Selection > User-centred software for laser microscopy
To display this page correctly you should install the latest version of the Adobe Flash Player You'll enjoy a richer experience. Thankx!
Optics manufacturer Carl Zeiss invited Intuity to develop user interfaces for Efficient Navigation (ZEN). The aim was to simplify the use of complex laser scanning microscopes. As a result, an entirely new level of intuitive and individual usability has been achieved.
- Task
- Laser scanning microscopes are indispensable tools in biomedical research. By displaying organic cells and organisms three-dimensionally and at high resolution, it is possible to research the causes of diseases. With their multi-disciplinary yet intuitively operated software, Carl Zeiss aims to drastically improve the usability of these complex devices. The new ZEN (Zeiss Efficient Navigation) interface reflects the full technological range of the laser scanning microscope whilst taking into account the latest ergonomic principles.
- Solution
- In order to adapt the interface to everyday requirements, we analysed researchers' working practices and interviewed them about their specific needs and desires. This gave us a basis to completely rework the existing interface software. We simplified the overall appearance and redesigned all buttons, icons and graphics with the aim of achieving the highest possible visual clarity, transparency and user-friendliness. Thanks to our comprehensive documentation, Zeiss developers were able to fully implement the concept and the ZEN design.
- Result
- Not only does ZEN offer a high level of intuitive use, it is also very easy to master its operation, as comprehensive testing showed. Thanks to the ergonomic layout of all functions, displays and controls, users can prepare their experiments quickly, simply and safely. The system also incorporates a high degree of flexibility. Researchers can easily adapt the interface to particular experiments and individual requirements, then save these settings. This represents another valuable way to simplify researchers' work. The first part of the software was released in spring 2007. Intuity also assisted Carl Zeiss in the introduction phase by making resources available for researchers to familiarise themselves with the new interface and the most important features of the ZEN software through the internet. Another important milestone was reached in spring of 2008 with the introduction of the high-end laser microscope LSM710. As before, this development was supported by Intuity's web-based communication strategy.