USER CENTRICITY
REPACKAGED
Different user groups with different skills in four business units? No longer a problem for OPTIMA GmbH: whether for the packaging of medicines, cosmetic products or food – all machines will have a uniform look and feel in future. UID made this possible together with OPTIMA. An impressive solution: the UI was honored with the IUX Award 2024.
Easy operation for every skill level
Easy operation for every skill level
OPTIMA is the global technology leader in packaging machines and filling and production systems. In 2019, the desire arose to provide the operating elements of all machines with a uniform design. Since 2020, we have been working on a solution that focuses on machine operators and supports all user groups in their work process. The new design system now enables OPTIMA to implement design elements quickly and uniformly on different machines.
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“The surface used to be designed by technicians for technicians. Today, the focus is on the users. In the meantime, the project team is putting on its own UX/UI glasses. Sentences like ‘It would be easier for the operators this way.’ are then uttered. A lot has definitely changed in people’s minds.”
Dominik Roll, OPTIMA Project Manager
The process
The human-centered design process was at the heart of the project. This meant that the users were always involved. We familiarized ourselves with their requirements during on-site visits. The designed concept was optimized with the help of several usability tests. The human-centered approach also changed the customer’s mindset: Step by step, OPTIMA grew with us into a human-centered way of thinking – a great success for the development of expertise within the company.
The team
Just as the project was really taking off, the pandemic changed our plan. But Corona could not stop us: The constructive weekly remote consultations continued seamlessly. The usability tests also took place online in close cooperation.
Everything in sight
A dashboard with product images and key data gives operators the certainty that they are producing the right product. 3D visualizations help to quickly locate and rectify any faults that occur in the machine.
Timeless and modern
Inspired by the cubic construction method in architecture, the design of the new surfaces is based on the “Smart Cubic” design style. This is also reflected in the look of OPTIMA’s machines. Attributes such as dynamic, clean, modern and tactile best describe the style.
Always in exchange
With the “Optimize production” function, the new system offers the option of storing know-how for improving production and calling it up as required. This is particularly helpful for less experienced users. The user interface can also be customized for each business unit. Users can therefore set the functions they use most frequently as favorites.
Efficient software development
The “Smart Cubic” design style created by UID was also implemented by the software development team as Angular components in Storybook and documented in a style guide. These are now being used and further developed for all other “Smart Services” from OPTIMA.
