Interview with Andreas Knie
Jungheinrich AG
Red Dot: The design of the POWERSHIFT System is very much user-driven. Can you tell us a bit more about that?
We carried out comprehensive jobsite research on construction sites in the USA, UK, Germany and China. This global approach allowed us to grasp the varied needs and workflows of users, ensuring our product performs exceptionally in different settings. By incorporating these insights, we developed a system that significantly boosts efficiency and performance, establishing a new benchmark in the concrete power tool industry.
What is important when designing for harsh working environments?
The focus must be on durability and reliability, especially for leading organisations in concrete construction where safety is paramount. The term “harsh” encompasses various aspects, such as the feedback the tool generates, which can lead to user fatigue and injury, as well as the dusty, wet and abrasive working conditions. To address these challenges, we pay close attention to venting, wear points and housing design. It is also always important to test prototypes in real-world conditions.
How did functionality and aesthetics come together in this project?
Our interdisciplinary teams focused on functionality and usability to drive new design aesthetics that meet the requirements of scale and application of these tools. Ergonomically designed elements like handles and switches are consistent throughout the range. Reflective stickers are a safety feature and likewise a connecting aesthetic element. Such measures helped to bring the well-known DEWALT look, touch and feel to this larger concrete tool category.
