For anyone developing physical products, UX design is a critical part of the hardtech development process. Thoroughly understanding the user experience is key to designing a product that solves a particular problem and focuses on ease of use for quick adoption within a target market.
mHUB, a leading independent hardtech and manufacturing innovation center, asked some of its Hardtech Development consultants about UX insights for manufacturers. Read on to learn how three hardtech entrepreneurs approach UX design.
“Be relentlessly focused on the customer.”
UX design of physical products involves speaking to many people, and while interviewing users may be easy for some, others may not know the right questions to ask. “Be careful not to ask questions in a way that leads the person toward an answer. Ask open-ended questions or pose the same question in different ways to see if you can hone in on the honest feedback people are providing,” advises vonNieda.
This is a tip also emphasized by Jake Rynkiewicz, Founder of Concentric and Industrial Design Consultant with mHUB Hardtech Development services.
“Observe the user without influencing how they interact with the product.”
“When product designers take a step back from their initial idea and look at making something that makes the process or experience easier for the user, or more intuitive, this is what often leads to making the best products for the market,” continues Rynkiewicz. “Thinking about user experience for products is about trying to capture and understand a behavior that exists, then building on that to improve or change that behavior through the design of the physical product.”
To illustrate how hardtech innovation can change human behavior, look at the Beam Brush – one of the first cases of IoT in the medtech space. The Beam Brush is smart toothbrush that tracks brushing behavior, and because use of this smart product can translate into insurance savings for the end user, the product and insurance program has been a resounding success.
It is important to note that improvements do not always have to be made to the product – improving the process is equally important. Take Hubs for example, another mHUB member who innovates around quick-turnaround prototyping, dramatically changing the way companies obtain large quantities of 3D printed parts.
Once you thoroughly understand the need for change in the process, or how human behavior influences product design (or vice-versa), continuous iteration of a physical prototype becomes a critical requirement. Each prototype should be used in UX testing to further validate demand and understand how the available technology and materials do or do not meet the necessary features.
“Avoid Feature Creep.”
The more functionality that is added to a product, the longer it will take to develop, and the more costly development is going to be – causing the product to require a higher price. “If you want people to accept your new product or technology, it needs to be simple and easy to use,” shares Donlin. “It makes your product more approachable. If you add too many features, you risk overwhelming the user, and then they won’t even bother trying. A simple, focused UX also shows the user you understand their specific needs.”
Actual market feedback in the form of consumers spending their hard-earned dollars is the ‘gold-standard’ of demand validation – and if the UX research is done properly, that can be seen in post-launch sales. So how can manufacturers approach effective UX design?
Work with Hardtech Development Experts
With strategic support from the diverse talent at mHUB Hardtech Development services, manufacturers can learn how to enhance the user experience of people interacting with their product under development. mHUB industrial design and engineering consultants can provide insights that empower SMEs to identify and create value for their innovative, market-transforming products.
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