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Robust interaction design with new graphic display

for 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 A/S from Denmark is a supplier and strategic development partner for the Operator panels that are part of the compressor.

Branded icon library

a central building block in Kamstrup's interaction DNA, 2012

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.

Female Interaction benchmarks Smartphone experience for Nokia

Nokia, 2011

Womenomics - the emerging influence of female consumers - has an impact on most industries. Thus the development toolbox emerging from design-people's 3 year design-research project "Female Interaction" is highly requested.

Nokia was one of the first to bring the analysis tools into play in order to benchmark its Smartphone user experience in a female perspective - with considerable success and valuable insights.

”We asked design-people to carry out a female interaction analysis on the Nokia N8 smartphone applications.

The analysis methods provided us with new insights and inspired us to intensify the effort of improving our interaction design and female user experience".

Senior Manager Ole Vilster, Concepting, Nokia

Services: Female interaction user experience analysis

Learn more about female interaction on: www.femaleinteraction.com or call us to discuss in what way our expertise in female interaction could take your business forward.

Coloplast

Our design and expert knowledge is currently used by Coloplast

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Sleak audio design – Jamo

Innovative consumer product shaping

How to design a classic satellite speaker to fit into the modern living environment as companion to flat screen TV’s?
- And how to make it attractive for the female part of the world? Our product design team converted these challenges into a both discreet but still unique speaker design for Jamo. The overall shape is an evolution of Jamo’s design language which makes a clear overall form statement while having refined soft form details when you get closer and touch the product. The signature element is a characteristic grill pattern that gives the product identity and style.

Services: trend research, product design

Nilfisk Advance - 2011

Our design and expert knowledge is currently helping Nilfisk setting new standards

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Premature interaction design - Ambu

How to deal with safety crucial user guides

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.
Besides, 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

New water meter rocks the market

Kamstrup 2011

The new Kamstrup water meter is a revolution in a technology driven market – however it does not show, and that is on purpose.
The list of new features is impressive - new digital measuring system, new anti magnetic materials, free mounting angle, easy read-out, long life battery. At the same time the product design with its classic round shape creates instant familiarity and trust among users.
The combination of high quality finish, remarkable user benefits and design details makes the difference and indicates the innovation of the product.

Kamstrup's marketing director Lis Muusmann puts it this way:

"Even though the complexity of functions in the new meter has increased, our users operate MULTICAL 21 with ease. The market feedback is overwhelming and has exceeded all expectations. To comply with orders we are currently building a new production facility".

MULTICAL 21 is part of Kamstrup's new water meter design line. See more on http://multical21.com/com/everything-counts.aspx

Interaction design DNA - Big Dutchman International

One look and feel across the world

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

User driven hearing aids – Oticon A/S

How to explore and address new user benefits

How to explore new potential user benefits for hearing aid users and transform them into innovative product concepts? This challenge was addressed in a joint venture between Oticon’s design team and design-people. User field studies in USA and Denmark created a solid basis for framing user profiles and user needs. Based on multi disciplinary ideation workshops new product and service concepts were designed, user tested and matured into refined models and use scenarios. These were used to make strategic decisions about future product portfolio and system design.

Services:

User-research, conecept ideation, use scenarios, design & interaction ideation, user feedback, designline

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