TEKTRONIX designs award-wining measurement solutions like oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and related accessories. I used the new VBL (visual brand language) that Tactile established to design TEKTRONIX’s next generation of accessories. Similar to TEKTRONIX’s oscilloscopes, many of these accessories will be used for a decade or more before it is replaced so the look and feel of these devices need to be timeless.
Scope of work included: architecture & form exploration, CMF study, usability & ergonomic study, and design for manufacturing.
Visual Brand Language
The gloss top surface gives an edgeless look reflective of the oscilloscope’s display. Zero draft sides and crisp edges speaks to the precision and longevity of the product. The strain relief side is rounded to compliment the rounded corners of the oscilloscope while the connector side that plugs into the oscilloscope remains flat. The strain relief pattern was also redesigned to meet flex requirements and to reflect venting in the back of the oscilloscope.
Design For Manufacturing
Costs, part count, and part breakup were heavily considered during the design process. For example, the recess for a label was designed into the case half as a way to get the feature for ‘free’. Unlike the sides, the bottom surface is drafted to ease tooling efforts as it is not visible and the product does not need to sit on a flat surface.
Keeping in mind TEKTRONIX’s brand and user groups, I explored different graphical layout styles ranging from more classic and conservative (left) to something more modern with a touch of color (right).
