New UI proposal

Context

To better meet the needs and expectations of users in public areas, Buddy’s user interface has been refined to provide an even more intuitive experience. Insights gathered from field feedback showed that some (first-time) users are not immediately aware where and how to trigger a manual flush (top ToF, bottom ToF or touch). This can occasionally result in selecting a different flush volume than intended or triggering multiple flushes in succession. To further enhance ease of use, reduce the likelihood of unnecessary water consumption, and help ensure consistent flushing performance, we developed a simplified and more intuitive interface.

The goal of this redesign is:

1. to be more tolerant to user error

2. to reduce the chance of a flush with an insufficient volume

3. to reduce the chance of the user touching the flush plate

4. simplify animations to reduce user confusion

5. make operation consistent, undependant of the settings of the flush plate

This are the major changes:

1. Both ToF act identically. A flush can be triggered with both the top and bottom sensor. This is especially benefitial for white plates, where the top sensor is clearly visible.

2. Present full flush before small flush. A small trigger will always result in a full flush (both when dual flush is enabled or disabled). If dual mode is enabled, a long trigger will result in a small flush. This makes usage consistent and reduces the chance of users flushing too little.

3. Faster trigger on hand detection. A hand should no longer be pulled away to trigger a flush. This is particulary useful on the RoundBuddy when dual flush is disabled. A user who want to flush by touching the plate, will get a flush before his hand touch the glass.

4. Smart Detect animation were removed. These animations could confuse users of what was going on and which volume will be flushed. Smart Detect therefore has become a hidden feature. In this design, the UI immediately shows the color profile (instead of white on user detection and color on usage detection).

5. Smart Detect only on backup flush. Smart Detect will only determine the flush volume when the user doesn’t flush manually. The animations won’t show which flush volume is being flushed

Demo

Dual flush enabled

Dual flush disabled

Backup autoflush

(usage detected, no manual trigger)

Secondary functions

Secondary functions can now be selected by triggering both ToF sensors simulteanuously.

Testrun

The new user interface is available via a firmware update on the development branch.

1. Connect to the flushplate with the IPEE app

2. Open the hidden tab (3rd tab → System information → tap 5x on 'Serial number' → 987654)

3. Under App settings, Firmware branch, select ‘Development’

4. Move to the third app.

5. Tap ‘Check for updates’

6. A new firmware will be available: 254.3.

7. Install it