Crossbow Technology is a global leader in connecting the physical world with the digital through wireless sensor networks and inertial sensor systems. They have been lauded as one of the top 100 most important machine-to-machine technology providers.
Crossbow developed a next-generation, crop-monitoring system that captures the power of the sun to enable precision agriculture for vineyards, orchards, and farms. Using a mesh network of wireless sensors, the system provides visibility into key growing conditions via a simple Internet browser.
They had built a well-engineered alpha system and needed to take the next steps to develop a design suitable for full commercial launch. Their goal was to attack the high-end agricultural and micro-climate market, but they wanted a product that was extensible and that gave them a platform for growth into other areas.
Human-Centered Design
The crop-monitoring system had to meet strict environmental and engineering constraints, yet be intuitive to use. Crossbow knew that ease of use and set up were critical. We had to move from raw circuit boards and specification documents to user-centered design. A lot of questions came with the territory.
How could users make up to four wired connections to the product when it needed to be waterproof? And how could we make the process as easy as possible for them so they wouldn’t have to use any tools?
How could we make set up quick and easy?
How could we give peace of mind to users by making the product tamper resistant?
How could we make the product extensible to meet a wide range of user conditions — for example, use indoors? This would require space for a bigger user-replaceable battery pack.
Iterative Prototyping
Constant iterative prototyping allowed us to test concepts quickly and easily. We could discover, sooner and at minimal cost, real constraints and what’s really important to the user.
In collaboration with Crossbow’s engineering team, we put pen to paper, quickly visualizing potential design solutions. We needed to give Crossbow options for the layout of various elements that struck a balance between the visual and mechanical design.
Next, we did rapid physical studies of possible form factors, using blocks of foam and samples of actual components to make physical models. This allowed the MAYA/Crossbow team to understand and see the trade-offs associated with certain components, manufacturing methods, and designs.
Our challenge was never to forget the end user while designing a look and feel that would facilitate a robust mechanical design. So for every aspect we prototyped, we asked ourselves, “What does this mean for the user?”
Results
Today, our user-centered design is reflected in Crossbow’s eKo Pro Series — a next-generation, wireless crop monitoring system that enables precision agriculture.
Our design is extensible, from the types of power sources the system can use to the methods for mounting and set up. What’s more, the form factor reflects a strong brand and product image. Rather than the typical big gray box, the product makes a strong visual statement, setting Crossbow apart from competitors.