Aiming high with
a new system
Rain or shine, day or night: The operation of a tower crane must be safe and precise. This is exactly what LIEBHERR and UID have accomplished together: With the new system, fitters and crane operators can navigate comfortably through a well-thought-out menu structure. It supports a clear design with distinctive icons.
The joint project of LIEBHERR and UID received the iF DESIGN AWARD in 2023.
Aesthetic one-off in the construction site area
LIEBHERR is one of the world's largest suppliers of tower cranes. The new tower crane operating system, a multi-touch operating system for 12-inch displays, now takes a major leap forward with intuitive operations and complete ease of use.
We have been working together on the operation since 2018. Now crane operators and fitters can navigate safely and in a time-saving way through the application, which requires little or no text.
“I really like the new user interface: it’s easy to understand, logically structured and tailored to the needs of different users. Everything is much faster. Control via tapping and swiping is already totally familiar to me from tablet and smartphone use." Employee Viktor Zhezher
Process
The new operation was created in a classic user-centered design process: Wireframes were followed by the elaborated concept and visual design. User tests showed where improvements could still be made.
Team
We are particularly pleased with our long-standing and constructive cooperation with LIEBHERR on this project. The new operation is a great community effort: Using an agile approach, a viable, user-friendly concept and an appealing screen design were created with weekly feedback loops. We are very excited about the follow-up projects that are already in the starting gates.
Icons: Matching the brand
Thanks to the sophisticated icon design, the new control system requires very little text. We defined a uniform look for over 300 icons in different conditions. Clear icons in 2-dimensional style, reduced to the essentials, now facilitate safe operations. A design that radiates the high-quality standards of the LIEBHERR brand!
Final touch: Usability test
We found out if users' needs were being met during several usability tests at LIEBHERR's training center and in the outdoor area in Biberach, Germany. We tested the new interface with the real controls with crane operators and service technicians. This allowed us to further optimize the control system.
Simplicity: One thing per screen
It should be clear and unambiguous: That is why we have looked again and again for approaches aimed at simplicity. For example, a 10-step wizard guides you through the configuration of the crane: Per screen, the system requires exactly one piece of information from the user, who can orient himself/herself through progress bars.
Good view: all in sight
There are different modes for working during the day and at night. This makes it easier for crane operators to navigate through the application, even with confusing external conditions. An always available, space-saving menu at the bottom of the screen allows for quick switching between individual areas.