UX 720°

The term user interface is used by many to refer only to the graphical user interface of software. Instead of this restrictive definition, we at BUSSE see the user interface in its original sense - i.e. much more than just software and touchscreens.

By taking a holistic view of all relevant touch points, all elements are categorized according to their functions: Manipulation, display and support. This is the only way to ensure that the best possible user interface elements are selected to meet all the requirements of production, the device environment and user ergonomics.

We look at the development of your products from both a hardware and a software perspective. That is why we have taken the human-centered design process a step further and literally go 2x around a product during development: with the user-oriented view of a UI / UX designer and from the three-dimensional-functional view of the industrial designer and engineer. In this way, an optimal operating and ergonomic concept go hand in hand and not only well thought-out and operable products are created, but also products that leave a positive, brand-defining experience through professional design. Usability and optimum operability and process reliability are therefore a central component.

• Ergonomics studies
• Recording of use cases and user groups and their requirements
• Research and identification of interaction elements
• Placement of physical display and input elements
• Definition of operating sequences, menu structure and screen content
• Creating models (physical and digital)
• User validations

Using a combination of model construction, interface design and 3D data

we can make operating concepts tangible, assessable and modifiable via hybrid augmented reality.

Product development often comes to the point where the ergonomics and usability of a product, including design aspects and feasibility, have to be evaluated. A digital operating concept can easily be tested using click dummies in usability tests. A physical product can be evaluated using design or ergonomics models. But what if both need to be evaluated, tested and improved in combination and using different concepts? A wide variety of setups could be created using model building, but the costs increase with each variant.

We have further developed our UX720° method to tackle precisely this problem:

By building up CAD data and physical elements, e.g. consisting of a seat and steering unit in virtual reality, a wide variety of additional concepts for operating interfaces, such as joysticks, displays in different sizes and orientations, hard keys or control elements can be built up and provided with digital interface design elements.

In a workshop, different scenarios can then be tried out using VR glasses, as all operating interfaces are tangible and movable via the 3D display.

This allows new concepts to be created with optimum ergonomics and usability. The experience of the VR glasses wearer is transmitted live to all participants via a screen or projector. This saves time and complex development loops and therefore also costs.

This approach is not only feasible for vehicle cabins, but can also be applied to any product with several conceivable user interfaces.