PROJECT
Azimuth was the result of a group effort to create a new, efficient laser product for PLOTT. I helped develop the initial concept, worked on many 3D concept models, and refined the final visual design of the faceplate. For my role, the challenges were discovering how subtle visual changes affected Azimuth’s aesthetics and usability, as well as some work on interface design. I worked on a team with other designers and engineers and we cooperatively figured out how to fuse Azimuth’s ambitious tech and aesthetics.
PRODUCT
A multifunctional laser level designed to maximize data-gathering efficiency.
Azimuth is the ultimate laser tool — a digital level, line laser, laser distance meter (LDM) and angle finder all in one unit, with a guide mode for complete accuracy, contained within a slick metallic case.
Azimuth was designed with versatility in mind. The main feature of the unit is the folding arm which gives Azimuth its signature angle-projection capabilities. The main body holds the forwards- and down-facing LDMs that cover the unit’s X-Y positioning, and the arms can lock in place and record specific angle measurements. All data, such as distances, incline, and projected angle, can be easily accessed and read on the front screen.
PROCESS
Based off a simple mechanism, but with high-tech guts.
We decided upon the overall structure of Azimuth after examining analogue angle measurers and envisioning how they could be digitized. Our initial concepts explored different faceplate looks and overall silhouettes for the device. We wanted to final a middle ground between eye-catching detail and visual simplicity on a standard rectangular frame, but the circular angle-locking knob was always consistent. Screen size and button layout were also considered in terms of ease of use and displaying information.
Developing shape, function, and style.
After examining many prototypes, we decided on an asymmetrical design with a full-body rectangular screen, an inlaid tightening wheel, and a yellow band running around the edge as a highlight color. The main body was black metal with a smooth finish. The physical interface was reduced to two buttons for simplicity.
Before this version of Azimuth went public, we rounded out the face details into the flat edge and edited the proportion of the yellow detail, creating a much more unified visual design.
Refinements made for the future.
We continued to develop the Azimuth after its public showing, and improved on several aspects of the unit for its future release. The amount of buttons was doubled for clarity, with care taken in the iconography for each function. The change in the buttons’ size and positioning led to a smoother overall faceplate, and the size of the screen was changed for to lower the cost of manufacturing. We changed the proportion of the folding arm was to cover the entire length of the unit, and the angle-locking wheel into an external knob for accessibility. The most noticeable change, however, was the through-hole we added that allowed users to make pencils marks without having to move Azimuth while it was in use.
Imparting information through the interface
When designing the user interface, we looked specifically at the size of the buttons and how much information could be clearly relayed on them. Although all functions would be detailed in the manual, we wanted each button to convey its meaning when the device was used in the field.
The graphics of the buttons were based on various iconography and symbols representing accuracy, targeting, focusing, and distance.
