Meeting accessibility for Swipbox
SwipBox builds intelligent parcel locker systems that power last-mile delivery and returns across logistics, retail, and residential environments. While their mobile app enables most interactions, there was a growing need for on-device interfaces especially to improve accessibility. I contributed to the redesign of a new generation of HMI touchpoints of locker systems, ensuring they are intuitive, physically accessible, and compliant with emerging accessibility standards.
Reading time: 5-6 min.
Accessibility
HMI
Physical + digital
More tests?
Right terms?
Reachable?
How do we design an interaction across hardware and interface usable by everyone
Accessibility requirements across physical and digital touchpoints
New regulations introduced stricter requirements, such as interaction elements being reachable within a maximum height of 122 cm and compliance with European accessibility standards.
Expanding beyond app-only interaction
Users, focusing on the couriers, needed faster, more reliable physical interaction points. Larger screens and integrated scanners were requested to support operational workflows.
Looking at the task holistically by treating the locker as a combined physical and digital experience
We started by analyzing existing SwipBox locker configurations of where and how much space a potential HMI would take aswell as tailoring to the accessibility requirement of being able to operate a locker from the height of 122 cm.
We looked into comparable systems like ATMs, EV chargers, and kiosks. This helped establish inspirational, if not best practices, for accessibility in public interfaces and identify gaps in current solutions. It was especially an eye-opener noticing accessibility options in ATM’s succesfully aiding those visually impaired.
Using insights from research from the client and early testing, we explored multiple concepts for integrating:
- Screens
- Keypads
- Scanners
These were sketched and iterated into early design directions.
From Sketch to System
Selected concepts were translated into hi-fi paper prototypes and later into 3D visualizations and modular configurations, ensuring they could scale across different locker types. At this stage, we focused on placement of interaction zones, reachability across user types, even above 122 cm, and the visual hierarchy between physical and digital elements.
We used red tape to determine the maximum height. A neat little trick.
Prototyping & Ergonomic Testing
We validated designs through ergonomic testing, firstly with the research we had from the client. Thereafter the designs were tested on users in a wheelchair, among other users that fall into the accessibility requirements. This revealed critical insights around:
- Reach angles
- Button placement
- Screen readability in different positions
Design decisions were hereafter refined.
Designing for Accessibility
Accessibility became a core design driver, and based on the user testing as well as the accessibility requirements, key decisions included:
- High-contrast color schemes for visibility
- Large, legible typography
- Tactile feedback through embossed buttons
- Backlit keys for low-light environments
- Screen readout support
- Angled keypads to improve usability at lower placements
Refinement & Production Alignment
We collaborated closely with hardware suppliers to define material finishes so the design could withstand an outdoor setting (UV from the sun, rain, general use and vandalism). We also delved into the use of tactile qualities from the buttons to enhance the feedback from using the HMI. Color systems (RAL-based for production accuracy) were also determined.
With all of the information above we achieved a production-ready design system with specifications and guidelines.
Multi-sensory UI interaction
As we came close to a final design for the HMI, we also delved into the UI interaction on the touchscreen. The job at hand was to find a balance on interacting the HMI between touchscreen and the physical buttons.
How could we show the user that they’re able to use both the touchscreen and the buttons at the right time during the flow?
Key use flows were ‘picking up parcel’ and the courier work (in this case, being able to deliver parcels).
Since the physical buttons were backlit, we could utilize it to show when the button were pressable.
Whenever the user were to pickup their parcel, they had to type in a password. The numbers on the physical buttons lit up. On the screen itself, when an option appeared, such as completing a pickup, the corresponding arrow button was lit up.
Even here, the UI screens were designed to be compliant with the accessibility regulations. We made sure to use large and legible typography with high-contrasting colors.
Graphics were also designed in order to emphasize system status such as what locker was opened, loading, and pickup completion.
Cohesive, accessible interface system across the product line.
The result was a cohesive, accessible interface system across SwipBox’s locker product line.
- A unified HMI design language across multiple locker configurations
- Improved usability for both end-users and couriers
- Compliance with accessibility requirements
- A scalable design system for future products
The work positioned SwipBox to qualify for public tenders while elevating the perceived quality of the product experience.
