design-people | work interaction design

Getting inside your user’s head & heart

Our user experience test lab

The mental and emotional space of the person who uses your product – or thinks of using it. No place is more important when it comes to good design. But how do you get there?

The user-experience test lab at design-people gives you several paths:

• Focus group interviews. Discover what target users expect, think, do and feel when we bring 5–8 of them together in one place.

• Product usability tests. Gain first-hand knowledge of how users interact with a prototype or existing product.

• Software usability tests. Ensure your app, website or software is user-friendly. We track not only keystrokes but finger movements to help you get it right.

• In-depth tests and interviews. Get to know your users inside-out, including their desires and concerns, their motivators and turnoffs.

• Partner interviews. Develop a more nuanced picture by pairing target users who have divergent viewpoints.

• Field studies. Obtain information on real-life product experiences.

Our user-research team is expert at every step of the process – from recruitment and the development of test materials to analysis. We also offer remote monitoring, so you can follow along as tests and interviews unfold.

And the user experience lab at design-people is portable, so we can bring all these techniques to your facilities. Or anywhere your target users are, at home or abroad.

Intuitive Cooking

Hounö

SmartTouch is the next generation interfaces for professional ovens from Hounö.

The ovens are used by wide range of clients, ranging from supermarkets to institutions and exclusive Michelin-prized restaurants.

The main focus throughout development has been to provide easy access and operation of the many advanced features of the oven. This gives the users full benefit of the ovens and enables them to cook more efficient with delicious end results.

The interface development has been based on knowledge from extensive user research, to meet the users based on their routines, level and needs. The result is an interface can be customized to support the various user types, from bake-off routines to the fine kitchen of high-end restaurants.

For unexperienced users, a simple navigation makes it easy to learn and fast to operate.
By enabling these users, Hounö has a strong sales parameter and has at the same time potentially minimized the support needs.
The consistent use of interaction- and layout principles also benefits the development time by enabling a faster design of future functionalities.

The SmartTouch interface is featured on a selected range of the Hounö Visual Cooking touch models.

Services: User research, interaction design

A holistic user experience

Danfoss

Noi is a concept for maintaining indoor climate in private homes. The case study was made in collaboration with the company Danfoss, and is a part of the research project, Female interaction. Noi shows how female tech preferences can drive user experience innovation. Noi supports a woman’s sense of providing for a healthy home and family and lets her be in charge of not only having a healthy indoor climate, but also of the economic and environmental impacts that follow.

Women want to feel in control instead of being overruled by an intelligent, automatic system. Noi provides transparency of when it is controlled automatically or when manual adjustments have taken place. Understanding the link between air quality and temperature and the events, which take place in the home, such as running tap water or burning candles relates to family economy, environmental responsibility and well being. Noi provides awareness and action tips of these factors as a means of helping her make smarter decisions. Due to her understanding the subtle signals the shape changing visual display portrays she is able to take the appropriate actions in order to improve the air quality. This transparency is also reflected in the iPad application, which encourages her to teach her children about their energy consumption, and they can donate to environmental charities. When she is on the go and remembers that she forgot to turn down the heat, she has instant access to her home climate system from her mobile device.

Services: female interaction, interaction design, product design, user exploration

Double iF award for new ventilation control experience

Airmaster

Airlinq provides fresh air through intuitive interaction, empowering end-users in schools and offices to control indoor climate. At the same time, the slim panel blends discreetly with its environment. design-people's innovative solution for ventilation control has resulted in two iF 2013 awards - an iF product design award and an iF communication design award for the interface design. The iF award is an internationally recognized seal of quality which is awarded to excellent design. A great recognition of our ambition to create meaningful user experiences that seamlessly integrate product and interaction design!

Our initial user studies revealed that end-users would often like to adjust the ventilation program, but are reluctant due to the technical character of current control panels. Airlinq therefore focuses on giving end-users a simple interaction with the primary function of the panel - adjusting the air exchange. Our thinking was verfied through the involvement of female teachers, who would be typical users of the panel, in a concept focus group.

By simply swiping clockwise or counterclockwise along the Airlinq panel's distinctive circular element, the air exchange in a room increases or decreases. The circle elements light up while swiping and settle into an unobtrusive single element indicating the setting that has been chosen. Secondary functions are accessible to advanced users only through a PC software. Overall the new design encourages end-users to influence the indoor climate when needed, but prevents them from accidentally adjusting settings that result in a lower system efficiency.

The new Airlinq panel is the latest addition to the successful ventilation design line that design-people has created in close cooperation with Airmaster over the past few years. Airlinq lifts the user experience of the Airmaster system to new heights - and further strengthens Airmaster’s position as an innovative ventilation brand.

Development partner: JE electronic a/s

Services: user research, interaction design, product design, user feedback

Icebreaking interaction

Epoke

To keep the rest of us safe from the hazards of winter’s icy roads, Epoke delivers industrial high-end salt spreading systems. The key to controlling these systems is a remote control located in the drivers cab. With the new EpoMaster X1, Epoke introduces a more visual approach, to make it easier for the driver to understand and adjust how the salt is currently being spread behind the truck. Being able to spread salt precisely is the key, since this means higher road safety and less salt wasted. To maximize traffic safety, the primary settings are also adjusted using physical controls so they can be controlled while keeping the eyes on the road.

The new interface is based on thorough user studies, feature workshops, and situated interviews to understand the drivers and the context of use.
Since the profession of spreading salt is seasonal, the remote has been designed to make it easy - especially for new users - to get familiar with the system and get started.

Especially the startup menu guides the users through the initial configuration and is accessed using a touchscreen.
This simple approach benefits Epoke, by minimizing the amount of time it takes to train new drivers and the amount of support required by users in the beginning of season.
"The money we have used on designes have been really well spent" - Jørn Christensen, CEO, Epoke A/S

Services: User research, interaction design, product design

Discreet ease of use

DEVI Danfoss

Danfoss is a leader in indoor climate solutions. The Devireg Touch thermostat is taking the lead in intuitive operation of floor heating.

The ambition with DEVIreg Touch has been to create a thermostat that stands out with a clear and restrained interface. The primary goal was to improve usability and accessibility for all users of comfort regulation and to bring awareness of environmental aspects closer to the user.

User involvement has helped focus interaction on essential and beneficial features. The straightforward first touch experience makes the user feel empowered. It confirms the expectation arising from the clear cabinet and graphical design that the interaction is accordingly intuitive. Advanced features like 'timer' and 'away' are accessible in the second level through the comprehensive 'home menu' screen.

The installer UI is based on wizards that guide the installer through the setup process.

DEVI is a Danfoss product brand

Services: interaction design, product design, focus group concept feedback, usability test

Watch the DEVIreg Touch video here

Robust interaction design with new graphic display

DEIF and Atlas Copco

Can a large colour screen improve the user interface of a heavy duty compressor? Used the right way it can. The Atlas Copco version of this story is about using the screen graphics to give the most comprehensive status information to the operator on how and what the compressor is doing. The new user interface design with a large digital meter in the center of the panel - along with smaller status icons and measured values was tested with users to make it as intuitive as possible. At the same time the home screen has a unique design that makes it a recognisable part of the branding for the new compressor series.

Atlas Copco manufactures heavy duty compressors used in rugged environments like road building or mining. DEIF from Denmark is a supplier and strategic development partner for the Operator panels that are part of the compressor.

Services: Interaction design

Branded icon library as a central interaction DNA building block

Kamstrup

Kamstrup is a leading supplier within metering systems for water, electricity and distributed heating. Symbols and icons are used throughout Kamstrup's products, software, documentation and marketing.

Though until recently there were no corporate guidelines for usability, design and use of Kamstrup's icons. The different departments and project teams each did their best, but the approach resulted in different icons with varying design approach and finish were used for similar functions. This inefficient way of working resulted in random user experience in different Kamstrup products and software systems.

The new Kamstrup icon library changed this situation to the better: each new icon is designed based on a corporate Kamstrup design DNA that frames the overall usability approach and look and feel. The benefits are obvious: the users experience is better due to a consistent naming of functions and icon design. The project teams can easily apply the most used Kamstrup icons from the library. New icons are designed according to the DNA guidelines that make them part of the family and available for other project teams.

Interaction design DNA - Migatronic

Award winning welding equipment

design-people has created a strong designline for Migatronic covering both product- and interaction design of a large range of welding equipment. An interaction design DNA that is applied to all Migatronic welding machines give the users instant familiarity and ease of use.

The designline was awarded an IF design award in 2006.

In 2010 the innovative welding torch "migatwist" was awarded a red dot design award.

One look and feel across the world

Big Dutchman International

Big Dutchman International is a leading supplier of farm equipment - specialized in delivering turnkey farm projects globally.

design-people has developed an interaction design DNA for Big Dutchman, which creates one interaction design experience across equipments. From advanced PC controls that enables users to supervise and control several farms at a time, to local touch screens and Mobil devices. The DNA is based on thorough studies and analysis of users, this approach enabled us to target the interaction to specific user needs.

The strategic benefits of the interaction design DNA for Big Dutchman is:
- Clients need less support, because of easier interaction
- Clients adjust equipment more easily, increasing equipment output
- Clients buy again because it will reduce staff training
- The design guide reduces development time of interaction design for new machines

Services: interaction design DNA, user research, HMI analysis, feature workshops, icon library, templates, design guide

Safety focused interaction design

Ambu

Ambu’s new NEOX ECG electrode for premature babies is an innovative novelty in its field. Safe handling of the electrode with small patients that weigh around 1 kg is a challenge. design-people contributed to a user guide, that ensures safe and smooth handling of the electrode. Different visualisation styles and illustrations were tested with users in order to make the messages clear.
Moreover, the new user guide makes it possible to use the same illustrations on packaging, hand-out and in an animated flash version of the user guide – creating a more unified communication.

Services: user guide illustrations, user research & user feedback, graphic refinement, animated flash version of user guide

Digital interaction

Triax

Triax new digital TV receiver allows the users to enjoy a variety of pre-paid TV channels.

In daily use, the screen menu and the remote are the user's primary controls. Thus the receiver itself was designed as an exclusive and slim black box with only one button. All secondary functions are hidden behind the front lid. The compact dimensions make it possible to wall mount the box behind your flat screen TV.

The innovative integration of interaction and product design was well received on Triax’ international markets.

Services: Screen icons, product design, interaction design

Intuitive food processing through a new interaction design DNA

Marel

Marel is a leading supplier of industrial food processing equipment with business units in Iceland, Holland, UK & Denmark

The goal for the collaboration with design-people was to enhance usability and design of all Marel’s food processing equipment, creating one look and feel across 200 machines in their product portfolio.

Field studies of users at production sites across Europe were followed up by workshops involving all business units at Marel. design-people developed usability and design guides for the new touch screen based interaction design DNA - giving the users a more safe, efficient and intuitive interaction with the advanced machines.

Services:

User-research, interaction design analysis, feature workshop, GUI design, design guides, implementation strategy, support setup

Woman Acceptance Factor radio

Jamo

The goal for this design study was to revitalize the concept of a kitchen radio by making a significant

design statement. Basic radio functions and a powerful clear sound are combined with a unique touch interface and an eye catching slim-line design. The touch scroll bar used for adjusting the sound volume gives a subtle and classy interaction experience.

High end materials and surfaces together with the simple and sophisticated way of operating the radio
makes this radio study especially attractive for the female target group. All together a stunning example
of how well known products can be revitalized by consistent and innovative design thinking.

Services:

Design research, product design

Sonic Interaction Design

Polycom

The user research carried out on Polycom’s cordless phones showed a need for better interaction sounds as e.g. “battery low”, “out of reach” and the ringing tones. Thus we created a new range of interaction sounds, which improves the overall user experience of the phones.

Our award winning research program on Sonic Interaction Design forms the basis for our work proces in this field. Part of it is to define the specific role and qualities of each signal sound before going into design mode.
Multimedia simulation of sounds was applied for user tests before the succesful launch.

Services:

User research, interaction design, sonic interaction design

Form follows interaction

Powercharge

The new ‘Aura’ battery charger makes life easier for people who depend on an electric wheelchair. Based on field studies of users, the new Aura contains a number of innovative features.

A cable management rim around the cabinet combined with a wall mount fixture make the new charger far more convenient to use. The new circular display gives clear status feedback about the charging process to the user while at the same time contributing to a strong design DNA.

Services:

User-research, interaction design, product design, product name, pictures, brochure

Simplicity and reliability through design

DEIF

design-people has a long-lasting collaboration with DEIF, leading manufacturer of power control solutions and marine controls. As these products are often used in rugged environments and stressful situations, intuitive user interaction is essential.

The design line design-people has established for DEIF covers both interaction and product design. User research has been a valuable tool to frame and prioritise user needs so that the interaction design meets the demands of basic users as well as installers and service technicians.

As reliability is extremely important for these devices, a robust, professional and long lasting design expression was implemented in the family of control and indicator products designed throughout the last ten years.

Services: design DNA building, user research, interaction design, product design

Removable interface

PR electronics

PR electronic’s programmable transmitters are known for their technical excellence and their characteristic design.The new removable interface unit extends both. The design development contributed to intuitive ergonomics and an effIcient mechanical concept of the new unit. Furthermore, the challenge of creating a seamless design integration between the transmitter and it’s interface unit was elegantly solved.

Services:

Mechanical concept, Ergonomics, Product design