Smart Factory Command Center Design
Designing AR-powered tools and a command center to modernize factory operations
![[SB&D 3] Image for Header](http://downloads.ctfassets.net/xooissnm36jt/2G6TlGJvF7hxDjwIqSkxw4/38053bb31f0d3e91e18d8d4e76f113ce/Banner__17_.svg)
![[SB&D 3] Image for Header](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=)
Smart Factory Command Center Design
Designing AR-powered tools and a command center to modernize factory operations
![[SB&D 3] Image for the challenge](http://images.ctfassets.net/xooissnm36jt/1OXNHA3huYs4sPoJCcueOZ/19200064c6bad326f8b56ac6cbe53212/Group_54__16_.svg)
The Challenge
Stanley Black & Decker aimed to transform collaboration and decision-making across its 150+ factories worldwide. The company needed two connected solutions: a hands-free mobile experience for factory technicians and a centralized command center interface for real-time oversight. The mobile tool would enable technicians to troubleshoot machinery using Augmented Reality glasses while connecting with remote experts. Meanwhile, the command center would provide live visibility into asset health, production flow, and workforce coordination.
The challenge was to design intuitive, scalable interfaces that could handle voice interactions, live sensor data, and complex collaboration workflows across time zones and roles.
The Solution
Topcoder launched a series of three RUX (Rapid User Experience) challenges to conceptualize and refine a visual collaboration platform that connects factory technicians with remote machine experts. Designers focused on two interfaces: a hands-free experience for technicians using Augmented Reality glasses, and a touchscreen experience for experts using tablets. The Augmented Reality interface allowed technicians to access live machine data, view blueprints, and receive remote guidance through real-time voice and video—entirely via voice control. Meanwhile, experts could monitor sensor data, review asset history, and collaborate through screen annotations, remote commands, and live video.
The solutions were designed to handle high-complexity workflows with a clean, intuitive UX tailored for fast-paced industrial environments.
Challenges we ran:
• RUX - Vulcan Visual Collaboration Tool Design Challenge
• RUX - Vulcan Nerve Center App Design Challenge
• RUX Vulcan - Collaboration Tool Design Refinement Challenge
3
Challenges
161
Participants
87
Submissions
20
Days
The Impact
Stanley Black & Decker now has a forward-looking design foundation to support digital transformation in its manufacturing operations. The Augmented Reality tool improves technician efficiency and enables remote collaboration, while the command center enhances visibility and responsiveness at a global scale.
By using Topcoder’s design community, the company accelerated innovation while keeping user needs at the center.
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