Bridging the Gap: Unveiling Challenges between ARM and Manufacturers
Following our kickoff meetings with clients, we started conducting research to gain a deeper understanding of the interactions and collaboration between ARM and manufacturers. Our aim was to uncover the underlying needs of both parties and identify areas where our intervention could be most impactful.
Our research revealed a challenge in the communication and knowledge exchange between ARM and manufacturers. There exists a two-way knowledge gap, where ARM may lack insights into the intricacies of the manufacturing process, while manufacturers often have limited understanding of robotics and ARM’s capabilities. Even after establishing a partnership, maintaining effective communication between the two entities remains a constant hurdle. Therefore, we identified an opportunity to streamline the communication of ARM’s value proposition and enhance the efficiency of client onboarding processes.
To gain deeper insights into ARM’s onboarding and collaboration procedures, we embarked on crafting an end-to-end (E2E) timeline of ARM’s processes. Recognizing that each team member possessed different perspectives on ARM’s operations, we individually mapped out E2E timelines, which were then synthesized into a comprehensive representation.
Furthermore, we had two invaluable one-site visits. The first involved observing ARM’s interactions with an advanced client, which had their own engineer team with a clear understanding of their automation needs. This visit provided us with insights into an efficient and ideal collaboration model.
Conversely, the second visit exposed us to a less advanced manufacturer in terms of knowledge in technology and the level of automation in the manufacturing process. ARM tried to bring various members from their consortium on-site to tackle their problem, which makes their engagement process very lengthy. These contrasting experiences underscored the need for our designs to accommodate the diverse needs of both advanced and beginner clients.
While the site visits offered invaluable insights into specific challenges and ARM’s role in addressing them, we recognized the importance of broadening our research scope. Our next steps involve reaching out to manufacturers beyond ARM’s existing network to comprehensively capture the spectrum of knowledge and readiness levels regarding robotics adoption. As we embark on this phase of our project, we remain committed to upholding the principles of human-centered design. Our goal is not merely to deliver a product but to establish meaningful change that enhances collaboration with ARM and empowers manufacturers.
In summary, our journey with ARM represents more than just a capstone project — it’s an opportunity to make a tangible impact on an industry ripe for transformation. By leveraging our interdisciplinary expertise, conducting thorough research, and embracing a collaborative approach, we are confident in our ability to drive positive change!
We’re sharing our Capstone journey to give you a sneak peek into what the MHCI Capstone experience is really like. It’s our way of offering an insider’s perspective on the path to breaking into the UX field. Whether you’re a fellow student, a seasoned professional, or just someone curious about the world of human-computer interaction, we want to invite you to join us on this rollercoaster of creativity and problem-solving. Follow us for regular updates, and if you’ve got thoughts, questions, or just want to chat about UX, we’re all ears!
Note: This project is not intended to contribute to generalizable knowledge and is not human subjects research.
