A saturated cadmium red aluminum beam commands the visual field with emphatic horizontal authority, its elongated rectangular form cutting diagonally across a deliberately muted charcoal-gray environm

Tactile Design Teams's Digital Level deploys a commanding vermillion red body extending horizontally across the composition, the elongated rectangular form establishing strong lateral emphasis through

A vibrant scarlet industrial precision tool rests at an oblique angle upon weathered gray concrete surfaces marked by age and use, the composition establishing a dynamic diagonal that carries visual e

A compact elongated rectangular form dominated by vivid crimson red establishes immediate visual presence through bold chromatic saturation and clean geometric precision, the composition organized alo

Platinum Hardware, Power and Hand Tools Design · 2020

Milwaukee Redstick Digital Level

by Tactile and Milwaukee Tool Design Teams

A' Design Award 2020 Platinum Winner in Hardware, Power and Hand Tools Design
Awarded April 15, 2020
CLIENT: Tactile
Estimated Number of Design Views: 1,922,354
Verification code A1376F20D6 · Verify this award

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About Milwaukee Redstick Digital Level

Milwaukee Redstick is a digital level for professional construction work. Milwaukee Redstick is one of the first mainstream box levels to use only digital feedback, without spirit vials. Measurements appear on a high-resolution circular display that can be read from the side and from the top, using numeric, color graphic and audio output. The stated accuracy reaches three one-hundredths of a degree. Angle, percent, inch per foot and millimeter per meter modes can be selected, and the sensitivity of each mode can be adjusted. Rechargeable batteries supply the power.

Tactile Design Teams's Milwaukee Redstick Digital Level emerges from a distinguished lineage of precision measurement instruments while advancing the category through thoughtful integration of digital technology with time-tested mechanical principles. The design demonstrates sophisticated understanding of how professional craftspeople interact with their tools during demanding work conditions, evidenced by the carefully considered grip geometry and the strategic placement of the digital interface where it remains visible during typical usage scenarios. The chromatic choice of saturated red transcends mere brand identification, serving practical visibility functions in construction environments where tools must be quickly located amid visual complexity. The electronic module, with its circular display echoing traditional bubble vial morphology, suggests respectful dialogue with established measurement conventions while extending capability through digital precision and data communication potential. Surface treatment reveals attentive material specification: the aluminum body provides necessary rigidity and dimensional stability, while the powder coating ensures durability against the inevitable abrasions of professional use. The black rubber grip zones demonstrate ergonomic research, their recessed positioning protecting hands during transport while providing secure purchase during measurement operations. This instrument occupies a compelling position within the evolution of construction tools, representing the moment when analog tradition embraces digital enhancement without sacrificing the tactile confidence that professionals require. The presentation within authentic use context—held by working hands, positioned as it would be during actual measurement—invites contemplation of how tools become extensions of human capability, amplifying precision while honoring the essential craft knowledge that no technology can replace.

Press Kit

Unique Properties: The Milwaukee Redstick Digital Level is one of the first mainstream box level products to have only digital feedback (no ‘spirit vials’). Featuring an innovative and user-friendly interface, the Redstick digital levels are the most accurate levels on the market. The circular display is well designed, super easy to read, and can be read from the side and the top.
Dimensions & Packaging: Milwaukee Redstick Digital Levels use Milwaukee's trademarked Pinpoint Measurement Technology. The Pinpoint high-resolution screen and advanced electronics allow users to view and interact with measurements that follow the screen movement a full 360 degrees. Users also can select how they want those measurements displayed. Once a mode is selected (Angle, Percent, in/ft, or mm/m), users then have the option to change the sensitivity of the mode selected.
Tags: User Interface Design, User Experience Design, Interaction Design, Milwaukee Redstick Digital Level, Tactile Inc.
Production Technology: The Redstick Digital Level uses Milwaukee’s latest measurement technology, offering accuracy up to three one-hundredths of a degree. Pinpoint provides precision measurement features that can be easily read-out through numeric, graphic color and audio information on a high-resolution circular display. Powered by redlithium usb batteries, Redstick Digital Level is completely rechargeable.
Design Challenge: It was a major leap forward in choosing an all-digital system and leaving the traditional spirit vial level behind. However, going from analog to digital came with its own challenges, such as power consumption. Ensuring the new digital levels could keep up with its analog counterpart meant exploring creative solutions to reduce power consumption through input via sensors and gestures.
Project Duration: The project was designed in February 2018 in Seattle, Washington, USA and was produced in February 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
Operation Flow: Pinpoint measurement technology offers new capabilities that further simplify dialing in measurements on the jobsite, such as a unique pin mode. This mode is an advancement on the ‘hold’ function found on other digital levels. However, instead of ‘taring’ out the level at a given measurement, this pin mode allows users to lock in exact measurements, clearly guiding them towards their measurement through advanced readouts.
Research: Throughout the project we built multiple prototypes at varying fidelities to test and prove out the concept. We had the opportunity to join Milwaukee on the job site for user testing with the professionals they build tools for. These opportunities allowed for greater insight into the design space and eventually validation of our design. Continued support for Milwaukee throughout development and up on to launch ensured the best quality product reaches the hands of their customers.
Inspiration: Today’s digital box levels are built with the same segmented display design that the very first digital levels were built with decades ago; there’s been no overwhelming change to the technology. Each pixel is burned into the phosphor-based electronic display and can’t shift or deviate, jumping from one measurement to the next. This makes it difficult for users to get a proper read of the measurement depending on the direction they’re viewing the level.
Image Credits: Image #1: Designer, Milwaukee REDSTICK Digital Level, 2019
Image #2: Designer, Milwaukee REDSTICK Digital Level, 2019
Image #3: Manufacturer, Milwaukee REDSTICK Digital Level, 2018
Image #4: Manufacturer, Milwaukee REDSTICK Digital Level, 2018

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