Emerson Process Management recently launched its new ease of use process control technology in Abu Dhabi at the Emirates Palace Hotel. Partnering with Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Emerson has been re-evaluating its process control technology using Human Centred Design.merson Process Management recently launched its new ease of use process control technology in Abu Dhabi at the Emirates Palace Hotel. Partnering with Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Emerson has been re-evaluating its process control technology using Human Centred Design.
The team has spent five years on customer work-practice analysis, new product development re-engineering and training, resulting in the opening of their Human Centred Design Institute.
Emerson has spent many years shadowing their customers to establish exactly what their needs are and how their technology is perceived and utilised.
“The industry has invested almost exclusively on feature and technology enhancement, instead of designing around how people actually use the technology,” said Peter Zornio, chief strategic officer at Emerson. “We believe it’s time technology began serving people, instead of the other way around.”
The benefits are enormous for young and/or inexperienced staff into an environment where Emerson technology is used.
Gone is the computer screen with a confusing array of tabs and far too many options the company says. In its place, a clean, clear menu is displayed with choices relevant to the issue. This does not mean that the functionality has disappeared; it is still there, but presented in a much clearer fashion. The time saved and quicker understanding results in increased productivity and a more confident employee, says Emerson.
“Emerson’s investment in HCD represents a major commitment toward taming the complexity inherent in these new products,” said Chris Pacione, Director of Education at MAYA Design and LUMA Institute. “It’s an important commitment. This kind of focus on human centred design will enable more useful and usable solutions and invite Emerson customers and users to be co-inventors of the future of their work, rather than just waiting for it.”
