User experience in machinery automation: From concepts and context to design implications

Abstract

Machinery automation (MA), e.g. different agriculture machinery, has traditionally been developed by experts in automation and in machinery engineering. As the role of interactive software is increasing, the principles and methods of human centered design (HCD) are being applied. This results in better usability of the systems particularly through efficiency of work processes and user interfaces (UIs). The user experience (UX) approach extends the HCD approach with broader motivational factors of using the systems. This paper describes the elements of UX in the MA from the interaction design perspective. After introducing the UX field, we describe the context to give an overview of the major factors affecting UX. Then we present what we consider to be the key elements of UX in MA and what implications they bring to the design of such systems. Finally we discuss the benefits and challenges of applying UX in this particular field. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.