In the realm of user interface and user experience design, our team is dedicated to innovation, applied research and creativity. We built a reputation for delivering user-centered UI that caters to the needs of users with diversified abilities. By focusing on the principles of design thinking, through the years, we worked on numerous cutting-edge solutions for a number of renowned manufacturers, including Caterpillar, Volvo Group, NYB, Toyota, and Kitamura Machinery.
ArtVersion’s Design Thinking Process
Design Thinking is a human-centered, iterative problem-solving that focuses on empathy, experimentation, and collaboration to create innovative solutions for complex challenges. In our agency, we have a process-driven Design Thinking approach to innovation that integrates the needs of people, the possibilities of technology, and the requirements for business success.
Our user-centric method encourages a growth mindset, embracing oversight as an opportunity for learning and improvement elements of the interface and its systems. Keeping users at the center of the design process aims to create more effective, user-friendly, and meaningful solutions to real-world problems.
The process consists of the following stages:
The foundation of ArtVersion’s User-centric Design Thinking methodology is empathy, which allows them to put users at the center of their creative process. This approach comprises the following key stages:
- Empathy: Understanding the users, their needs, and their problems is paramount. The ArtVersion team begins by conducting user research and gathering insights to ensure that we can create an interface design that meets the target audience’s expectations.
- Define: Once a clear understanding of the users and their needs is established, the team at ArtVersion works on defining the problem we want to solve. This step helps us create a solid roadmap for the design process.
- Ideate: With a clear problem statement in hand, we dive into brainstorming, whiteboarding and the generation of a wide array of ideas. This allows us to explore multiple design solutions and select the best one to move forward with.
- Prototype: The team then creates a series of prototypes to test the chosen design concepts, focusing on the functionality and usability of the interface.
- Test: We conduct user testing of the prototypes to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments. This iterative process helps us refine the design until it meets both the client’s and users’ expectations.
Here are a few examples of how we worked with our clients closely by collaborating with focus groups and end-users to gather insights and pointers that allowed for the creation of experiences for their products.
Caterpillar, a global leader in construction and mining equipment, sought ArtVersion’s expertise in designing an intuitive and user-friendly on-dash touch interface for their machinery. The aim was to make the experience seamless for operators, increasing efficiency and safety.
ArtVersion began by conducting comprehensive user research to understand the challenges faced by equipment operators. We started extensive research and observed operators in real-life scenarios to understand their needs, challenges, and expectations of how the user interface should work. This process allowed ArtVersion to identify key pain points, such as complex navigation, lack of customization, and accessibility issues. Our UX design team then created a series of prototypes, focusing on vehicle industry standards, easy interface navigation, and an intuitive layout that is easy to understand.
After multiple iterations and user tests, the final on-dash interface design provided operators with crucial information such as fuel efficiency, machine performance, and maintenance alerts in a clear and concise manner as well as coaching attributes for safer machine operations. This innovative design solution not only increased operator satisfaction but also improved overall productivity for Caterpillar’s clients. During the ideation and prototyping stages, ArtVersion developed a range of design concepts that addressed these pain points. In addition, we implemented features like simplified navigation, branded visual layouts, and high-contrast visuals for better in-cabin readability balanced for direct sunlight and dark-shaded environments. After rigorous testing and user feedback, the final on-dash interface design was launched, garnering compliments from operators for its ease of use, responsiveness, and user-centric focus.
Kitamura Machinery, known for its high-quality CNC machines, engaged ArtVersion to revamp the legacy Arumatik UI used in their machining centers. The goal was to make the interface more accessible and user-friendly, catering to both experienced and novice users.
ArtVersion’s team started by understanding the unique requirements of Kitamura’s target audience, which consisted of CNC machine operators, engineers, and technicians. Through research and observation, we identified challenges like complex navigation, lack of user guidance, and visual clutter.
ArtVersion developed a user interface strategy using Design Thinking principles, prioritizing ease of use and clear visuals. In addition, we focused on simplifying the navigation and creating an intuitive layout that allowed users to quickly access essential machining functions. The final user interface design for CNC machines included customizable features, making it adaptable to the varying needs of users across each individual operator preference. The result was a user interface that not only enhanced the CNC user experience but also contributed to the overall efficiency and productivity of Kitamura’s CNC machines with clear visual cues and contextual help that guided users through the CNC machine operation process.
The revamped interface received widespread acclaim from Kitamura Machinery’s customers, who appreciated the improved usability and aesthetic appeal. The new design also contributed to increased operator efficiency and reduced machine downtime.
Our user-centered approach to interface design has proven to be game-changing in the heavy equipment and manufacturing industries. By putting end-users at the core of their design process, we are able to deliver exceptional user experiences with increased accessibility and usability factors.
ArtVersion’s success in creating user-centered interface designs for industry leaders, as we explained in the case of Caterpillar and Kitamura Machinery, can be attributed to our emphasis on design thinking and a deep understanding of user needs. By combining creativity, technology, and empathy, we built industrial interfaces that are intuitive but performance-focused.
Conclusion
ArtVersion’s user-centered approach to interface design for heavy equipment manufacturing has been instrumental in delivering exceptional user experiences. By applying the principles of design thinking and conducting extensive user research, we have been able to address the unique needs and challenges of operators and technicians in the industry. Our process, which includes stages such as empathy, definition, ideation, prototyping, and testing, ensures that our designs are rooted in user insights and continually refined based on user feedback.
Through our collaborations with renowned manufacturers like Caterpillar and Kitamura Machinery, we have successfully transformed complex interfaces into intuitive and user-friendly designs. The positive reception and widespread acclaim from our clients’ customers attest to the success of our user-centered approach. By prioritizing accessibility, usability, and visual appeal, we have created industrial interfaces that not only meet user needs but also contribute to increased efficiency and reduced downtime.
ArtVersion’s dedication to innovation, research, and creativity has allowed us to establish a strong reputation in the heavy equipment manufacturing industry. We remain committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that prioritize the end-user, ensuring that our designs are not only visually appealing but also functional and user-friendly. Through our user-centered approach, we continue to push the boundaries of interface design and shape the future of the industry.