Sandvik
Client -
Sandvik
Year -
2014
Role -
GUI and UX design
Overview
Sandvik is a producer of the mining machines. The task was to create the GUI for the dashboard controls for operating the machine.
Challenges
Because the changing enviroinment – a total darkness in the mine and the bright sunlight on the surface plus a low quality of the display we faced the challenge to define the optimal color palette and sizing/design of icons and indicators of the interface.
Users and audience
This interface is used by the operators of the mining machines.
Scope and Constraints
This interface is used by the operators of the mining machines, their working environment is quite aggressive: No conditioner, an open cabin and changing light conditions.
Disciplines: UX Research, Design Thinking, Agile, Hi-Fi Prototype, Wireframes, Usability Testing, Product Management.
Team’s approach for this project: An Agile UX, Lean-Start Up, Design Thinking coined by Dave Landis. Total of 3 sprints was run in the 21-day period.
Discovery
During the discovery, I found that the main problem for users is the low contrast of the interface items, which is especially important due to the changing light environment.
User Interviews
After the tests, I found that to ensure the best optimal readability I need to use the monochrome grey palette with extended contrast and the bright blue colour for highlights.
After I created all the screens they were tested on the real machine in a test mine of Sandvik.
As a result, the interface has been approved.
Outcome
As an outcome, we delivered a high quality GUI that making the mining machine’s operator’s life easier and more intuitive.
Development
I have created the design screen mockups using Adobe Illustrator and exported them in jpg format.
Prototype
During the design phase, I have tested the colour palette and contrast by uploading the images of the interface screens to the real device used on the machine and checked it in the bright daylight and totally darkness.
Outcome
Despite the desire of stakeholder to use the smooth gradient and more skeuomorphic design we come to the conclusion that it’s impossible due to the low quality of LCD displays.
After I created all the screens they were tested on the real machine in a test mine of Sandvik.
As a result, the interface has been approved.