Leica Geosystems

Heuristics refer to experience-based techniques for problem-solving, learning, and discovery. Using this approach, I evaluated iCon's new prototype, and learn how the feature implementation could be improved compared to existing solution

Overview

For a manufacturer of surveying technology, the user interfaces of two products had to be modernized and optimized. Mobile use on construction sites under often adverse conditions (rain, cold, wearing gloves, etc.) played an important role. Familiar user behavior from everyday life, e.g. with smartphones, is also becoming more and more prevalent in this area. 

Goals

For the two different surveying instruments Captivate (more mathematical) & iCON (basic), the interaction concept was to be redesigned - the interface was the main focus, including the reorganization of the (geo) data structures, the mobile application area (combination of physical operation and touch) and responsiveness. The expansion of the market in the USA was also a point to be considered.

Role

UX Designer -
Schindler Creations

Area

UX Research, Interaction design, Prototyping

Duration

Nov 2019 - Dec 2019

Client

Existing Interface

One of the client's products was outdated and in need of a complete overhaul of the software's UI. New users would have to go through training to learn the interface, which could've immensly reduced with better usability.

I pitched it to Leica Geosystems and it was well received.

©Leica Geosystems

Heuristic Evaluation

I conducted a heuristic analysis with the old screens and categorized the issues into severity grades. I used my learnings and applied the heuristic principles on the new design, which I showed in my final presentation.

©Schindler Creations

1. Visibility of System Status:

In the navigation bar, the active app and tool are represented in the selected state. Furthermore, the Zoom and View functions are grouped together and clear as to what is active.

2. User Control & Freedom:

The hamburger menu highlights the opening and closing of the menu. At a later stage, it would be clear to have a back and cancel button at the same spot. 

3. Match between System and Real World:

The information hierarchy is stated as a flow of breadcrumbs. The onboarding process is demonstrated once the user starts up the application, as a pathfinder.

4. Helps Users recognize, Diagnose and Recover from Errors

In case of failover scenario, the system should tell the user what happened with well-written error messages. Your product failed, but at least you minimized the user's frustration.

Customer Journey Map

Reduction as a design guideline - Based on user journeys and pain points, clear, optimized interfaces were developed in the form of wireframes. A reduction of icons and control elements was a logical consequence.

©Schindler Creations

Prototyping

The proposed new user interface is cleaner, organized and improved in terms of usability according to NNG’s heuristics. The UI was made with flexibility and customization in mind.

The touch zones are now bigger, making it easier to hit what you're supposed to, even under bad weather conditions.

The “Hold” action was something I kept from the previous version because of the user’s familiarity for it, but I added a short instruction during its first usage.

©Schindler Creations

©Schindler Creations

©Schindler Creations

©Schindler Creations

Key Takeaways

Greater efficiency on-site and in the office not only ensures cost benefits for customers but also greater motivation among employees. Powerful, modern user-centered interfaces create clear market advantage, simplify usability and lead to faster capture of relevant information.

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