PROJECT goal
Efficiency Optimization:
Reduced printer downtime with quick access to maintenance tools and functions.
Extending Device Life:
Simplify maintenance process to reduce breakdowns, save money on repairs, extending device life.
Enhancing Customer Satisfaction:
Providing users with a simple printer management tool to build trust and loyalty.
Reducing Servicing Costs:
Minimize interventions and downtime by enabling users to maintain their printers themselves.
Intuitive Device Maintenance:
Ensuring an easy and intuitive maintenance process, minimizing user stress and time.
Quick Information Access:
Quick access to crucial maintenance and repair info for making informed decisions when issues arise.
Risk-Free Maintenance:
Ensuring maintenance tasks are performed without risking equipment damage or harm to the user.
Adaptive Assistance:
Tailoring support to suit diverse user skills and preferences ensures effective maintenance for all.
Business Background
The company for whom the GUI project was created is Sinterit, a leading manufacturer of compact 3D printers based on SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) technology. Sinterit is a Polish company striving for revolution in the field of 3D printing, offering advanced solutions for both professional users and technology enthusiasts.
Problem
The 3D printer's screen didn't show any details about taking care of the device, so users didn't know what to do to keep it in good shape. They had to ask for help from technical support or use paper instructions, which was inconvenient and took a lot of time. Without clear instructions, it was hard to know how to maintain the printer properly. This could lead to problems with the quality of prints or even cause the printer to stop working.
Solution
Adding new options to the printer screen to help users take better care of it. Creating a helpful guide that shows users exactly what to do step by step when it's time for maintenance. Additionally, introducing a progress bar that shows users which stage of the maintenance task they're on. As a result, users will be able to use the printer on their own without needing technical support or paper instructions. Clear instructions on the screen will ensure that each maintenance task is done right, reducing the risk of print quality issues or printer breakdowns.
Project Team
Karol Wadycki
Product Design Leader
Agnieszka Surma
UX/UI Designer
My Role
Research
User Flow
UX/UI Design
Illustrations
User Personas
Wireframes
Icons
Duration
16
WEEKS
9
FLOWS
100+
SCREENS
Design Process
During the design process, I used the "Design Thinking Process" with five stages. My main focus was on working out what users needed and making sure it was easy for them to do maintenance tasks on the machine. I analyzed what users wanted, came up with ideas, made prototypes, and tested them with people who might use the machine. This helped me come up with the best interface solutions, making it easier to use and keeping the printer in optimal technical condition.
Research
During this phase of design, the focus was on thoroughly understanding the structure and maintenance procedures necessary to keep the 3D printer in optimal technical condition. The gathered information enabled a better understanding of user needs and the identification of key directions for the development of the user interface, facilitating its better alignment with their expectations.
Stakeholder Workshops
At the outset, workshops were conducted with stakeholders, consisting of employees from various departments within the company. During the workshops, pre-prepared scenarios were used, where participants were assigned tasks to maintain a specific component of the printer. Participants had the option to use a paper instruction manual or to contact the After Sales department for assistance. The workshops were recorded, enabling a detailed analysis of the maintenance process and users' reactions to existing solutions.
Workshop space equipped with cameras.
Stakeholder engaged in workshop session - video screenshot.
Direct Analysis
The research relied on two key sources. Firstly, in-depth discussions were held with the engineers, which allowed for a deeper understanding of the structure and operation of the 3D printer. Then, consultations were conducted with the After Sales department to gain insight into the current challenges faced by printer users. The combination of these perspectives enabled a comprehensive understanding of the needs and issues related to printer usage, facilitating the effective development of the user interface.
Desk Research
As part of additional research, documents from the Sales department were used to accurately identify the main user groups and understand their needs. Additionally, by analyzing these documents, insights into customer preferences and challenges were gained. These detailed data provided a strong foundation for creating User Personas, enabling a better alignment of the user interface with customer expectations and requirements.
The largest user group are 3D printer operators in large and small manufacturing companies.
Users focus on print quality, speed and material availability when purchasing an SLS 3D printer.
Competitive analysis was also an important part of the research. While examining the maintenance of a 3D printer in a competing product - the Fuse 3D printer by Formlabs, differences and similarities in functionalities and user interface could be observed. This experience helped to better understand market needs and determine directions for further development of the designed interface.
Fuse 3D printer interface by Formlabs displaying a maintenance checklist for users.
user personas
User personas were created to illustrate the different needs and goals of potential users of the GUI interface for SLS 3D printers. Presenting these personas helps to understand the general challenges and goals faced by users. This allows better customization of the GUI interface to meet their individual needs.
empathy map
Empathy map were developed to provide insights into the emotions, behaviors and needs of a single user interacting with the GUI interface for SLS 3D printers. Understanding these aspects allowed for a deeper comprehension of the user's experiences and challenges. This understanding led to more personalized solutions and increased user satisfaction.
The user journey map shows the steps a user takes when using the 3D printer's GUI interface. It helps understand what users do and how they feel at each stage. This helps improve the interface to make it easier and more satisfying for users.
user flow
User flow is the path that a prototype user follows through the 3D printer’s GUI to complete a task. It guides the user from the entry point through a series of steps to a successful outcome, such as performing maintenance on the printer.
Scenario:
The user plans to print geometry commissioned by the supervisor, but in the meantime, it turns out that F-Theta scanning lens maintenance in the printer is necessary.
information architecture
Information architecture organizes and structures the content and layout of the 3D printer’s interface to make it easy for users to find what they need. It's like a map that helps users navigate through the interface, guiding them step by step to complete tasks like performing maintenance on the printer.
low fidelity wireframes
mid fidelity wireframes
The goal of creating the Design System was to ensure consistency and efficiency in the user interface design process. By collecting rules, components, and guidelines in one place, it facilitates the quick creation of new screens while ensuring consistent appearance and behavior throughout the 3D printer interface.
DESIGN OUTCOME
Sample Screen
Other Examples of Screen
Main Features
Real-Time Printer Health Monitoring
The counter allows users to track the device's status and detect any problems in real time. This enables quick responses and actions to ensure the smooth operation of the 3D printer.
Interactive Step-by-Step Progress Tracking
Each step-by-step process in maintenance has an interactive progress bar, visually indicating to the user how many steps are left to complete the maintenance. The circles, similar to LED spotlights, ensure an intuitive understanding of progress.
Tailored Tool and Safety Gear Recommendations
Each flow in the maintenance section has tool guides, which give detailed instructions on the necessary tools and safety equipment required to perform printer maintenance. This allows users to directly access the information they need without having to contact the After Sales department.
Visual Support for Maintenance Tasks
All maintenance flows are enhanced with illustrations or animations, providing clear instructions on how to complete each step. This makes maintenance tasks much easier to understand and perform correctly.
USER FEEDBACKS
During the first tests, I collected helpful feedback from the After Sales team and employees who tested the 3D printer's maintenance flows. Their insights helped me improve the processes, ensuring their accuracy and intuitiveness.
"The new maintenance flows are incredibly intuitive and saved us a significant amount of time. Kudos to the design team!"
Grzegorz
After Sales Department
"I'm impressed by the new 3D printer maintenance procedures. All the steps are clearly explained, so I don't have to wonder what tools I need at any given moment."
Amadeusz
calibration department
"The visual guides in the maintenance section make tasks easier. It's much more comfortable compared to using the paper-based instructions."
Paulina
Product department
"Some of the steps in the maintenance process could be explained in more detail for better understanding."
Zbyszek
marketing department
“Some maintenance tasks have many steps that may seem difficult at first. Maybe grouping some steps together would make it easier to perform maintenance.”
Wojtek
sales department
"Although I don't work directly with the 3D printer daily, following on-screen instructions, I didn't have big problems during maintenance."
Justyna
Production and Operations Department
future concepts
Improvements to the 3D printer's features are planned to simplify daily maintenance. In addition to adding a pop-up at the beginning of each maintenance process that shows the necessary tools, there are plans to introduce automatic part wear checking. This will quickly identify parts that need replacement. Additionally, it is planned to create a mobile application that will be a compendium of knowledge about the printer. The application will send notifications about the device's status and allow direct ordering of used parts. These updates are intended to increase the convenience and efficiency of use, providing users with an even better experience.
Discover the 3D Printer Interface in Action!
Watch the GUI Demo on YouTube
photos of the 3D printer: Sinterit | Zbigniew Lewczak