The AccuPyc III 1340 gas pycnometer measures volume from a more compact, efficient, and precise model than ever.
Tools
Adobe Creative Cloud (Ai, Ps, Id), Autodesk Fusion 360, KeyShot
Completed
Fall 2017 (3 weeks)
Sponsor
Micromeritics
ACCUPYC III
Designed to be more compact, efficient, and precise than ever, the AccuPyc III 1340 features wireless tablet integration enabling a scaleable machine operability, a new storage compartment, and an LED status bar to display sample progress.
FEATURES:
Enhanced mobility and sample scaleability through wireless tablet integration
Store calibration materials centrally and cleanly in secure storage compartment
Monitor sample progress from distance with an LED status indicator
Research
Early efforts at tackling the redesign involved:
Facility Tour
User Interviews
Product Demonstration
From these interactions, were were able to begin understanding the brand identity, examine other machines and line updates, and uncover crucial wants and needs. Ultimately, the pain points centered around:
Lack of storage for materials
Lack of lab bench space
Outdated manual interface
Preference for newer, digital interface
Ideation
Our main research findings were distilled and incorporated into ideation efforts aimed at reducing the machine’s footprint, eliminating its outdated manual keypad, and providing centralized storage and access. Variations on form and function were entertained to explore potential additional enhancements or opportunities for improvement and innovation.
Refinement
Verticality
The AccuPyc II’s footprint was more laterally expansive than necessary. Reducing the footprint by reorienting it vertically provided more, crucial lab bench space.
Scaleability
Each sample had to be run individually, which was time consuming. Enabling the machines to link together increased efficiency.
Storage
Calibration materials routinely went missing or had to be cleaned when improperly stored.
Wireless Integration
A tablet interface increased mobility for the lab technicians, without sacrificing control.
AccuPyc III 1340
Measure volume from a more compact, efficient, and precise model than ever.
Outcome
Although our design was not chosen to be implemented and manufactured, it was well-received among employees who interact with the machine on a daily basis. They expressed an appreciation for the integration of wireless and cloud technology into the machine, as well as the added storage compartment for calibration materials. Ultimately, leadership chose to implement a more moderate change to the design, deciding to change the sample loading mechanism on the machine a leave the digital interface largely intact.