Streamlining In-Flight Communication
Flying an airplane is no easy matter. Pilots must constantly monitor dozens of gauges
and indicators in the cockpit while receiving updates from air traffic control. A
misheard communication adds stress and risk to the flying experience. What could
improve the flow of information between tower and pilot?
FLYING WITH APP SUPPORT
Veux Labs began by interviewing pilots and observing them on several flights.
We realized that an app offering a simple playback would answer most plane-to-tower
concerns: if pilots could access recent communication with the touch of a button,
they wouldn’t need to ask air control to repeat updates. We quickly identified
the iPad as the ideal support device, since iPads are commonly used for pre-flight
checks and in-flight navigation.
Collecting Communications
A unique hardware feature allows all cockpit intercom and radio traffic to be mixed and
then output to the iPad's auxiliary port or Bluetooth connection, where it is then recorded
by the FlightLink app. Certified under Apple’s Made For iPod (MFi) program, FlightLink is
a universal app for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch.
One-Touch Access
Given the complex environment of the cockpit, FlightLink had to be easy to use.
The user interface allows simple one-touch access to any segment of the last
two minutes of recorded audio. A digital notepad enables the pilot to jot
down instructions or other relevant information.
Standing Out from the Crowd
The unified communications (UC) marketplace is crowded and cacophonous.
With so much noise, it can be difficult for customers to find a business
partner that best suits their UC requirements. Mitel has a distinct advantage
with its total-cost-of-ownership (TCO) approach, an estimating service that
enables potential clients to compare the costs of Mitel and its competitors.
However, the company’s field sales team and channel partners needed help
communicating the TCO benefit.
A Valuable Sales Tool
Working with the consulting firm UC Strategies, Mitel created a TCO model
that accurately predicts customer savings with Mitel versus the costs of
competitors Cicso, Avaya, and Microsoft. Veux Labs and UC Strategies then
collaborated on a mobile-first, responsive web app, a tool for Mitel’s sales
force to utilize in coming up with TCO estimates for potential clients.
Simple Access to Sophisticated Calculations
Mitel’s cost model is extraordinarily complex and sophisticated, but the app
designed for it by Veux Labs has an easy-to-understand, easy-to-use interface.
A Mitel sales partner simply enters in six values to generate detailed comparison
graphs that can be easily shared with the customer.
Accessible on Any Device
Our mobile-first design to ensures that the web app is optimized for all devices.
Progressive enhancement modifies the screen configuration, scaling the app from
mobile phones to tablets and desktops.
Creating a new product category—Connected Dumbbells
Bowflex’s SelectTech is an adjustable at-home weight-lifting system. Instead of
buying a rack of different weights, users purchase a single pair of dumbbells—the
weight can be dialed up or down. The SelectTech family includes the 560 3D Trainer model,
which is the first Bluetooth-connected dumbbell and therefore has unique usability challenges.
In developing an app to accompany all SelectTech models, Veux Labs considered several key questions.
How could the app function as a virtual trainer to make a workout routine more effective
and engaging? Could the app help the user work toward a goal, to foster a sense of progress
or accomplishment? How could the app help shorten the user’s learning curve with the
3D Trainer model?
Creating an In-Home Coach and Manager
Veux designed the app to work with the 552 and 1090 models, as well as the
top-of-the-line Bluetooth-connected 560 model.
Regardless of which dumbbell they own, users can rely on the app to lead a workout:
from announcing the exercise, required weight, and number of reps through counting
down interim rests. The app can then integrate data with Apple Health or Google Fit.
When connected to the 560, the app auto-tracks sets, reps and weight used.
Additionally, quick start views and learning videos are provided to help the user get
started with the 560.
Building Knowledge, Muscles
Users can choose from among six predefined workouts that focus on
different muscle groups and body areas. Those who are new to weight
lifting can try a six-week challenge that offers a series of increasingly
challenging workouts. Videos and detailed descriptions help perfect form and pace.
Adding Variety
Experienced weightlifters can create their own workouts by selecting from the 80
exercises in the app’s library. These custom workouts can focus on specific muscle groups.
Tracking Improvement
Users can store data from each workout on the app, either manually
(for the 552 and 1090) or automatically (with the Apple Health/Google Fit-enabled
560 model). The app can then calculate short and long-term metrics on workout duration,
weight lifted, and calories burned. Users can also compare their performance
over time and share achievements on social media.
Depending on state laws, kids as young as 10 can drive off-road vehicles. As any parent knows, thrills can outweigh common sense, so inexperienced drivers are often tempted to go farther and faster than their skills allow. A parent-controlled app can set limits on speed and distance so children gradually master driving capability.
Getting in the Zone
A built-in map feature enables parents to establish a virtual fence. The user simply touches
points on the map to create this safe area. The boundaries can be modified by adding,
deleting, or moving points. With the geofence enabled, the vehicle will lose power if it
strays beyond the boundaries.
Training Safe Drivers
Parents can set the maximum speed allowed within the geofence, lessening the chance that
their child will lose control of the vehicle. Parents can also consult the app to review
riding habits so that they can absolutely sure that their child is being safe and
responsible.
Simple Set-Up
Parents sync the geofence perimeter and maximum speed with the vehicle using a Bluetooth
connection. Syncing is not completed until the user types in a PIN code, which helps ensure
that only parents can authorize settings.
Maximizing the Daily Workout
The Hybrid Velocity Trainer (HVT) is a new kind of at-home fitness
machine: it combines cardio and strength in workout programs built
from an array of 50 moves. To get the most out of the HVT, users
must master the moves. Seeing improvement is also critical. Otherwise,
motivation wanes and the HVT becomes an expensive clothes hanger.
Learning the Basics ... and Beyond
Veux Labs’s app has a prominent “Learn” feature that offers insights into
the theory behind HVT: a workout that blends cardio and strength is both
efficient and effective. The feature also explains and reviews each of the
50 exercise moves, and introduces the Total Power tracking feature, a proprietary
fitness metric developed for HVT workouts. Users can easily access the information
they need to begin their fitness journey.
Tracking Progress
A key to sticking with a fitness program is seeing progress:
longer endurance, increased strength, more flexibility, and,
of course, weight loss and muscle gain. The HVT app compiles
performance data and then offers feedback through statistics
and other measures of improvement. Users can compare workouts,
work toward short and long-term goals, and win awards for
achieving milestones.
Customizing the Workout
HVT comes with three preconfigured workouts: Sprint, Circuit, and Builder.
Some users may choose simply to cycle through these preset modes.
However, variety can counter fitness burnout, so the HVT app also enables
customized workouts. Users build a new routine by choosing a workout style
and adding exercises based on their preferences and desired outcomes. The
custom workouts can be edited later to refine the experience.