ABB offers solutions for digital industrial equipment and systems and works to increase effectiveness, safety and productivity in the energy supply, industry, transport and infrastructure.
Challenge
Today’s technology makes it possible to sit in an office far from the installations and monitor real-time production data. But the large amounts of data and complex information processes make it challenging to keep track of the entire information flow. The information is often stored in various applications, making it difficult to gain an accurate impression of how the installations are run. The everyday work experiences of users is complicated and demanding, which is why ABB wanted to find a way to simplify this.
Process
For this project, ABB had user studies conducted of internal parties. The DIP project generated considerable interest internally and several departments wanted to contribute to creating the new application portfolio. A total of 16 individuals holding different positions at ABB were interviewed, resulting in useful findings for the further development of the portfolio, including the possibility to view the core functionalities of the applications in relation to one another. During workshops, ideas were shared together with designers and technical experts and examples were developed of graphic interfaces, which were then tested on users at ABB.
Result
The new concept pursued by ABB was adapted to the workflow of users and has significant potential for simplifying their everyday work. The new system contains all information needed by users in one place, unlike the previous situation in which it was divided among various applications. The DIP project has been a door opener for the use of design methodology in an otherwise conservative industry. ABB has decided to further develop the application portfolio based on the recommendations submitted during the project
