Market, user and ergonomic research, industrial design, engineering, prototyping, UI/UX, brand language, sourcing, exhibit design
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Awarded Design Innovation at SMAU 1998
The opportunity to redesign a line of products originally developed by Giorgetto Giugiaro for Infos in Torino, Italy presented an exciting challenge and a chance to elevate the design, technology, competitive edge, and visual branding to new heights. These products had previously garnered design awards, indicating their potential for further enhancement and innovation.
Primarily used for route delivery accounting throughout Europe, the handheld devices face rigorous handling and demanding conditions. The project entailed close collaboration with Infos' engineering and marketing teams in Italy, Germany, and Spain, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the requirements and objectives.
Working in tandem with these teams, I aimed to not only modernize the design and functionality of the products but also ensure their durability and resilience in real-world usage scenarios. As the redesign progressed, collaboration extended to tooling facilities in Portugal, where the manufacturing process was refined to meet the highest standards of quality and performance.
By leveraging the expertise and resources of teams across multiple territories, the redesigned products emerged as a testament to collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to exceeding customer expectations. The resulting enhancements positioned Infos as a leader in route delivery accounting technology, reinforcing its reputation for reliability, efficiency, and innovation in the market.
The older Draco handheld
The older Pegasus with built-in printing
The primary objective was to develop solutions for handheld devices that were more ergonomic and rugged, while also reducing costs and capital investment, simplifying manufacturing and service, and enhancing brand perception. This ambitious goal required a thorough understanding of the competitive landscape, trends in the computer and electronics markets, and insights gleaned from field research with Infos' customers.
Following extensive research and analysis, concepts were generated through the initial development process, beginning with sketches and prototypes. These early-stage explorations allowed for the visualization and refinement of ideas, enabling the team to iteratively test and improve upon design concepts before proceeding to the next phase of development.
By incorporating insights from customer feedback, market trends, and competitive analysis, I created handheld devices that not only met functional requirements but also exceeded user expectations in terms of ergonomics, durability, and overall user experience. This customer-centric approach ensured that the final products would resonate with Infos' target audience, ultimately contributing to the company's success and brand differentiation in the marketplace.
Integrating newer and additional technology into the handheld devices posed a significant challenge: fitting these components into smaller housings while simultaneously improving usability, ergonomics, ruggedness, and weight reduction.
One key innovation was the development of a family of interchangeable peripherals, including charging docks, scanners and printers. These peripherals were designed to seamlessly integrate with the handheld devices, enhancing their versatility and functionality.
By leveraging CAD modeling and modular design principles, the we achieved a significant reduction in the number of plastic parts required for manufacturing. This streamlined the tooling process and lowered capital investment while maintaining the integrity and performance of the devices.
Ultimately, these design advancements resulted in a new line of handheld devices that not only incorporated cutting-edge technology but also boasted improved usability, ergonomics, and ruggedness—all in a smaller, lighter form factor.
Plastic buttons and keyboard assemblies were all replaced with elastomer keypads.
Field research played a pivotal role in the design of the new Pegasus handheld device. Inspired by insights gathered from real-world usage scenarios, I introduced a revolutionary feature: a removable tablet. This innovative design element allows drivers to detach the small, lightweight tablet from the main body of the Pegasus, enabling them to carry only the smaller, necessary component during deliveries.
By eliminating the need for drivers to lug around the entire Pegasus device, this design innovation significantly improved portability and convenience. Additionally, the introduction of a handle design integrated into the main body of the device addressed a common pain point observed during field research...namely, the handle breaking off.
Utilizing exploded views showcasing the major components of the new Pegasus handheld device, we were able to visually demonstrate the significant reduction of plastic parts and highlight the simplicity of design improvements. These enhancements not only streamlined the manufacturing process but also reduced manufacturing time, resulting in greater efficiency and cost savings.
By simplifying the design and minimizing the number of components, I optimized the assembly process, reducing the likelihood of errors and increasing overall production throughput. Additionally, the simplified design allows for easier maintenance and servicing, further improving the product's lifecycle and reducing operational costs.
To enhance the usability and convenience of the new handheld devices, I developed portable charging docks that could remain in the delivery vehicle. This innovation allowed drivers to easily charge their devices while on the go, ensuring that they were always powered and ready for use during deliveries.
Furthermore, for customers with multiple handheld devices, I introduced daisy chain charging and downloading docks. These docks enable simultaneous charging and data transfer for multiple devices, streamlining the workflow and ensuring efficiency in operations.
The final manufactured new PWS2800, Pen-Pad and Pegasus
The design of the large exhibit booth for events such as SMAU and the Hanover Fair was characterized by its modular components, offering versatility and adaptability to accommodate various booth sizes for other shows. This modular approach allows for seamless assembly and customization, enabling Infos to effectively showcase its products and services in diverse exhibition environments.
The design of the exhibit booth exemplified strategic thinking and innovation, allowing Infos to maximize its impact and engagement at trade shows and exhibitions while optimizing resources and costs.
"I hired Kevin to consult and design an entirely new line of hand-held computers and peripherals for the European route delivery & accounting market; the vast majority of our business and sales. Our current product was designed several years ago by Giorgetto Giugiaro and we knew it was time for a refresh. Kevin acclimated himself quickly to the product needs and market while leading in-depth field research with our core customers. His new designs helped redefine our brand image, significantly reduce capital expenditures and streamline manufacturing and assembly. The new family of product is incredibly ergonomic, very rugged and puts us in a winning position against our biggest competitors. I highly recommend Kevin's talent, leadership, design prowess and unwavering commitment to teamwork."
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President, Infos