22 -Internship
Rapid Link X VFDs System
Design type:
Web Design
Role:
Product designer
Duration:
8 Months
Go to Deck
22 -Internship
Rapid Link X VFDs System
Design type:
Web Design
Role:
Product designer
Duration:
8 Months
Go to Deck
Summary
Summary
Turning PC Limitations into Mobile Opportunities to Enhance Product Value and Build a Unified Ecosystem
Turning PC Limitations into Mobile Opportunities to Enhance Product Value and Build a Unified Ecosystem
Why Did We Conceptualize a Mobile Design for the Rapid Link X Series Products?
Our design team's mission is to digitize Eaton's product ecosystem by identifying key opportunities for innovation. Initially, the Rapid Link X series was limited to a desktop experience due to USB and hardware dependencies. Through deep engagement with global customer engineers, I recognized a crucial gap—our hardware needed more flexible connectivity to adapt to varied work environments. This insight led to a shift towards a mobile-first approach.
After extensive consultations with my mentor and design manager, I took the lead in initiating the mobile solution, leveraging our design resources to develop a streamlined process for cross-device integration. This decision not only aligned with Eaton's broader digital strategy but also set a precedent for creating cost-effective, scalable design solutions within the company. Over the last six months of my internship, I independently designed and iterated on the mobile solution, focusing on key decisions that balanced user experience, technical feasibility, and future growth potential. This work has contributed to a more unified product ecosystem and has established a framework for innovation that other teams at Eaton can build upon.
Why Did We Conceptualize a Mobile Design for the Rapid Link X Series Products?
Our design team's mission is to digitize Eaton's product ecosystem by identifying key opportunities for innovation. Initially, the Rapid Link X series was limited to a desktop experience due to USB and hardware dependencies. Through deep engagement with global customer engineers, I recognized a crucial gap—our hardware needed more flexible connectivity to adapt to varied work environments. This insight led to a shift towards a mobile-first approach.
After extensive consultations with my mentor and design manager, I took the lead in initiating the mobile solution, leveraging our design resources to develop a streamlined process for cross-device integration. This decision not only aligned with Eaton's broader digital strategy but also set a precedent for creating cost-effective, scalable design solutions within the company. Over the last six months of my internship, I independently designed and iterated on the mobile solution, focusing on key decisions that balanced user experience, technical feasibility, and future growth potential. This work has contributed to a more unified product ecosystem and has established a framework for innovation that other teams at Eaton can build upon.
DESIGN SHOWCASE
Page:Status
Quick Status Identification
Integrates VFD states directly on the Mobile home screen, enabling users to instantly assess conditions without additional navigation.
Previous solution on PC:
PC required multiple steps to view fault statuses, increasing response times and complicating quick decision-making.
Page:Parameter
Unified Export and Share with Action Sheet Component
Integrates VFD states directly on the Mobile home screen, enabling users to instantly assess conditions without additional navigation.
Previous solution on PC:
PC relied on conventional file path navigation for exporting, making the process more time-consuming; Mobile simplifies this with a single integrated action flow, enhancing efficiency and user convenience.
Page:Parameter
Initiate and Track Write-in Progress with One Tap
Tap the top bar icon to start real-time write-in, view progress through a dynamic bar, and monitor each parameter’s status—aligning with PC functions for a smooth transition between devices.
Previous solution on PC:
Users could perform real-time write-in on PC, but navigating multiple steps added complexity; now, Mobile simplifies the process with direct access and clear visual feedback.
Page:Alarm
Interactive Waveform Analysis for Precise Diagnostics
Combines text-based fault analysis with interactive waveform controls, enabling swipe-based value inspection and video-editing-style selection for precise data export, improving accuracy and diagnostic efficiency.
Previous solution on PC:
Users could perform real-time write-in on PC, but navigating multiple steps added complexity; now, Mobile simplifies the process with direct access and clear visual feedback.
Page:Status
Quick Status Identification
Integrates VFD states directly on the Mobile home screen, enabling users to instantly assess conditions without additional navigation.
Previous solution on PC:
PC required multiple steps to view fault statuses, increasing response times and complicating quick decision-making.
Page:Parameter
Unified Export and Share with Action Sheet Component
Integrates VFD states directly on the Mobile home screen, enabling users to instantly assess conditions without additional navigation.
Previous solution on PC:
PC relied on conventional file path navigation for exporting, making the process more time-consuming; Mobile simplifies this with a single integrated action flow, enhancing efficiency and user convenience.
Page:Parameter
Initiate and Track Write-in Progress with One Tap
Tap the top bar icon to start real-time write-in, view progress through a dynamic bar, and monitor each parameter’s status—aligning with PC functions for a smooth transition between devices.
Previous solution on PC:
Users could perform real-time write-in on PC, but navigating multiple steps added complexity; now, Mobile simplifies the process with direct access and clear visual feedback.
Page:Alarm
Interactive Waveform Analysis for Precise Diagnostics
Combines text-based fault analysis with interactive waveform controls, enabling swipe-based value inspection and video-editing-style selection for precise data export, improving accuracy and diagnostic efficiency.
Previous solution on PC:
Users could perform real-time write-in on PC, but navigating multiple steps added complexity; now, Mobile simplifies the process with direct access and clear visual feedback.
Page:Status
Quick Status Identification
Integrates VFD states directly on the Mobile home screen, enabling users to instantly assess conditions without additional navigation.
Previous solution on PC:
PC required multiple steps to view fault statuses, increasing response times and complicating quick decision-making.
Page:Parameter
Unified Export and Share with Action Sheet Component
Integrates VFD states directly on the Mobile home screen, enabling users to instantly assess conditions without additional navigation.
Previous solution on PC:
PC relied on conventional file path navigation for exporting, making the process more time-consuming; Mobile simplifies this with a single integrated action flow, enhancing efficiency and user convenience.
Page:Parameter
Initiate and Track Write-in Progress with One Tap
Tap the top bar icon to start real-time write-in, view progress through a dynamic bar, and monitor each parameter’s status—aligning with PC functions for a smooth transition between devices.
Previous solution on PC:
Users could perform real-time write-in on PC, but navigating multiple steps added complexity; now, Mobile simplifies the process with direct access and clear visual feedback.
Page:Alarm
Interactive Waveform Analysis for Precise Diagnostics
Combines text-based fault analysis with interactive waveform controls, enabling swipe-based value inspection and video-editing-style selection for precise data export, improving accuracy and diagnostic efficiency.
Previous solution on PC:
Users could perform real-time write-in on PC, but navigating multiple steps added complexity; now, Mobile simplifies the process with direct access and clear visual feedback.
Page:Status
Quick Status Identification
Integrates VFD states directly on the Mobile home screen, enabling users to instantly assess conditions without additional navigation.
Previous solution on PC:
PC required multiple steps to view fault statuses, increasing response times and complicating quick decision-making.
Page:Parameter
Unified Export and Share with Action Sheet Component
Integrates VFD states directly on the Mobile home screen, enabling users to instantly assess conditions without additional navigation.
Previous solution on PC:
PC relied on conventional file path navigation for exporting, making the process more time-consuming; Mobile simplifies this with a single integrated action flow, enhancing efficiency and user convenience.
Page:Parameter
Initiate and Track Write-in Progress with One Tap
Tap the top bar icon to start real-time write-in, view progress through a dynamic bar, and monitor each parameter’s status—aligning with PC functions for a smooth transition between devices.
Previous solution on PC:
Users could perform real-time write-in on PC, but navigating multiple steps added complexity; now, Mobile simplifies the process with direct access and clear visual feedback.
Page:Alarm
Interactive Waveform Analysis for Precise Diagnostics
Combines text-based fault analysis with interactive waveform controls, enabling swipe-based value inspection and video-editing-style selection for precise data export, improving accuracy and diagnostic efficiency.
Previous solution on PC:
Users could perform real-time write-in on PC, but navigating multiple steps added complexity; now, Mobile simplifies the process with direct access and clear visual feedback.
Page:Parameter
Unified Export and Share with Action Sheet Component
Utilizes an Action Sheet component to enable fast export and sharing directly to a Dongle, streamlining the process compared to the traditional, multi-step approach on PC.
Previous solution on PC:
PC relied on conventional file path navigation for exporting, making the process more time-consuming; Mobile simplifies this with a single integrated action flow, enhancing efficiency and user convenience.
Page:Parameter
Initiate and Track Write-in Progress with One Tap
Tap the top bar icon to start real-time write-in, view progress through a dynamic bar, and monitor each parameter’s status—aligning with PC functions for a smooth transition between devices.
Previous solution on PC:
Users could perform real-time write-in on PC, but navigating multiple steps added complexity; now, Mobile simplifies the process with direct access and clear visual feedback.
Page:Alarm
Interactive Waveform Analysis for Precise Diagnostics
Combines text-based fault analysis with detailed waveform data, allowing users to swipe on the waveform panel to view specific values like in stock-trading apps, and use video-editing-style controls to select precise waveform sections for export, enhancing data accuracy and diagnostic efficiency.
Previous solution on PC:
PC allowed waveform export but lacked intuitive interaction for data exploration; Mobile introduces touch-based navigation and selection, providing a more engaging and precise way to analyze and interpret waveform data.
Page:Parameter
Unified Export and Share with Action Sheet Component
Utilizes an Action Sheet component to enable fast export and sharing directly to a Dongle, streamlining the process compared to the traditional, multi-step approach on PC.
Previous solution on PC:
PC relied on conventional file path navigation for exporting, making the process more time-consuming; Mobile simplifies this with a single integrated action flow, enhancing efficiency and user convenience.
Page:Parameter
Initiate and Track Write-in Progress with One Tap
Tap the top bar icon to start real-time write-in, view progress through a dynamic bar, and monitor each parameter’s status—aligning with PC functions for a smooth transition between devices.
Previous solution on PC:
Users could perform real-time write-in on PC, but navigating multiple steps added complexity; now, Mobile simplifies the process with direct access and clear visual feedback.
Page:Alarm
Interactive Waveform Analysis for Precise Diagnostics
Combines text-based fault analysis with detailed waveform data, allowing users to swipe on the waveform panel to view specific values like in stock-trading apps, and use video-editing-style controls to select precise waveform sections for export, enhancing data accuracy and diagnostic efficiency.
Previous solution on PC:
PC allowed waveform export but lacked intuitive interaction for data exploration; Mobile introduces touch-based navigation and selection, providing a more engaging and precise way to analyze and interpret waveform data.
Page:Parameter
Unified Export and Share with Action Sheet Component
Utilizes an Action Sheet component to enable fast export and sharing directly to a Dongle, streamlining the process compared to the traditional, multi-step approach on PC.
Previous solution on PC:
PC relied on conventional file path navigation for exporting, making the process more time-consuming; Mobile simplifies this with a single integrated action flow, enhancing efficiency and user convenience.
Page:Parameter
Initiate and Track Write-in Progress with One Tap
Tap the top bar icon to start real-time write-in, view progress through a dynamic bar, and monitor each parameter’s status—aligning with PC functions for a smooth transition between devices.
Previous solution on PC:
Users could perform real-time write-in on PC, but navigating multiple steps added complexity; now, Mobile simplifies the process with direct access and clear visual feedback.
Page:Alarm
Interactive Waveform Analysis for Precise Diagnostics
Combines text-based fault analysis with detailed waveform data, allowing users to swipe on the waveform panel to view specific values like in stock-trading apps, and use video-editing-style controls to select precise waveform sections for export, enhancing data accuracy and diagnostic efficiency.
Previous solution on PC:
PC allowed waveform export but lacked intuitive interaction for data exploration; Mobile introduces touch-based navigation and selection, providing a more engaging and precise way to analyze and interpret waveform data.
Page:Parameter
Unified Export and Share with Action Sheet Component
Utilizes an Action Sheet component to enable fast export and sharing directly to a Dongle, streamlining the process compared to the traditional, multi-step approach on PC.
Previous solution on PC:
PC relied on conventional file path navigation for exporting, making the process more time-consuming; Mobile simplifies this with a single integrated action flow, enhancing efficiency and user convenience.
Page:Parameter
Initiate and Track Write-in Progress with One Tap
Tap the top bar icon to start real-time write-in, view progress through a dynamic bar, and monitor each parameter’s status—aligning with PC functions for a smooth transition between devices.
Previous solution on PC:
Users could perform real-time write-in on PC, but navigating multiple steps added complexity; now, Mobile simplifies the process with direct access and clear visual feedback.
Page:Alarm
Interactive Waveform Analysis for Precise Diagnostics
Combines text-based fault analysis with detailed waveform data, allowing users to swipe on the waveform panel to view specific values like in stock-trading apps, and use video-editing-style controls to select precise waveform sections for export, enhancing data accuracy and diagnostic efficiency.
Previous solution on PC:
PC allowed waveform export but lacked intuitive interaction for data exploration; Mobile introduces touch-based navigation and selection, providing a more engaging and precise way to analyze and interpret waveform data.
THE EMERGING PROBLEM
While the Mobile version excels in adapting to advanced connectivity, it is more suited for straightforward and routine operations.
While the Mobile version excels in adapting to advanced connectivity, it is more suited for straightforward and routine operations.
Although we have optimized task prioritization in the PC version design, we found that the complexity of these tasks remains challenging to implement on the mobile version. This indicates that mobile platforms may not be fully capable of handling more intricate workflows and that a different approach may be needed to balance functionality with usability in mobile environments.
Although we have optimized task prioritization in the PC version design, we found that the complexity of these tasks remains challenging to implement on the mobile version. This indicates that mobile platforms may not be fully capable of handling more intricate workflows and that a different approach may be needed to balance functionality with usability in mobile environments.
THUS,WE ASKED
HMW enhance the mobile experience to deliver valuable and efficient functionalities for tasks?
HMW enhance the mobile experience to deliver valuable and efficient functionalities for tasks?
Reviewing Existing UX Research
Reviewing Existing UX Research
DIGGINBG DEEPPER…
Identifying Clear Opportunities for Mobile Design
Identifying Clear Opportunities for Mobile Design
Our six months of research and design on the PC platform provided a comprehensive view of the entire user journey. While analyzing user feedback from the final PC testing phase, we identified key limitations—particularly around portability and adapting to hardware updates.
By deeply understanding the PC experience and its user frustrations, we were able to identify where a Mobile solution could excel. These insights revealed specific opportunities to design a more flexible and adaptive Mobile experience, catering to the needs unmet by the PC version.
Our six months of research and design on the PC platform provided a comprehensive view of the entire user journey. While analyzing user feedback from the final PC testing phase, we identified key limitations—particularly around portability and adapting to hardware updates.
By deeply understanding the PC experience and its user frustrations, we were able to identify where a Mobile solution could excel. These insights revealed specific opportunities to design a more flexible and adaptive Mobile experience, catering to the needs unmet by the PC version.
1. Uncertainty in Product Hardware Development
1. Uncertainty in Product Hardware Development
Unpredictable hardware development creates uncertainty in design decisions, requiring flexible and adaptable solutions.
Unpredictable hardware development creates uncertainty in design decisions, requiring flexible and adaptable solutions.
2. Unclear VFD Status Causes User Anxiety
2. Unclear VFD Status Causes User Anxiety
Unclear operational status leads to anxiety and difficulty in quickly identifying additional issues when reviewing multiple VFDs.
Unclear operational status leads to anxiety and difficulty in quickly identifying additional issues when reviewing multiple VFDs.
3. Excessive Time Wasted on Simple Parameter Tuning
3. Time Wasted on Simple Parameter Tuning
Users spend excessive time on minimal parameter tuning due to lengthy PC connections and complex panels, leading to repetitive and unnecessary steps
Users spend excessive time on minimal parameter tuning due to lengthy PC connections and complex panels, leading to repetitive and unnecessary steps
4. Visualization and Process Tracking Issue.
4. Visualization and Process Tracking Issue.
Lack of visualization in write-in process leads to interruptions from mistaken multi-tasking.
Lack of visualization in write-in process leads to interruptions from mistaken multi-tasking.
RESEARCH CONCLUDED THAT ,
Complementary Experience and Improved User Decision-Making
Complementary Experience and Improved User Decision-Making
Complexity in Current Workflows
Complexity in Current Workflows
Current workflows are too complex for users who need to switch devices quickly or perform simple tasks. The cumbersome interfaces and lengthy connection steps result in inefficiency, hindering users from achieving quick and effective operations in different scenarios.
Current workflows are too complex for users who need to switch devices quickly or perform simple tasks. The cumbersome interfaces and lengthy connection steps result in inefficiency, hindering users from achieving quick and effective operations in different scenarios.
Unique Advantages of Mobile in a Complementary Experience
Unique Advantages of Mobile in a Complementary Experience
Mobile has clear advantages in simplifying operations and enabling quick responses, making it ideal for scenarios that require portability and immediate decision-making. With a streamlined interface and integrated design, Mobile helps users quickly decide whether to switch to a PC for more complex tasks, improving overall efficiency and flexibility of the experience.
Mobile has clear advantages in simplifying operations and enabling quick responses, making it ideal for scenarios that require portability and immediate decision-making. With a streamlined interface and integrated design, Mobile helps users quickly decide whether to switch to a PC for more complex tasks, improving overall efficiency and flexibility of the experience.
SITE MAP
Establishing the scope of the project
Establishing the scope of the project
The Mobile design aims to integrate new technology while making common tasks more efficient, so users don’t need to rely on a bulky computer for simple actions or checking statuses. It also mirrors the PC’s information structure to reduce cognitive load, making it easy for users to switch between devices and quickly get started.
The Mobile design aims to integrate new technology while making common tasks more efficient, so users don’t need to rely on a bulky computer for simple actions or checking statuses. It also mirrors the PC’s information structure to reduce cognitive load, making it easy for users to switch between devices and quickly get started.
Design Exploration
Design Exploration
CONCEPT AND TESTING
Wireframing the Application
Wireframing the Application
My mentor and I led the creation of user flows, considering both current and potential features. By analyzing these flows, the team identified pain points in the current user journey and addressed them through redesign, reordering, and the addition of new interactions. Our prior experience allowed us to quickly develop low-fidelity prototypes.
My mentor and I led the creation of user flows, considering both current and potential features. By analyzing these flows, the team identified pain points in the current user journey and addressed them through redesign, reordering, and the addition of new interactions. Our prior experience allowed us to quickly develop low-fidelity prototypes.
Design Iterations
Design Iterations
CORE EXPERIENCE
Status
Status
When Mobile connects to hardware, the interface is designed with three distinct states to help users quickly identify the hardware's operating status and rotation direction. This clear differentiation provides immediate visual feedback, effectively guiding users to make quick operational decisions.
This state-based design not only enhances the usability of the mobile experience but also reflects thoughtful product thinking in creating a complementary experience across devices. Users can quickly assess whether they need to switch to the PC for more complex parameter adjustments. This integrated experience between Mobile and PC ensures smooth operations in different scenarios, providing users with an efficient workflow and reducing friction when switching between devices.
When Mobile connects to hardware, the interface is designed with three distinct states to help users quickly identify the hardware's operating status and rotation direction. This clear differentiation provides immediate visual feedback, effectively guiding users to make quick operational decisions.
This state-based design not only enhances the usability of the mobile experience but also reflects thoughtful product thinking in creating a complementary experience across devices. Users can quickly assess whether they need to switch to the PC for more complex parameter adjustments. This integrated experience between Mobile and PC ensures smooth operations in different scenarios, providing users with an efficient workflow and reducing friction when switching between devices.
Version 1
"First, we need to check if it’s running fine, then the rotation. It's hard to figure that out the first time."
Version 2
"First, we need to check if it’s running fine, then the rotation. It's hard to figure that out the first time."
Final Version
"This is a huge improvement—I can instantly tell if the machine is running as expected. When there's a fault, I'm quickly guided to the PC for more detailed analysis without hesitation."
Version 1
"First, we need to check if it’s running fine, then the rotation. It's hard to figure that out the first time."
Version 2
"First, we need to check if it’s running fine, then the rotation. It's hard to figure that out the first time."
Final Version
"This is a huge improvement—I can instantly tell if the machine is running as expected. When there's a fault, I'm quickly guided to the PC for more detailed analysis without hesitation."
CORE EXPERIENCE
Alarm
Alarm
For users handling waveform data on mobile devices, this design improves the experience by making the Range Selector more interactive and easy to use for selecting and exporting data ranges. It focuses on a touch-friendly interface, clearer visuals, and a simplified layout to make navigating and analyzing waveforms faster and more effective.
For users handling waveform data on mobile devices, this design improves the experience by making the Range Selector more interactive and easy to use for selecting and exporting data ranges. It focuses on a touch-friendly interface, clearer visuals, and a simplified layout to make navigating and analyzing waveforms faster and more effective.
Designing for different states
Designing for different states
In addition to designing for an optimal desktop experience, I also focused on the interactive experience for viewing and manipulating waveforms.
In addition to designing for an optimal desktop experience, I also focused on the interactive experience for viewing and manipulating waveforms.
Page Layout and Hierarchy Studies
Page Layout and Hierarchy Studies
IExamples of designs that did not make the cut due to complexity, taking up too much real estate, bad design, and/ or scalability issues.
IExamples of designs that did not make the cut due to complexity, taking up too much real estate, bad design, and/ or scalability issues.
