The Look and Feel of the Electric Future
Viatec
Viatec is a unique player in the emerging electrification movement. Their first product, SmartPTO, provides on-demand power to hydraulic utility systems without the pollution, noise and high cost of idling diesel engines. This product solution positions Viatec as a high-tech, green-focused company.
While their first-gen product offered strong functionality, Viatec sought Sundberg-Ferar’s expertise to enhance its visual appeal and align its aesthetic with the innovative, forward-thinking brand they envisioned. Our collaboration aimed to elevate Viatec’s brand image, build marketing momentum, and ramp up sales.
Market
Commercial Products
Sundberg-Ferar partnered with Viatec to elevate their SmartPTO product by integrating design and functionality into a cohesive system that pushed both visual and practical boundaries. Through in-depth system packaging studies, usability research, and concept ideation for product enclosure systems, Sundberg-Ferar redefined the SmartPTO’s Visual Brand Language (VBL) to create a signature appearance that set Viatec apart from competitors.
With a focus on modularity, scalability, and cost efficiency, the final design balanced aesthetics, usability, and serviceability while incorporating low-capital tooling. This innovative approach optimized manufacturability and delivered a robust, high-tech visual theme, positioning Viatec as a leader in the electrification space.
Viatec: The Look and Feel of the Electric Future
The user interface (UI) needed to be visible from both the side (for an operator standing next to the system) and above (for an operator in a cherry picker). This led to a UI with big block pixels so clear information could be communicated from 20 feet away.
Human Impact
Usability is critical for sustainable solutions to be utilized to their full potential. In this case, Sundberg-Ferar focused on high-visibility on the UI and simple operation to make the SmartPTO an improved user-experience over diesel generators. This inspires the operator to use the SmartPTO as a single source for their hydraulic accessory needs, ditching their diesel systems altogether and burning less fossil fuel.
Business Impact
Sundberg-Ferar came up with multiple unique solutions that leveraged press-break metal in whole new ways. Each solution was paired with an initial part break-up strategy and assembly sequence to help select the ideal direction. The final concept had detailed considerations on joints and fastener strategies to optimize fit-finish and manufacturability while maintaining a robust and high-tech visual theme.
The SmartPTO’s success has helped build the Viatec brand, propelling their growth to new heights. The company now has multiple new products in the market and under development, all of which use the brand foundation built by Sundberg-Ferar’s collaboration on SmartPTO.
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