Co-design with operators – developing meaningful XR and digital interface solutions

Challenges and solutions : Our contribution within THEIA - XR focuses on developing a transdisciplinary co - design approach for XR applications in professional , safety - critical environments . Together with snow groomer , excavator and reach stacker operators , we explored how technology could support not only efficiency and safety , but also a positive user experience . Through contextual interviews and iterative workshops , we gained a deep understanding of the realities of daily work . Together with the operators , we developed new concepts , including ambient light bars around the windscreen to visualize nearby objects , laser - based projections of excavation boundaries and power lines , and additional functions for the in - cabin tablet . LinkedIn Our process was guided by scenario - based design . Starting from a scenario that described the operators ’ initial working situation , we gradually extended it with new ideas . Finally , these ideas were visualised as early prototypes for XR functions and tablet interfaces . Impact : The transdisciplinary co - design approach was applied for the first time in this particular field . It led to the creation of innovative and meaningful concepts . Feedback from operators confirmed that these new ideas could make their work easier and safer . Moving forward , these concepts could be further refined and implemented in collaboration with operators and technical experts . We strongly encourage the continued use of co - design methods in shaping the future of XR applications . This work is part of the THEIA project that received funding from the European Union‘s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under grant agreement no. 101092861. XR theia-xr.eu KEY BENEFITS XR and digital interface concepts enhancing safety, clarity and user confidence Insights for future transdisciplinary co-design in industrial environments Realistic scenarios and concepts co-created with operators Co - design with operators – developing meaningful XR and digital interface solutions Figure 1: XR and digital interface function concepts for excavators and snow groomers . Visualization in cooperation with TUD and Creanex .