Process
ICON REDESIGN
In order to make the final outcome look consistent, I focused on concepts regarding the icon system.
All the icons I created are based on certain position of the patient on the bed, I also wanted to show some movement within each icon and make them stand out more and communicate better functionality.
The #2 concept got our attention the most. It really stood out from other brands. The arrow used in the design creates a sense of movement and communicates a clear sense of bed position at the same time.
Once we decided our concept, I created a grid to help the icon look consistent throughout the project. I view the thickness, ratio, size in the icon as all important considerations to help the user clearly understand and navigate the controls to their intended effect.
USER INTERFACE REDESIGN
I have further explored trying out with different layouts in this framework. The layout must have hierarchy, which mean some information must be more important than others. Numerical digits that illustrate the angle of a medical bed will play the majority part on the screen.
In this case, these digits shown on the screen convey a priority of information for users (nurses) to know. We subsequently decided that these digits will be the first information on the screen for users to see.
Another thing we considered in my design process was the visual feedback. The idea was to help user know that the machine is working properly when they press the up/down button. This is important because this feedback shows the user that the machine is working properly.
#1 and #3 has the most potential to grow into something we want to develop in terms of functionality and design. Not only does it have the sense of hierarchy that we are looking for, but it also similar to the design look in brand. #2 however parted from the brand as it look very dull in terms of color and layout. We hope to improve on this lackluster quality by creating something warmer and more user friendly.
TYPOGRAPHY
We picked the font that has a very clean look, and also easy to read. The typeface will also help us build a professional look and feel to our brand. This is very important process as it will determine our look for the brand.
#1 DIRECTIONS
To address these issues of design we changed the main color of #2 to a gradient sky blue color. It looks more friendly and happier. We further found the visual feedback in previous design to be too technical So we changed to something less clinical and dull.
#2 DIRECTIONS
We also found that the yellow was way too strong and abrasive on the eyes in the previous design. We subsequently changed the yellow to blue-green color layout. Again, communicating a friendly and happier look, while also conveying a professional look that fits the brand identity.
FINAL DECISION
After we performed a test on the screen, we all felt like this layout is the best layout we create at this point. Not only does it have more attention on the right side with through the use of bigger digits, but it also creates a feel of balance between the digits and icons. After we tried out some different visual feedback designs and finally we put it together our deliverable.
