IVOCLAR VIVADENT - An intuitive operating concept for the new generation of dental CNC milling machines

Ivoclar Vivadent AG, based in the Principality of Liechtenstein, commissioned BUSSE Design+Engineering with the development of the housing, industrial design, prototype construction and operating concept.

The use of CNC milling machines in dental technology is now an integral part of smaller and larger dental technology laboratories. Based on digital 3D data generated from impressions or 3D scans, the desired teeth can be milled from single-tooth restorations to full dentures in a wet or dry process. The results are used in dental technology as an intermediate product for further processing or can be used directly on the patient in dental prosthetics.

This highly complex process requires a machine with precise technology and maximum accuracy. There should be no fear of contact when operating such a machine. For this reason, the user and intuitive operation were always at the forefront of development.

In an agile development process, the BUSSE project team analyzed the current status of the series together with the users in workshops and determined the individual needs and requirements. Scenarios and use cases were then developed in an intensive concept phase based on the persona and the context of use in order to develop a simple menu structure and thus an easy-to-understand operating concept. As the process continued, the concept was refined, tested and visualized in wireframes and initial mockups. During the development of the operating concept, particular attention was paid to the organization of the jobs to be milled, the change of material discs and the exchange of tools and tool magazines.

After the concept phase, BUSSE Design+Engineering developed various design directions for the visual appearance. This also included the development of an individual icon set and animations. Short animations were created to provide visual assistance for certain operating sequences. For example, the operator is guided through the tool change process by means of an animation.

We are very proud of the result and the positive collaboration with Ivoclar Vivadent AG, and are delighted to have been nominated for the UX DESIGN AWARD 2018 (https://www.ux-design-awards.com/).