Tactile and Tektronix Design Teams · CLIENT: Tactile
Tektronix 5 Series MSO is a mixed signal oscilloscope designed for touch operation. The instrument is used to observe changes in electrical signals. A 15.6-inch high definition display allows most functions to be performed on screen, so the number of knobs and buttons is reduced. The remaining controls give haptic feedback. The user interface provides touch input, visual and statistical feedback, and contextual problem solving. Locking foldable feet allow the viewing angle to be adjusted and held in place.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The first oscilloscope designed for touch from the ground up, the Tektronix 5 Series Mixed Signal Oscilloscope (MSO) features multiple patent-pending design elements offering a revolutionary experience with unparalleled digital visibility. An enhanced user interface provides intuitive touch input, visual and statistical feedback, and improved contextual problem-solving. With a 15.6-inch HD display, 5 Series MSO allows most functions to be performed on screen, minimizing knobs and buttons.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Width 454 mm x Depth 204 mm x Height 309 mm
- Tags
- Industrial Design, Product Design, User Interface Design, User Experience Design, Interaction Design, Tektronix, Tactile Inc., Tektronix 5 Series MSO, Oscilloscope
- Production Technology
- The new 15.6-inch HD display allows most functions to be performed on screen, minimizing knobs and buttons. The limited knobs and buttons offer haptic feedback interaction without interrupting the user flow of typical access points. Unique to the 5 Series MSO and an industry first, are the locking foldable feet (patent-pending) that give users more viewing angle flexibility by making simple adjustments to the feet and then locking them into place.
- Design Challenge
- Since scientists, engineers, and technicians are using test and measurement equipment to observe the change of electrical signals, they heavily rely on performance accuracy, speed, and ease of use. The design team was challenged with developing a long-lasting oscilloscope that would live for 10+ years, a typical oscilloscope lifespan.
- Project Duration
- The project was designed in September 2016 in Seattle, Washington, USA and produced in September 2017 in Beaverton, Oregon, USA.
- Operation Flow
- A seamless solution blending the new hardware and software, the 5 Series MSO uses panel controls, or mouse to analyze and manage multiple signals. The design team created a user interface providing intuitive touch input, visual and statistical feedback, and improved contextual problem-solving. Operating a highly technical machine can be overwhelmingly complex. The 5 Series MSO offers engineers a dramatic improvement in usability.
- Research
- In collaboration with Tektronix, the design team traveled all around the US and to five countries to research and understand the user experience. The team identified core design traits based on their research: approachable and easy; trustworthy and durable; and powerful and precise. Collaborative prototyping and user testing were critical in developing the information architecture (IA), user experience (UX), user interface (UI), and industrial design.
- Inspiration
- A leader in the design and manufacturing test and measurement equipment industry, Tektronix wanted to elevate their oscilloscope product line. The main objective was to create a next-generation, approachable usability solution while retaining an appropriate amount of Tektronix heritage. Since scientists, engineers, and technicians are using test and measurement equipment to observe the change of electrical signals, they heavily rely on performance accuracy, speed, and ease of use.
- Image Credits
- Image #1: Designer, Tektronix 5 Series MSO, 2017
Image #2: Designer, Tektronix 5 Series MSO, 2017
Image #3: Designer, Tektronix 5 Series MSO, 2017
Image #4: Designer, Tektronix 5 Series MSO, 2017
Image #5: Designer, Tektronix 5 Series MSO, 2017 - Patents
- Patented and patent-pending design details.
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