Remote control for non-contact object inspection
We designed the control panel from scratch, taking into account IP67 compliance from the outset – this added significant engineering complexities. The panel will be used in extremely dusty environments, and it needs to withstand those conditions for 10 years or more!
Designing a control panel is no simple feat. We believe that ergonomics are paramount, so we created prototypes, tested different hand percentiles, tested standing and sitting positions, and basically anything that could affect user comfort.
Designing a control panel is no simple feat. We believe that ergonomics are paramount, so we created prototypes, tested different hand percentiles, tested standing and sitting positions, and basically anything that could affect user comfort.
Prototypes
Working hand-in-hand with our client (confidential due to NDA), we developed a contactless object exploration system. This system is controlled by a desktop control panel.
Challenges and Solutions:
Challenges and Solutions:
- Operators often damage buttons with their nails, so we needed to design vandal-resistant buttons.
- The panel has a whopping 33 functions! We needed to group them logically and position them based on frequency of use.
- The panel had to match the style of the entire system.
- The panel needs to meet IP67 standards.
Our Approach
The Process
Due to economic and technological constraints, we had to stick to plastic, without any metal parts, and a single color. We determined the ideal angle of the panel relative to the horizon through experimentation.
Several in-depth interviews were required to understand which functions are used most often by operators. We refined the button design and size, grouped them together, and arranged them based on frequency of use. We also worked on the icon design (the preview icons are not accurate due to the NDA). Ultimately, we were able to create a product that is both convenient and reliable.
Several in-depth interviews were required to understand which functions are used most often by operators. We refined the button design and size, grouped them together, and arranged them based on frequency of use. We also worked on the icon design (the preview icons are not accurate due to the NDA). Ultimately, we were able to create a product that is both convenient and reliable.
We built ergonomic prototypes, making adjustments until it felt just right. We eliminated the possibility of accidentally pressing adjacent buttons. We developed an industrial design for the panel that complements the system’s style, using appropriate materials and cost-effective manufacturing. We integrated the IP67 compliance into the engineering. We created unique icons for each function on the panel. We selected components and a manufacturer for a small-scale production run.
We’re particularly proud of the special button system that ensures both watertightness and non-linear button press – similar to a computer keyboard, providing tactile feedback that the key has been pressed. It also boasts incredibly high durability, something that is unheard of in pre-made solutions with such low button pressure and watertightness.
We’re particularly proud of the special button system that ensures both watertightness and non-linear button press – similar to a computer keyboard, providing tactile feedback that the key has been pressed. It also boasts incredibly high durability, something that is unheard of in pre-made solutions with such low button pressure and watertightness.
