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Nano Dimension Fabrica 2.0

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Nano Dimension Fabrica 2.0

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Nano Dimension Fabrica 2.0

Fabrica 2.0 machine is a nano 3D printer. The physical machine (Industrial Design) was also designed by TENA studio. The Fabrica 2.0 has an integrated screen with a dedicated system to control the machine. The client asked for a complete redesign of the system including fitting the new screen to flow more seamlessly with the machine.

Role:

User Research, Interaction, Visual design, Prototyping & Testing

Industry:

Nano 3D printer

Duration:

2020-2024

Overview

I joined TENA studio as a Product Designer about 2 months before the project began. TENA studio was founded by two Industrial Designers integrating two disciplines - Industrial Design & UX/UI. I joined the studio right after they assembled the first designed machine.

Challenges

Key Issues We Wanted to Solve:

  • Screen Placement & Orientation: A full HD 21” screen in a vertical orientation was the most efficient choice, preserving the machine’s aesthetics. The unusual orientation created an exciting opportunity to rethink the interface.

  • User Expertise & Bias: The company primarily sells single units, and most operators receive specific training. While they know the machine inside out, they are also biased by the current terminology, interface, and workflows.

  • Interface Structure: The current UI lacks hierarchy, clustering all available operations together.

  • Progress Estimation Challenge: Since SLA technology doesn’t provide a visual reference, users struggle to correlate percentage-based progress with the physical state of the model.

  • Guidance vs. Experience: The printing preparation and maintenance processes can be complex without training. There needs to be enough guidance for new users without disrupting experienced operators.



My Approach

Due to the shortage of trained operators, we conducted research using multiple methods:

  • Operator Interviews: Identified current needs and pain points.

  • SLA 3D Printer Owner Interviews: Explored common challenges across different machines, including lower-cost models.

  • User Journey & Printing Process Analysis: Reviewed interactions with both the physical machine and the existing interface to uncover unclear flows.

Key Insights from the Analysis

  • User Types: We identified three main user groups—on-location operators, company maintenance operators, and advanced service operators.

  • Lack of Interface Hierarchy: All users had full control over the machine.

  • Disconnect Between Physical and Digital Tasks: The interface didn’t align with the operator’s physical workflow.

  • Hidden Machine States: Critical backend states affecting printability, motor control, and parameter adjustments were not visible in the UI.

  • Overly Technical Language: The interface was cluttered with terminology only internal R&D teams understood.

  • No 3D Model Visibility: Users couldn’t view the model before, during, or after printing.

Wireframing the solution

Addressing the Pain Points

To tackle the identified issues, we explored several solutions:

  • Visual Wizards: Designed step-by-step guides to enable even untrained operators to use the machine.

  • User-Based Hierarchy: Hid advanced settings and operations from average users while keeping them accessible for experienced operators.

  • Clear Main Screen Layout: Established a structured hierarchy featuring a 3D model view and real-time printing progress.

  • Machine State Indications: Defined specific backend states and incorporated clear UI indicators for print availability, motor control, and parameter adjustments.

We created wireframes to test the overall layout and gather feedback. Designing for a vertically integrated screen presented unique challenges, requiring careful ergonomic considerations in both the physical and digital space.

Wireframing the solution

Addressing the Pain Points

To tackle the identified issues, we explored several solutions:

  • Visual Wizards: Designed step-by-step guides to enable even untrained operators to use the machine.

  • User-Based Hierarchy: Hid advanced settings and operations from average users while keeping them accessible for experienced operators.

  • Clear Main Screen Layout: Established a structured hierarchy featuring a 3D model view and real-time printing progress.

  • Machine State Indications: Defined specific backend states and incorporated clear UI indicators for print availability, motor control, and parameter adjustments.

We created wireframes to test the overall layout and gather feedback. Designing for a vertically integrated screen presented unique challenges, requiring careful ergonomic considerations in both the physical and digital space.

Wireframing the solution

Addressing the Pain Points

To tackle the identified issues, we explored several solutions:

  • Visual Wizards: Designed step-by-step guides to enable even untrained operators to use the machine.

  • User-Based Hierarchy: Hid advanced settings and operations from average users while keeping them accessible for experienced operators.

  • Clear Main Screen Layout: Established a structured hierarchy featuring a 3D model view and real-time printing progress.

  • Machine State Indications: Defined specific backend states and incorporated clear UI indicators for print availability, motor control, and parameter adjustments.

We created wireframes to test the overall layout and gather feedback. Designing for a vertically integrated screen presented unique challenges, requiring careful ergonomic considerations in both the physical and digital space.

Wireframe concepts



Print status concepts

Wireframe concepts



Print status concepts

Wireframe concepts



Print status concepts

Print Progress


Fabrica 2.0 is a nano printer, meaning prints take days to complete. Since the machine is fully enclosed, operators have no way to visually check the print mid-process. Without the interface, there’s no clear indication that the machine is functioning correctly.

To address this, we introduced a wireframed 3D view of the loaded or printed model, dynamically filling as progress advances. This visualization also allowed us to incorporate additional key indicators, such as layer progress and layer change tracking, providing operators with clearer insights into the print status.

Print Progress


Fabrica 2.0 is a nano printer, meaning prints take days to complete. Since the machine is fully enclosed, operators have no way to visually check the print mid-process. Without the interface, there’s no clear indication that the machine is functioning correctly.

To address this, we introduced a wireframed 3D view of the loaded or printed model, dynamically filling as progress advances. This visualization also allowed us to incorporate additional key indicators, such as layer progress and layer change tracking, providing operators with clearer insights into the print status.

Print Progress


Fabrica 2.0 is a nano printer, meaning prints take days to complete. Since the machine is fully enclosed, operators have no way to visually check the print mid-process. Without the interface, there’s no clear indication that the machine is functioning correctly.

To address this, we introduced a wireframed 3D view of the loaded or printed model, dynamically filling as progress advances. This visualization also allowed us to incorporate additional key indicators, such as layer progress and layer change tracking, providing operators with clearer insights into the print status.

Machine Status

Nano SLA printing adds another layer of complexity, requiring multiple preparatory steps before a print can begin. The existing interface lacked any indication of the machine’s state or readiness. To address this, we introduced several key solutions:

  • Persistent Status Indicator: A constant machine status bar at the top of the interface, doubling as a progress bar once printing starts.

  • Context-Aware Status Section: A dedicated area on the main screen dynamically reflecting key machine parameters, providing relevant insights during printing, wizards, and maintenance.

  • High-Visibility Color Coding: Since the machine is often part of a larger manufacturing floor, we incorporated strong color cues in critical UI elements, allowing operators to assess status at a glance—even from a distance.

Machine Status

Nano SLA printing adds another layer of complexity, requiring multiple preparatory steps before a print can begin. The existing interface lacked any indication of the machine’s state or readiness. To address this, we introduced several key solutions:

  • Persistent Status Indicator: A constant machine status bar at the top of the interface, doubling as a progress bar once printing starts.

  • Context-Aware Status Section: A dedicated area on the main screen dynamically reflecting key machine parameters, providing relevant insights during printing, wizards, and maintenance.

  • High-Visibility Color Coding: Since the machine is often part of a larger manufacturing floor, we incorporated strong color cues in critical UI elements, allowing operators to assess status at a glance—even from a distance.

Machine Status

Nano SLA printing adds another layer of complexity, requiring multiple preparatory steps before a print can begin. The existing interface lacked any indication of the machine’s state or readiness. To address this, we introduced several key solutions:

  • Persistent Status Indicator: A constant machine status bar at the top of the interface, doubling as a progress bar once printing starts.

  • Context-Aware Status Section: A dedicated area on the main screen dynamically reflecting key machine parameters, providing relevant insights during printing, wizards, and maintenance.

  • High-Visibility Color Coding: Since the machine is often part of a larger manufacturing floor, we incorporated strong color cues in critical UI elements, allowing operators to assess status at a glance—even from a distance.

UI concepts

Since the physical machine was designed by TENA Studio, we had an established artistic direction to guide the UI. The interface needed to complement the machine’s design while reinforcing the company's identity as an industry leader.

UI concepts

Since the physical machine was designed by TENA Studio, we had an established artistic direction to guide the UI. The interface needed to complement the machine’s design while reinforcing the company's identity as an industry leader.

UI concepts

Since the physical machine was designed by TENA Studio, we had an established artistic direction to guide the UI. The interface needed to complement the machine’s design while reinforcing the company's identity as an industry leader.

Design concepts



Detailed Design







Design concepts



Detailed Design







Design concepts



Detailed Design







Conclusion

The Fabrica 2.0 3D printer, featuring its new interface, was showcased at Formnext 2021, receiving high engagement from participants.

  • Designing an interface deeply integrated with a physical machine was a steep learning curve. Many digital UX ideas required extensive physical development, adding complexity to implementation.

  • The limited number of users—most of whom were already familiar with the machine—was both a comfort and a challenge. Observing professionals versus non-operators highlighted the need for a user journey that made printing and maintenance accessible even for first-time users.

  • Strategic Prioritization was key. Working with a startup meant balancing resources and development effort effectively. Our role was to define which interface elements were critical at each development phase, ensuring a stable and user-friendly experience while aligning with the company’s fast-paced environment.