Graphic User Interface for Stratasys F3300 printer

Three questions for the project team

What was the particular challenge of the project from a UX point of view?
The challenge from a UX perspective was the lack of consistency and objective data among the 30+ printers Stratasys had manufactured. Each printer, except four, had a different design, making it difficult to determine what worked well and what didn't. The feedback was highly subjective, with varied opinions and insufficient objective data points. To address this, we analyzed customer reviews to overlay the subjective feedback with real-world user experiences. This approach clarified the successful design elements and guided us toward the most effective UX improvements.

What was your personal highlight in the development process? Was there an aha!-moment, was there a low point?
My personal highlight in the development process was seeing our user research come to life in the final design. Conducting in-depth interviews and usability testing provided invaluable insights into the pain points and preferences of machine operators. The 'aha!' moment was realizing that streamlining complex printing workflows and enhancing the interface between the GUI and 3D preparing software could significantly boost productivity. A low point was dealing with highly subjective feedback from the varied designs of over 30 printers, making it hard to find consistent issues. However, by overlaying customer reviews with our data, we identified clear patterns and implemented user-centric solutions that improved operator satisfaction.

Where do you see yourself and the project in the next five years?
In the next five years, I see the F3300 printer becoming a market standard in the manufacturing sector, adopted by more leading companies like Ford. Though I am no longer with Stratasys, I take pride in knowing that the design system I created has been approved by the executive team and will be integral to future printer models. Personally, I envision myself continuing to innovate in UX design, leading projects that push the boundaries of technology and design, and furthering my impact on the industry.