Physical UI Design

Designing within extreme restrictions

Project Overview

It’s impractical for HVAC service companies to stock every replacement part for the various systems they support. To lessen the number of unique parts needed, Honeywell set out to create a universal replacement for heat pump defrost controllers, which includes an interactive UI.

My Role

I led UX and UI design and collaborated with the lead industrial designer on the physical display and buttons.

The Team

I served as the sole UX/UI designer, with support from an industrial designer and researcher.

The Universal Heat Pump Defrost Control

The Challenge

I was told the UI was limited to a digital clock display and 2-3 buttons, and I would need to design the UX within these narrow parameters.

 Design Approach

  • Brainstorming and Exploration

  • Rapid Iterative Testing and Evaluation

Brainstorming and Exploration

Brainstorming around the original configuration produced no workable solutions. My concern was that the UX needs of the product couldn’t be met with a standard digital clock display. I thought outside the box and proposed a different solution using two smaller displays.

 
 

Rapid Iterative Testing and Evaluation

I built several prototypes for our research team to conduct testing with and iterate on between testing sessions. Through this process, I was able to clearly identify the best display and button configuration and accompanying interaction patterns.

The results enabled me to propose a revision to its industrial design that would break up the single display into two smaller displays.

Example of UX states and interactions

Outcomes

  • I created and delivered a logical and intuitive UX within the limitations of the UI.

  • My split display configuration was utilized in the final product, which is now patent-pending.