BAGGERS AND HMI
year
2018
client
PREMIER TECH
Services
Industrial design
Strategy
Mechanical engineering
Interaction design
Prototyping
Baggers and HMI
The definition of the brand visual language and the design of the control screen interfaces for Premier Tech Automated bagging and palletizing equipment
The definition of the visual brand language for Premier Tech’s automated bagging equipment was entrusted to Alto with the aim of standardizing the construction and visual aspects of the machines across Premier Tech’s various global units.
Continuing from the VBL project, Alto was tasked with revising the digital interfaces of Premier Tech’s bagging and palletizing equipment. In the interest of functional and graphical consistency across devices, standardizing the control tools for these machines became essential.
Rationality and fiability
The definition of the machine brand’s visual language was based on rationality and reliability, two values for which Premier Tech is recognized. A graphic grid then became the guide for creating the various machines, ensuring that proportions evoking solidity and stability were maintained. Gray and blue are two colors commonly used in the market, so consistency with this market was advocated in the choice of colors. Finally, the logo’s monogram was integrated in a backlit manner to ensure a strong visual signature that enhances brand recognition.
Human-machine interface
The objective was to create a common platform, yet flexible at the same time, capable of adapting to the functions of various machines as well as the diverse needs of users.
Among the multiple interface mock-ups considered, we prioritized concepts whose flexible navigation suited both different user profiles and various equipment. An animated prototype allowed us to validate and optimize the key principles of use: Navigation, Content, Functionality, Intuitiveness, and Architecture.
Specific needs of each were specified using empathy maps, user journeys, and personas, resulting in a simplified and personalized experience. To immerse ourselves in the world of PTC industrial machines, our team visited five factories with multiple types of equipment and configurations to study real usage conditions. These observations helped prioritize the functionalities that the new Human Machine Interface (HMI) should address. The architecture of each machine was dissected and analyzed to identify their commonalities and unique features. This led to a basic structure allowing standardized formatting of content for all equipment.
