MACHINE CONTROL JOGBOX – RETHINKING THE INTERACTION FOR COORDINATE MEASURING MACHINE

Hexagon’s machine control interface, the jog box, is the centerpiece for interacting with a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM). The existing solution was aging, causing user issues that were affecting the overall brand experience.

To bring the product into the 21st century, we developed a strategy to limit the R&D cost by thinking creatively about the new concept’s execution. By integrating user research, iterative prototyping, and extensive knowledge of manufacturing and components, we transformed the user experience and increased product durability in the field.

Every good solution starts with a full understanding of the problem. User field research provided an array of opportunities to improve the product without dramatically changing the experience.

By understanding the constraints, we were able to dramatically enhance the reliability, accuracy, and performance of both the jog box and the operator.

No prototyping experience technical devices does not always need to be complex. Through simple, iterative prototypes, the team quickly identified pain points that could be resolved through changes in the system’s layout. Those changes included hand position, button layout, and overall ergonomics.

Because the jog box is used in factory settings, it was critical to adapt the ergonomics to the users’ needs. This included studying the button to improve efficiency, limit fatigue, and ensure users’ safety.

The result is one of the most successful accessories in company history. By taking a systems approach to the problem, we could resolve many of the device’s fundamental challenges without requiring a wholesale redo of the technology.

Through cost-effective, smart design strategies, OCTO and Hexagon partnered to create a significant improvement in the way operators interact with a coordinate measuring machine.