Robot Control Interface for High Constraints Environment

Improving operator performance and increasing user satisfaction from 65% to 92%

Context

The interface is used by installers to operate robotics systems in constrained, low-visibility environments during underfloor insulation installations.

In this setting, usability directly impacts:

  • Risk of operational errors
  • Speed and precision of execution
  • Operator confidence

My Role: Product Designer / Product Lead (end-to-end ownership)

Challenge

The existing interface created friction in critical workflows:

  • Cluttered navigation increased cognitive load
  • Small camera feed limited visibility in already constrained environments
  • Interaction model required switching between multiple input devices, slowing down task execution

These issues reduced efficiency and increased the likelihood of errors during installation.

“The Mk7 robots are a massive improvement compared to the previous version, the controls are much more user friendly.“
Lee, InstallerQ-Bot
“The fact that the spray pattern can be rotated makes it a lot easier to fill areas near walls.“
David, InstallerMersey Eco Grants
“It’s quicker and easier to control, and the help manual is a great addition.“
John, InstallerConcept Heating

Approach

I worked closely with engineers and installers to understand how the interface supported real-world operation.

Through interviews and on-site shadowing, we identified a key mismatch between:

  • How the system was structured
  • How operators needed to interact with it in practice

The redesign focused on:

  • Reducing interaction cost for high-frequency actions
  • Improving visibility and space awareness
  • Aligning the interface with a more fluid, single-input interaction model

Solution

I designed a more focused and scalable interface that:

  • Maximises the primary camera feed to improve real-time visibility
  • Surfaces essential controls directly within the main workflow
  • Enables navigation via a single input device (gamepad-inspired interaction), reducing friction
  • Simplifies information architecture to support faster decision-making
  • Introduces clearer system feedback (e.g. startup status) to improve operator confidence

The solution was developed iteratively, balancing user needs with technical constraints of the robotics system (ROS).

Screenshots from my process:

Latest design:

Design system for navigation menu

Impact

  • User satisfaction increased from 65% to 92%
  • Deployed across 50+ robotic systems in real-world environments
  • Improved operator confidence and task efficiency
  • Reduced friction in high-risk, low-visibility operations
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