The "HMI for the FC8 Hard Floor Cleaner" project marked a milestone as the first interface developed for Kärcher products, distinguished by its innovative circular LCD display and multiple modes. Launched in 2024 as part of the Smart Signature Line, it received the prestigious UX Design Award. The project spanned three years, and I contributed during a six-month internship. My involvement included designing screens, building information architectures, creating prototypes for field testing, and evaluating usability to ensure an optimal user experience.
The result is an innovative HMI featuring a circular LCD display and multiple cleaning modes tailored to various floor types. The interface offers intuitive guidance on device setup, maintenance, and operation, allowing users to adjust water volume and roller speed via the Kärcher Home & Garden app. This integration ensures optimal cleaning performance and user convenience. The FC 8's ergonomic design, combined with app connectivity, sets a new standard in floor cleaning technology, enhancing efficiency and user satisfaction.
The project focused on developing Kärcher's first Human-Machine Interface (HMI) for the FC 8 Smart Signature Line hard floor cleaner. Over three years, the team conducted in-depth studies of user cleaning habits, emphasizing the need for an intuitive interface that seamlessly integrates into daily routines. Key challenges included understanding real-world cleaning workflows and designing features that enhance user experience without complicating operation. Early usability tests with low-fidelity prototypes provided valuable insights, guiding the creation of a clear information architecture that balances technical requirements with user-centric design principles.
Understanding daily cleaning habits was essential to create truly supportive features. Mapping cleaning workflows revealed ergonomic and informational pain points early on. Field testing in actual home environments provided the most valuable feedback. Balancing technical capabilities with intuitive design is crucial for user adoption and satisfaction. Early prototyping and iterative testing are vital in developing interfaces that resonate with users and enhance product usability.
The HMI system comprises a circular LCD display that provides real-time feedback and step-by-step instructions. Users can select from preset cleaning modes directly on the device or customize settings through the Kärcher Home & Garden app, which allows for the transmission of additional cleaning modes optimized for different floor types. The HMI also enables individual adjustments to water quantity and roller speed, ensuring flexibility and adaptability to various cleaning scenarios. This cohesive system enhances user engagement and streamlines the cleaning process.
