Modular design system for a modern multi-spindle automatic lathe

Three questions to the Project-Team

What was the particular challenge of the project from a UX point of view?
Sascha Schäfer, Ergosign: As is often the case, we had to translate highly complex processes into an understandable UI language. Special attention was paid to the visualization of the tool spindles to create transparency. Here we had to transfer an object from a three-dimensional world into a two-dimensional one without losing the spatial allocation. Besides, we also had to create the possibility of interaction with the various tools: The user must be able to see at all times which tool he is currently interacting with and where there is a potential error.

What was your personal highlight in the development process? Was there an aha!-moment, was there a low point?
Sascha Schäfer, Ergosign: "We were very lucky that we were provided with the prototype of the display of the machine from Schütte for the project. So we could test the UI directly on the touch screen of the machine. This is not always the case. The highlight here was certainly the first execution of the application on the prototype. Fortunately, we found that the operating concept harmonized with the display as planned and felt good. Besides, we were able to efficiently detect and eliminate contrast problems.

Where do you see yourself and the project in the next five years?
Christian Ferring, Schütte: We are currently pursuing two goals. The new operating concept is of course to be rolled out to other machine types and become the new, uniform user interface. Also, the programmer's user role in job preparation will be greatly expanded. This will require adaptation to an office workstation without touch control. The aim is to create a fully integrated planning and programming interface including the digital twin of the machine.