellence Award.