Reference
A New Approach to HMI Systems: User Interfaces for Core Shooting Systems
Our Work
In production, an HMI system determines how quickly and accurately operators can work. For Laempe Mössner Sinto, we redesigned the user interfaces of the HMI systems for core shooting machines—with the goal of prioritizing clarity, intuitive operation, and clear error diagnosis. Instead of planning on the drawing board, we relied on design thinking in an industrial setting: observing real workflows directly in the production environment, understanding pain points, and developing solutions together with the users.
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Our Client: Who Is Laempe Mössner Sinto?
Laempe Mössner Sinto is a technology leader in core making. Based in Barleben, the company has been developing high-quality equipment for the foundry industry for over 40 years—from core shooting machines and automation solutions to complete core-making facilities. Laempe combines in-depth process knowledge with innovative strength and supplies customers worldwide in the automotive, energy, and mechanical engineering sectors.
HMI Optimization for Core Shooting Systems
Project Success Story
Together with Laempe, we redesigned the user interfaces of the HMI systems for core shooting machines—to provide a better overview, intuitive operation, and clearer error diagnosis.
Key Areas of Cooperation
The goal was to improve the usability of the Fundamentally Improving HMI Systems. The existing solution was confusing, not very intuitive, and led to frequent errors and a high level of frustration among users—long click paths, complex structures, and a time-consuming learning curve made day-to-day use difficult. The focus was on a user-centered design approach that streamlines work processes and sustainably increases user satisfaction.
Key Factors
- User-Centered Design Process Using Design Thinking in Industry
- Requirements Workshop with User Story Mapping
- On-site observations in the actual production environment
- Involvement of real users through user shadowing and in-depth interviews
- MVP Approach for Rapid Validation
- Thorough Analysis of the Current State of Existing HMI Systems
Implementation
- Together with Laempe, we conducted a Workshop and identified, using User Story Mapping Key Use Cases
- Prioritizing two use cases as the basis for an initial MVP
- Tour of the Production Facility from a Laempe customer, to gain authentic insights into the daily work lives of the users
- Documentation existing workflows
- Vulnerability Analysis When working with different generations of HMI touch panels
- Design of a clearly structured, user-centered interface design with Figma
- Support for the project with a User Interface Designer and a Usability Engineer
„IT Sonix impressed us with its structured, flexible UX methodology. Our team was particularly impressed by the practical, user-centered approach and the informative, pleasant collaboration.“
Head of the Automation Division
Laempe Mössner Sinto, LLC
Results of the Collaboration
A user-centered concept for the new HMI system is now available, and the two prioritized use cases have already been prototyped. The new design emphasizes clarity, clear feedback, and intuitive navigation—and serves as the foundation for further implementation in the panel system, where future support is planned.
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Sebastian Wetzel
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