Innovative machines require innovative user interfaces

The background

The Schäfer group develops and manufactures tooling, standard and special machines for the wire processing industry. With a certified management system, Schäfer focuses on consistent quality assurance in the development process.

"Megomat 1000" - which belongs to a new generation of innovative machines for fully automatic wire processing machines - is also supposed to meet the high demand for quality. Its enormous flexibility and the modern programming of the motion sequences allow precise and quick working.

The approach

In order to ensure its outstanding market position, Schäfer wanted to manufacture a machine whose technical quality and requirements are reflected in the interface as well. Therefore, Schäfer relied on the experience and competence of UID for the concept and design of the user interface of "Megomat 1000".

The objectives

Optimal operating safety and quality played a decisive role for the development of the touch screen display. The diversity of the target group posed a special challenge, as both highly qualified and unskilled workers will operate the machine.

The procedure

By means of intensive discussions, workshops and on-site analyses, the usability engineers got an idea of the use context to form the basis for the following work steps.

The drafts of the screens were visualized by wire frames. Subsequently, the UID designers realized the first graphical sketches. It was important here to design the operating elements in an adequate size for the touch screen.

How could it be ensured that the user interface drafts are realized in a functioning, dynamic interface on the machine? This question was essential for the development process. To solve this challenge, UID pursued a new and more efficient way of implementation. By means of the programming language XAML (eXtensible Application Markup Language) and "Microsoft Expression Blend", a professional tool for designing interactive user interfaces for Windows, the draft could be visualized interactively and hence, made "tangible" for the customer. Thus, Schäfer was able to present the interactive interface to its distribution partners and selected customers at an early stage, test its functionality and show users the interface. The successful result of this prototyping then formed the basis for subsequent steps and the visual optimization of the interface.

The result

The innovative interface of "Megomat 1000" distinguishes itself by a thought-out and user-friendly structure. All necessary functions and settings were integrated according to the diversity of the target group – from the visual inspection of the machine to the production plan with current orders to maintenance options. The same importance was attached to the visual design. Therefore, the machine status was precisely marked and it can be clearly seen at all times which user is logged on the machine. In addition, UID also took administrative factors into account, e.g. to change the user despite an open pop-up window. Sufficiently big elements ensure smooth operation on the provided 17'' touch screen.

The excellent quality of "Megomat 1000" was recently confirmed by the very good response on the Productronica trade fair. The successful result was not least due to the close interlocking of prototyping and the final product, which was reached by using XAML and "Expression Blend".

The figures show:
1. Screen
2. Megomat 1000 (source: www.schaefer.biz)
3. Icons

Links for further information

• Industry Solutions at UID
• Customer: Schäfer