Patents
Alternative Interaction Method For AR HUDs
In challenging inventory environments, rugged barcode scanners are essential for their durability. However, they often lack a screen, which prevents users from receiving crucial, real-time feedback on their scans.
My invention solves this problem by using an Augmented Reality Heads-Up Display (AR HUD). This innovative solution provides a hands-free visual interface that projects essential information directly into the user's field of view, ensuring accuracy and efficiency without compromising the scanner's rugged design.
Barcode Scanning Based On Gesture Detection
When workers need to scan a barcode on an item, they often need their hands for other tasks at the same time, like lifting, sorting, or writing. Current handheld barcode scanners require one or both hands to operate, which can slow down the process and force the user to repeatedly set down or pick up the scanner. My invention helps solve that problem by recognising hand gestures.
Simulated Input Mechanisms For Wearables
Many small devices, like smartwatches, have tiny screens that are too small for a usable keyboard. While other input methods like voice commands or handwriting recognition exist, they can be inaccurate or difficult to use in certain situations. My invention offers a new way to interact with these devices.
Indicator Assembly For Media Processing Devices
Some devices, like label printers, have different operational states that need to be communicated to the user. However, adding things like display screens can make the device more expensive and complex to manufacture, and they may not physically fit. My invention presents a new way to use LED illumination to communicate a device's status through animated light patterns. This method is both space-efficient and cost-effective.
Ideas
Idea #1
Enhanced Swipe
Conventional list swipe actions often lead to frustrating user experiences. Because hidden actions (like Delete or Archive) are revealed only after a full swipe, fast user gestures can unintentionally trigger the action, causing the list item to disappear before the user registers the action. Furthermore, many interfaces provide no initial visual indication that a swipe action is even available.
My solution introduces a subtle color bar hint on the edge of a list item. This pre-swipe visual cue immediately signals the presence of a hidden action, making the interface more intuitive.
I actually wrote a detailed article about this and similar ideas here.
This GIF illustrates a key usability issue with the Material Design list item: the "Archive" action is hidden, with no visual clue to prompt the user to swipe. This lack of discoverability can prevent users from finding or using the feature.
To indicate a hidden function, I added a narrow rectangle on the right. This cue signals to the user that a swipe action will expand the rectangle, unveiling additional options.
Idea #2
Draggable Floating Action Button
Most use cases with barcode scanners required more flexibility than the standard Material Design floating action button (FAB) allowed. To solve this, I designed a draggable FAB. This new design lets users reposition the button for optimal comfort, making it more accessible for different hand sizes and accommodating both left and right-handed users. Users can also drag it to the bottom to access full screen mode for even easier scanning.
Idea #3
Vertical Keyboard Layout
As the Lead UX/UI Designer for the EC30 Smart Device, I owned the end-to-end design and execution of the entire keyboard and input experience.
The primary constraint was the device's 3 inch display, which necessitated a complete rethinking of traditional mobile input. To address this, I designed and validated a revised layout that reduced the key count from 10 to 7 per row.
This optimization resulted in a 41% increase in the touch input area for each key. During internal testing, the new layout proved highly effective, demonstrating an up to 30% increase in average typing speed alongside significantly reduced input errors.
This is the real QWERTY keyboard! Jokes aside, beyond general typing speed, the new layout delivered an immediate reduction in password entry errors, streamlining the user login process and saving valuable time.
The EC30's small, portable form factor was a core design advantage, but this physical constraint simultaneously created numerous complex software and UX challenges that required innovative solutions.
Experiments
Experiment #1
3D Clock
This project is a dynamic visualization of time, built with the p5.js library, where a grid of 3D cubes serves as a kinetic sculpture of a clock. It transforms the abstract concept of time passing —second by second, minute by minute, and hour by hour—into a tangible visual experience. As time advances, the cubes change in real-time, with new cubes appearing as representations of the current moment. This continuous process not only tells the time but also creates a display of data-driven art and interactive design.
Experiment #2
AR Filters
As a creator of Instagram AR filters, I deployed numerous effects that generated more than 250,000 impressions before the platform discontinued all the AR feature support.
