Project developed during the exchange programme, at the University of Lapland, in partnership with MSK Cabins. The redesigning project is a hybrid control panel for a cabin concept, the target group are combine harvesters, however, the design must be modular, so that the functions of the controls can be varied by the customer. The controls must also be ergonomically solid, logical and convincing, considering the workers need to use them for long periods, with great practicality. 

Our research process for this project included aspects such as; ergonomics, comfort and user environment, visual hierarchy and functionality of controls. Within ergonomics, we found that comfort was highly important as this was the part of the design which users would be utilising constantly.

In terms of comfort and user environment, we researched what users believe to be important factors when driving the machines. The information we gathered from this was that they want something that will enable them to feel less stressed and promote a smooth experience. This includes features like a storage system for their belongings and a drink holder that is not exposed to direct sunlight or dirt.

Our panel is made up of three main parts to be mass-produced easily and reduce production costs. In order to provide modularity within our design, we created an interchangeable part. This means that customers have the option to replace it with an extra storage unit depending on whether or not the extra buttons are required for their use.

The project was developed by a team from Belgium, Brazil and Scotland. There was great cultural diversity and everyone had different skills and aptitudes that were integrated into the project. The same went through the research, idealization, prototyping, testing and validation phases. Each step was performed by all members of the group, with the leadership of one of them, which enabled learning and integration of the team.