Setting a new benchmark in Quantum Computing
Quantum Computer Re-Design
Client
Teams Design Consulting Shanghai + Quantum Computer Manufacturer
Scope
Rethink the layout of a Quantum Computer to target first-time users. Develop a visual brand design and new benchmark for usability.
Role: Research, Concept, UX, 2D Design & 3D-Modelling, Visualization
Outcome
A comprehensive Quantum Computer Design with revolutionary usability and outstanding appearance.
Identified and tackled user-pain points and improved operational safety. Delivered high quality CAD model with production-ready surfaces and UI Design.
Research
Quantum application developers working with data centers and industry enterprises excel in programming, mathematics, and algorithm optimization. However, managing the underlying physical hardware and facilities can be daunting.
While today`s Quantum Computers are technically elaborate machines, their actual usability is an afterthought. An in depth analysis of current benchmark models quickly identified a range of major pain points that hinder potential new customers to delve into the field of Quantum Computing. Current commercially available systems are composed with off-the-shelve parts without paying attention on creating an intuitive and error-proof user touchpoints.
1
Server
This software interface, the only relevant touchpoint for the majority of users, is cluttered by complex and fragile mechanical parts.
2
Cryostat
Quantum Chip Cooling Unit: Lenghty dissembly process that required at two or more workers.
3
Gas Handling System
High maintainance parts are cluttered with do-not-touch areas such as pressure valves.
4
Gas Tanks
Liquid Nitrogen cylinder, which needs daily refill, placed next to no-touch container which contains expensive H3 gas.
5
Breakboard
Poor visual guidance for plug sockets. Exposes cables to misuse, inadvertence and dust pollution.
Workshop
Identifying user pain-points
There’s a currently a lack of established best practices for the User Experience (UX) if quantum machines. I therefore led a comprehensive workshop in order to identify the pain points associated with current quantum computing machines together with the client’s technical team.
Ideation & Visual Development
The project featured extensive use of sketches to diverge and effectively convey ideas. We paid meticulous attention to the visual appearance of the Quantum Computer, presenting various design options. Given the client’s limited history with products, we thoroughly explored their brand values. This allowed us to establish a formal design language that corresponded with their corportate identity.
Technical package
Rethinking the layout
Through multiple iterations, we aligned the concepts for visual appearance with the technical layout of the Quantum computer, resulting in three cohesive design directions.
Direction A
Simple + intuitive
Simplistic and reduced design with intuitive touchpoints and focus on operational safety. Tailored to first-time users without prior experience in Quantum Computing.
Package Triangular arrangement that clusters all relevant tangible interfaces onto a single surface. Monolithic shape aims for a reduced appearance, leaving only the most important touchpoints visible to the user.
Direction B
Maximum accessibility
Modular design that aims for best accessibility for operation and maintainance. Access points and physical interface are tailored to both, semi-professional and professional users.
Package Linear arrangement that splits up the touchpoints of server and the Gas Handling system into dedicated areas. Elaborate access to the high-maintainance mechanical parts of the gas circuit.
Direction C
Compact
Space-efficient and integrated design for intermediate users. Focus on easy maintainance and optimized for solo operations, without requiring help from additional workers.
Package Compact arrangement for efficiency space-usage. Mechanical systems for maintainance guarantee good usability while reducing the footprint of the machine to a minimum.
Final Design
Clustering Touchpoints
The design directions A-C were converged into a cohesive final concept through several iterations and in close collaboration witht the client. A user-centered layout separates the real estate of the machine into three areas: Server, Gas handling system and Cryostat unit. Server unit and breakboard, which are the most frequent touchpoints, are clustered together. Mechanical- and low-maintainace parts like pumps and tanks keeping are spatially separated from this area to anticipate human error due to misusage.
Flooring
Integrated lights are lighting out the cryostat to support the work on the delicate parts of the cryostat. A slip-proof floor surface offers an optimal environment for working on the cryostat.
Nitrogen Refill port
Requiring a refill every 2-3 days, the Liquid Nitrogen tank is the only part of the Gas Handling system that requires regular care. A port that is integrated into the exterior of the machine enables a refill that is as gasing up a car. It becomes obsolete to engage with the bottle itself, saving time and eliminating operational risks.
Cryostat dissembly
Due to a strategic separation of the cryostat cover into 3 differently sized parts, most use-cases require only the dissembly of the lowest part. Ergonomic handles ease disassembly, and an integrated large thread in the cover design replaces the need for screws.
