KONTRON AIS

Starting position

Kontron AIS develops software solutions for industrial applications, embedded in distributed systems and IoT environments. The product range comprises components for visualizing, controlling and analyzing technical processes in areas such as production, logistics or smart infrastructure.

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Central requirements: high functionality, technical precision and resilience. At the same time, the products should be accessible to different user groups — from experienced engineers to local operational users. Many communication channels, role models and contexts of use came up with an interface that was primarily functionally oriented but was not consistently user-centered.

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The challenge was not to reduce technical complexity. Rather, it was about translating it into a clear, consistent UX language that supports different working methods and usage situations.

Approach

Together with Kontron AIS, UseTree has launched a user-centered design process that starts on three levels:

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1. Analyzing real usage contexts
   The focus was on the question: How do people actually use the software in everyday work? Which tasks come first? What information is critically needed? Through workshops, interviews and analyses, common usage patterns were identified and clear priorities were identified.
2. Unifying information architecture
   The various modules in the product family should not only function individually, but should also offer a coherent experience as a group. For this purpose, a common structure was developed that uses recurring patterns and consistent terminology. Different service offerings are thus combined into a single logical framework.
3. Interaction principles for industrial use
   Industrial software is used in demanding situations: in real time, under time pressure and often in environments with many processes running in parallel. As a result, UseTree defined interaction principles that take information density, prioritization and focus into account. Decisive interactions were reduced and relevant information was highlighted.

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In essence, it was not a question of redesigning individual screens, but a solid structural basis that connects all product lines.

Solution

The joint UX concept resulted in a modular, consistent UX system for the Kontron AIS product family:

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• Coherent information architecture: All modules follow a uniform structure that takes into account recurring processes and data flows. Users find their way around more quickly — regardless of the context.
• Consistent terminology: Terms, conditions and tasks are uniformly identified across product boundaries. This reduces misunderstandings and makes communication and training easier.
• Situational interactions: Interaction patterns were defined in such a way that they work in technical applications. Relevant information is clearly prioritized, processes are logically sequenced.
• Expandability and modularity: The UX base is scalable. New modules or functions can be consistently integrated without destabilizing existing user experiences.

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This structure acts like a “UX framework” for the product family — it provides orientation without restricting functionality.