Purpose

The goal was to create a uniform use concept for the operation of pump systems. The desire was to simplify direct operation at the pump as well as to implement regional applications on the control stations as well as a global intra- or internet application. The requirement to take costs into account in the development of the user interface allowed only small, reasonably priced displays at the pumps themselves while the control stations and office PCs could be equipped with 17” or larger monitors.  

Implementation

First, a use model was created on the basis of the user survey data and the assignment of functionalities to a generic platform, which was possible for any number of hardware platforms. This model is a prerequisite for the later design of the user interface.

On the basis of the application analysis and the newly prepared use model, ZMMI recommended a hardware platform (interaction elements, displays) for the future user interface. This work step also included the preparation of a use concept for the hardware selected by KSB. This included the following points:  

• Structuring of operations with a view towards ease of use, user groups, short handling paths, as well as global and context-specific functions.
• Planning for a global navigation concept and drafting the related mask structure as well as the design of sample masks.

This effort resulted in a specific layout of the user interface for the selected hardware and included the prototypical design of typical sample masks. ZMMI was closely integrated into the final implementation process. ZMMI provided support in the form of coaching to the KSB employees during the realization of individual aspects of the user interface and in the choice of supplemental useware.

Result

The special requirements common in the design of user interfaces for small and middle sized applications were also characteristic for this project. The key was a machine independent approach, based on user requirements that facilitated the definition of cross-machine use structures that can be deployed on devices with small text displays, as well as on larger PC based monitor systems.

The description of the use structure was facilitated by useML technology that enabled the immediate generation of prototype displays of potential user interfaces. This simplified the assessment of the practicality and the negotiations with suppliers.

Base on HTML prototypes, a training tool was developed that could be used for familiarization purposes by the users and employees in advance of the market launch. This was a valuable source of feedback in the early stages and served to significantly increase usability.