When we talk about UX, UI and design, attention often shifts quickly to aesthetics: attractive buttons, sleek colours and a modern look. But that is not what good design is really about. Good UX (User Experience) is about clarity and predictability. It is about systems that feel logical, even under time pressure or in challenging conditions.
In manufacturing, where processes are often complex and mistakes can be costly, good UX design makes the difference between efficiency and frustration. The sector is digitalising at high speed and during such a transition it is crucial not to lose sight of people. New systems must align with the needs of their users. People are not machines; their needs differ from system requirements. Thoughtful UX design bridges this gap.
A system that works intuitively does not drain energy. The right action stands out, the wrong action is hard to make, and the user can move through the process with confidence. As soon as someone has to search, hesitate or click back, the process slows down and trust in the system starts to erode. In environments where complex systems such as a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) support daily production processes, good UX helps to make complex workflows clear and logical, enabling operators to act quickly and confidently.
That is why every design starts with one simple question: What goal does the user need to achieve? Only once that is clear can you make the path towards it logical, short and predictable. This guided flow makes users less dependent on prior knowledge or experience.
For example, in an application developed for construction workers, the process of ordering materials was simplified as much as possible. A user only needs to click the “+ Order” button, after which they are fully guided through the ordering steps. In this way, the user can place an order quickly and easily, while the order still contains all the specifications the back office needs.
A clear process benefits both the user and the organisation. The intuitive ordering flow ensures the application is actively used and orders are processed smoothly. Staff on site do not waste time on complex administrative tasks, and back‑office staff no longer need to chase additional information from the people placing orders or from other systems. The intuitive process encourages adoption, increases efficiency and prevents errors.
The new ketchup bottle design shows what UX is: not how something looks, but how logically it works. With one bottle you have to shake and wait, while the squeeze bottle works straight away.
Good design goes beyond usability. A clear interface helps, but people will still make mistakes, especially in environments where speed, distraction or physical strain play a role. That is why design must actively catch or even prevent human error.
Workers in factories and on construction sites often have very different technical backgrounds. Some are fully familiar with digital tools, others not at all. This demands strong guidance in applications: large buttons, few options on screen at once, and clear colour contrasts and hierarchy. In this way, users no longer need prior experience with similar systems, and training for simple applications can sometimes be largely avoided.
Good UX also has a direct impact on safety. In environments with heavy machinery, high risks and constant movement, a poor interface can lead to dangerous mistakes. An unclear button, confusing colour or badly phrased message can all result in wrong assumptions – and wrong assumptions lead to wrong actions.
A well‑designed UX:
In manufacturing, this is not a detail but a critical safety measure.
We are getting better and better at collecting data, but this also creates a risk for the user experience. You want to avoid overwhelming the user with too much information – so‑called “feature fatigue”. This means users become overloaded when a product or screen presents too many functions or details at once. In the context of manufacturing, people often work under time pressure, which makes it essential to prevent feature fatigue.
The key is to simplify the data without hiding it. Users must be able to distinguish within milliseconds between stable, at‑risk and critical situations that require immediate action. To achieve this, you start by defining what truly matters on the screen, then apply strong visual hierarchy so the most important data stands out immediately and naturally prompts the right response.
A factory or construction site has constraints that an office does not. Action buttons must be large enough for use with gloves, contrasts must be clear enough for very dark or very bright environments, and navigation must be kept to a minimum due to time pressure.
In manufacturing, we deal with physical constraints that we want to incorporate into the design. Physical constraints can include wearing gloves, limited mobility, a vibrating environment, or any other reason why it is difficult to tap precisely on a screen. By taking this into account - for example, with extra‑large touch targets, sufficient spacing between buttons, and minimalist interactions – you ensure the application remains reliable and safe to use, even when the user cannot operate it with full physical precision.
When technology feels logical and can be used without conscious effort, people work faster and make fewer mistakes. An intuitive interface encourages adoption, because employees actually want to use the system instead of experiencing it as an obligation. By removing friction, onboarding becomes easier and less training is needed, while the work itself becomes more consistent and less error‑prone. Ultimately, good UX leads to higher efficiency on the shop floor, less frustration and more trust in digital tools – exactly what is needed to make digitalisation in manufacturing truly successful.
Good UX design delivers:
Good UX design is about safety, simplicity, predictability and trust. By designing from the human perspective, you create systems that are intuitive, efficient and resilient to errors. The power of good design lies in removing complexity so employees can fully focus on their work. In a world where digitalisation continues to accelerate, UX is the key to making technology truly effective and safe on the shop floor.
Curious how your system scores in terms of UX? Get in touch for a UX audit. Our team of Mendix designers will gladly help you identify pain points and propose concrete improvements.
Kelly Fransen, Senior Consultant