EYRE
INNOVATIVE PRODUCT DESIGN ENHANCES SELF-SERVICE TECHNOLOGY
CONSUMER PRODUCT DESIGN
PROJECT BRIEF
D-Tech, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of library technology solutions, was looking for a product design company to create the flagship product for their highly successful range of library kiosks.
As experts in product design, Duku was chosen to develop a product which would deliver maximum user functionality while occupying minimum floor space. The product design specifications also needed to prioritise accessibility for all public users and be easy and cost-effective for staff and engineers to maintain.
PROJECT PROPOSAL
As a leading industrial design agency, the Duku team was ideally placed to help with every stage of the product design and development process. We developed the ServeIT EYRE library self-service kiosk system: a space-saving product which delivers an exceptional user experience for library patrons of all physical abilities.
PRODUCT FEATURES
23.8” portrait touch screen: bigger display and easy-to-use instructions
Light-up injection moulded LED panels: guiding users through payments
Compatible with RFID and barcode technology: configurable to the library’s required scanning specifications
Large checkout area: space to check out multiple materials
Wheelchair-friendly scanning shelf: accessibility for all library users
DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
Duku optimised the accessible design and product manufacturing process to minimise installation and servicing time
As part of the product strategy, we focused on creating an ergonomic, user-centric design to deliver a positive experience for every library user. We enhanced design features from D-Tech’s existing products, sourcing a larger, user-friendly touch screen, incorporating simple instructions, and making it easier for library users to pay fines or fees by supporting many different payment methods. User accessibility requirements were also considered during product development, resulting in a wheelchair-friendly scanning service.
The CAD Engineering process focused on refining the initial concepts into prototype ready CAD models that would allow prototypes to be created and product testing to be carried out. Of particular focus at this stage was balancing the functionality of the product with a cost effective manufacturing approach and easy installation of electronic components.
We rigorously tested all elements of the product design to ensure maximum functionality for users. During our fast prototyping stage, we conducted product testing to check that every step in the process was quick, intuitive and user-friendly - from navigating the touchscreen menu to using the RFID or barcode scanners and processing payments. Accessibility features were incorporated in the prototype design to ensure both wheelchair users and engineers could easily use the system.
Once the product design was approved, Duku provided manufacturing and production services. ServeIT EYRE units can be affordably customised to suit each library’s unique scanning and payment requirements due to the easily interchangeable laser cut panels. The unit’s modern design has a slimline powder-coated mild steel body which is visually appealing and strong enough to anchor the cantilevered scanning shelf.
PROJECT OUTCOME
Duku’s product design process resulted in a sleek, customisable and accurate self-checkout system which is compact enough to fit in any library. The unit delights library users with a simple and fast checkout process, including an easy-to-use touch screen and flexible payment options. The inclusive product also enhances user accessibility with its wheelchair-friendly scanning features.
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?
Following a successful product development process, the serveIT EYRE is now the flagship product in D-Tech’s cutting-edge range of library management solutions. The next-generation self-service technology delivers an intuitive and positive user experience for library patrons of all abilities.