Green Machine
Viridi came to us with an early prototype for their new venture, Green Machine, an electric skid steer designed to be quieter, easier to use, and safer than traditional machines. The prototype showed promise but had several issues that needed to be addressed. We started with the ride quality. The original hydraulic system used a series setup, which caused the machine to feel jerky during steering and arm movements. By reconfiguring it into a parallel system, we were able to smooth out operation and make the controls feel more predictable. We also reduced the overall size of the machine so it could pass through standard doorways. On the design side, we concentrated on improving the operator experience. We redesigned the steering controls, side rails, and colorway, paying particular attention to ergonomics. Using mockups and a working prototype, we ran a detailed ergonomic study and tested different layouts with multiple users. Their feedback guided the refinements that led to a more comfortable and intuitive control system. Together, these changes transformed the prototype into a machine that felt stable, responsive, and much easier to operate.
- Viridi
- 2022
- Green Good Design Awards
