"Chaos to Clarity” - a heuristic analysis revealed significant potential for improvement within the printer system. Through an iterative design process, a streamlined and aesthetic UI was developed that delivers a clear and compelling user experience.
The project began with a comprehensive analysis of the existing system and its information architecture. Core functionalities like printing, copying, as well as scanning and sending documents were to be fully preserved. To achieve this, I conducted an in-depth examination of the device, its functions, and the associated use cases.
Based on this analysis, I identified several key issues. In addition to an unclear navigation structure, the most critical problems were the visually and structurally overloaded user interface, which violated several principles of Nielsen’s 10 usability heuristics.
In particular, it was difficult to grasp which state the system was currently in. This forced users to remember previous actions, which can be challenging especially for first-time users. To address this, I introduced breadcrumbs to improve orientation and enable users to get an overview. A reduced color palette contributes to a clean, professional appearance. The previously multicolored buttons were unified into a consistent yet distinctive black, creating an elegant, modern aesthetic.
The interface was further enhanced with an optional dark mode to improve readability and energy efficiency, allowing it to adapt to different usage contexts. In low-light indoor environments or at night, this prevents the interface from becoming a visually straining light source. At the same time, the design takes into account the aesthetic expectations of a young, tech-savvy user group.
Throughout the design process, I regularly participated in voluntary feedback sessions. This valuable opportunity for continuous improvement helped me incorporate diverse perspectives into the design. In my view, an iterative process shaped by user feedback is essential for creating truly user-friendly products. Over a period of three weeks, this approach resulted in an intuitive and functional interface that successfully combines usability and aesthetics, significantly improving the overall printing experience.
