Displays are the windows to the digital world. Large windows may bring greater illumination but in the digital world they also demand a lot of space and energy. Small low-power peepholes, however, are inconvenient and inflexible.

 

And: which is better – touch or keyboard input? In the smartphone environment, opinions are divided over this question. In the service sector, there is much to recommend the touch screen. Full keyboards just require too much space and special keyboards are too inflexible. The better solution: optimize space for the largest possible touchscreen window for great flexibility. This gives plenty of room for optimal user interfaces and delivers maximum ergonomics for service personnel.

 

Ergonomic methods mean work can be rapidly and accurately completed. In many situations it is preferable to input data with the finger. For example, in access management: the operator‘s hand can remain free to take the ticket. Many restaurants, however, prefer staff to use a stylus. There might not be a technical reason for this; it simply looks more professional in the restaurant environment.

 

And who wants to explain to the customer service staff in the ski resort that gloves are not necessary in freezing temperatures? In this instance, the screen must be clear enough to be operated with gloved hands. Understanding these different requirements gave us a clear brief and gave our developers a clear challenge: develop a handheld device, that can be operated in bright sunlight equally as well as in a darkened room; that can be operated with finger, stylus and gloves; that can run most flexible service applications on its display; and that is so energy efficient that it lasts the whole working shift.

 

Much tinkering, trialing and testing ensued. Until we perfected a solution.

Quipos. How it’s done.