Boris Soliz
UI Designer
In response to the ambitious goal of making all GE factories brilliant, our team eagerly took on the challenge of developing digital tools to support this transformative vision. One notable concept we explored was leveraging the power of Apple Watch to track machine status and downtime across the factory floor and beyond. Our task was twofold: to visualize and bring this concept to life, and to conduct user research to demonstrate how this tool could not only save time but also exemplify the potential of a Brilliant Factory powered by today's technology. Through a combination of innovative design thinking and user-centric research, we aimed to showcase the tangible benefits and possibilities that emerged when seamlessly integrating digital tools with different methodologies within the factory environment.
The initial concept developed by our engineering team successfully established a direction and gained stakeholder approval. The focus was to provide Line Leaders and operations managers on the shop floor with a rapid notification system for machine downtime. This would enable quick action and decisive decision-making through their Apple Watch or alternative means, facilitating the prompt recovery of machines. The positive reception from the business unit propelled us forward, as we were granted the opportunity to conduct further research and refine the user experience and user interface. With the understanding that some fine-tuning was necessary, we were excited to embark on the journey of enhancing the UX/UI, ensuring that the final product would effectively meet the needs of our users and contribute to the realization of a Brilliant Factory.
Building upon the foundation laid by the engineering team, I took the lead in creating initial mockups to further refine and enhance the concept. Simultaneously, our talented Interaction Designer began working on wireframes for future features, ensuring a holistic approach to the product's development. In my designs, I introduced the idea of incorporating a chat format for users to address machine downtime, fostering efficient communication and problem-solving. Additionally, I explored the potential of utilizing the Apple Watch's GPS capability to offer a tracking UI feature, enabling users to navigate the factory floor and locate their assigned machines swiftly. These enhancements aimed to elevate the user experience and provide valuable tools for Line Leaders and operations managers in their quest to maintain an efficient and productive factory environment.
Working in close collaboration with our Interaction Designer, we conducted thorough research to define our target user persona: the Operations Leader. With a deep understanding of their needs and preferences, we developed wireframes tailored specifically to their requirements. Recognizing the importance of efficiency and quick decision-making, we designed an interface that provided Operations Leaders with rapid access to relevant information and the ability to take immediate action, all directly from their Apple Watch. This included displaying the status of machines—whether they were down, running, or idling—empowering Operations Leaders to quickly assess the work required for each machine and make informed decisions. By aligning our design with the specific needs of the persona, we aimed to create a seamless user experience that would support their role as an effective leader on the factory floor.
With the wireframes gaining approval and a deeper understanding of the user's needs, I delved into designing the final look and feel of the app on the Apple Watch. Drawing inspiration from Apple's design guidelines and considering the environment in which the app would be used, I crafted a visually compelling interface that prioritized simplicity and clarity. Using high contrast colors and intuitive navigation elements, the design aimed to provide a seamless and easily consumable experience for Operations Leaders. By combining a clean aesthetic with user-centric design principles, the final design successfully transformed complex information into a visually appealing and easily navigable format, ensuring an optimal user experience on the Apple Watch.
The groundbreaking app we developed for the factory environment on the Apple Watch garnered widespread acclaim throughout GE. Its success resonated across the company, inspiring designers from various teams to seek similar solutions tailored to their respective areas. While the full realization of the concept on factory floors may not have been achieved by the business unit, our impact within GE was undeniably significant. In a testament to our innovative approach and success, Apple took notice and reached out to partner with GE on our Brilliant Factory Initiative. This collaboration further validated the value and potential of our design work, solidifying our position as leaders in leveraging technology to drive transformative solutions within the industrial landscape.
