Software for controlling a CNC robot

We developed the desktop control software for Goliath CNC, the portable robotic milling machine created by Springa.

Springa is a Milan-based startup. Founded in 2016 by Lorenzo Frangi, Alessandro Trifoni and Davide Cevoli in partnership with PoliHub, the startup accelerator of the Politecnico di Milano. Their mission is to design and develop automated tools for digital fabrication. The first product Springa launched on the market was the Goliath CNC robotic milling machine.

Understanding

The work process started with a few sessions on understanding, in which we gathered up-to-date information from the Springa team on Goliath’s features and product placement in the market; watched a demo of the use of Goliath via Slingshot; organised information on the main problems already reported by users or detected by the team.

User Research

We surveyed a sample of both amateur and professional Goliath owners, scattered across Europe and the United States, to learn more about their experience of using the product, examine known issues in detail, and map out other problems and suggestions for improving Slingshot.

At the end of the User Research activity, we prepared a report with useful insights to steer the follow-up work on the design of the User Experience and User Interface of the new software version.

The main challenges we faced in the design phase were simplifying the more complex aspects of Slingshot and making them more user-friendly. To do this, we have incorporated tutorials and guided tours into the software. Improving the dynamics of interaction between the software and the controlled hardware device, to allow Goliath users to have as much control of the robot as possible direct from their PC.

«We didn’t just want a re-design of the UI, we wanted to simplify the user experience at all stages of using the product, from setup to cutting. The interaction between software and machine was a key focus for us. Using Moze, we thoroughly analysed the user experience issues and designed a more streamlined and intuitive experience. Their team really knows how to look beyond the interface.»

Davide Cevoli, Co-founder & Chief Design Officer, Springa