Innovative GUI design for electric propulsion systems
This embedded user interface empowers ship operators to control their vessel’s drive, whether they are navigating at full throttle on the open sea or mooring in a harbour.
It also provides users with essential control over the entire energy management system of their ship, allowing them to manage endpoints such as the microwave and sound system.
The technical development had been ongoing for years, and the customer trusted our UX design agency to transform the GUI into a compelling solution that stands out in the market.
OUR CONTRIBUTIONS
Requirements Mapping
User Research
Benchmarking
UX Design
Prototyping
UI Design - Light and Dark
Design System
Quality Assurance
THE AIM: AESTHETIC AND TECHNICAL PERFECTION
We worked very closely with the core team at Torqeedo contributing not only our expertise but also our ambition and energy to achieve a design standard that surpasses anything previously seen in their industry. This commitment reflects not only our personal dedication, but also honours the immense effort they have invested in this project.
Throughout the entirety of a UX and UI design project, there is a significant tension between the simplicity of an elegant design and the extensive technical complexity it must encompass. Ultimately, our design solution achieves a balance that honors both aspects in a way that transcends boundaries.
UX/UI DESIGN FOR AN EMOTIONAL RESPONSE
A UI design that is intuitive and easy to understand sets a high standard. We went further by deliberately crafting an additional layer that offers users a deeper sense of satisfaction, evoking an emotional response. Every meaningful experience has an emotional dimension, and in this design, we incorporated elements that elicit the subtle hues and nuances that evoke Torqeedo as a brand.
This pinnacle of UI design can only be achieved by building on a solid foundation, in which the deeper layers of user experience, layout, and architecture have been fully developed.
THOUGHTFULLY CRAFTED DESIGN DETAILS
Details make or break an engine, and they have an equally significant impact on user experience in embedded interfaces
We identified all the essential details and organised them into a task bank. Further, we developed a strategy to design each one systematically, ensuring they are coherent, functional, and easy to maintain. This approach applied to icons, buttons, components, and state indicators within the UI.
By iterating within iterations, we achieved a level of perfection that spans from individual components to layouts and the overall user experience.
THE UX/UI DESIGN SETS A NEW INDUSTRY STANDARD
Ultimately, this user interface creates a memorable user experience that resonates with users on multiple levels. Our design deliverables not only meet but exceed industry expectations by harmonising aesthetic appeal with advanced technical capabilities.
By prioritising user needs and integrating emotional layers into the interface, we foster a deeper connection between the brand and its audience. This approach not only elevates the user experience, but also positions our design as a benchmark for excellence in the industry.
EVIDENCE-BASED UX/UI DESIGN IS ROOTED IN REALITY
We practice evidence-based UX/UI, a methodology for making informed design decisions. It allows us to ground design choices in empirical data, ensuring that every decision is backed by rigorous research and user insights.
To gather comprehensive data, we employed a variety of methods, including observational studies at sea, laboratory testing, participatory design sessions, and in-depth user interviews.
Each research method is important. For instance, our observations at sea allowed us to witness firsthand how operators interacted with the system in real-world scenarios, while lab testing helped us assess the usability and performance of our prototypes in controlled environments. Furthermore, user interviews allowed us to delve deeper into individual experiences, providing qualitative data that enriched our understanding of user motivations and preferences.
Throughout this process, we meticulously reframed the questions we pursued to ensure they aligned with our objectives.
THE STARTING POINT: A BLAND STATUS QUO
The starting point for this project was the previous Torqeedo interface. Although it was not our client's favourite, we used it as a foundation to gain insights into the system and the lessons learned along the way.
It served as a valuable reference for engaging with users, helping us understand their perspectives and expectations for an improved user experience.
By analysing the existing interface, we identified key areas for enhancement and systematically integrated user feedback to inform the design of a more robust and efficient GUI.
TECHNICAL COMPLEXITY IS EMBEDDED IN THE DESIGN
The engineering behind Torqeedo engines is a marvel of complexity. On one side, there is the intricate thinking and technical sophistication that ensure each system operates effectively. On the other, there is a diverse range of use cases, spanning from small vessels to large commercial ships, as well as the interplay between fully electric and hybrid systems.
To integrate all these elements into a GUI design that functions as a cohesive system rather than merely a visual representation, we needed to comprehend and incorporate the technical sophistication into our process.
Next, we developed innovative design methodologies as part of a broader strategy to ensure these considerations shaped the design and found their rightful place in the user interface presented to ship operators while they are at sea.
WE MAPPED UX DESIGN OPTIONS SYSTEMATICALLY
After several iterations, we finally arrived at a UX design that caters effectively to both amateur and professional users. Initially, we considered creating two separate user interfaces—one for each group—but as we delved deeper, we discovered a more elegant solution.
By systematically exploring various layouts and component configurations, we developed a unified structure that balances simplicity with advanced functionality. It remains intuitive for beginners while offering the flexibility required by professionals. Additionally, we ensured the user experience design works consistently across different types of vessels and priorities, maintaining seamless usability even on smaller resolutions.
WE SIMPLIFIED ABSTRACT CONCEPTS FOR EVERYONE
Unfortunately, the world is complex. Managing energy on a ship involves several abstract concepts, such as energy balance, which can be challenging to grasp.
Our goal was to incorporate these concepts into the interface in a way that helps users develop a reliable intuition.
We needed to find methods to communicate the impact of these concepts on the ship's physical reality without relying on words. This required an analysis of the relationship between the underlying physics and the various ways people interpret information.
Drawing on these insights, we designed UI components that effectively communicate states and exhibit behaviours that allow users to infer their meanings. While there are limits to these components, repeated testing enabled us to identify behaviours that gradually cultivate users' intuition about what is happening and how it works.
REGULAR TESTING, ASSESSMENT AND REFINEMENT
Our testing and assessment process involved engaging a diverse group of real users, including recreational boaters, commercial operators, and marine engineers, ensuring we captured a wide range of perspectives. We established organised routines, conducting structured usability sessions where users interacted with prototypes while verbalising their thoughts.
In parallel, we facilitated focus groups with panels of engineers, including electrical, mechanical, and software experts, to evaluate technical feasibility and integration. Each session was meticulously documented, allowing us to analyse user feedback and engineer insights systematically.
For example, we implemented iterative testing cycles, where insights from one round directly informed adjustments in the next. We also employed task analysis, breaking down complex interactions into manageable steps, which allowed us to fine-tune UI components for clarity and efficiency. This rigorous, process-driven approach ensured that our design decisions were grounded in real-world usability and technical validation.
UX/UI DESIGN MAKES A LEADING PRODUCT
The excellence of our UI design has significantly contributed to the successful sale of the company, positioning it as a standout leader in its market. This transformation has turned the product into a jewel, captivating users and stakeholders alike.
Achieving this level of success required close collaboration with a diverse range of individuals, from ship operators to engineers and stakeholders. By adopting an evidence-based approach, we meticulously gathered insights and feedback, ensuring that every design decision was informed and purposeful.
Our process-driven methodology allowed us to refine the user experience continuously, integrating user needs and technical feasibility seamlessly.
The result is a user interface that not only enhances functionality but also fosters emotional connections with users. This commitment to excellence has solidified the company's reputation, making it a desirable asset in the industry and driving its commercial success.