handling: In your opinion, how important is design in mechanical engineering?
The importance of design in mechanical engineering has steadily increased in recent years. Today, it is no longer enough for a component or machine to function perfectly; the product should also appeal to the target group. In product design, the non-verbal communication of rational, technical values such as precision, but also the communication of emotional aspects, is the central theme. A well-designed product creates an emotional bond with the target group and conveys a clear brand affiliation through its high recognition value. In my view, the optimal approach is the seamless integration of function, formal design, brand and communication.

Collaborative gripper HRC-03. © Zimmer Group

handling: In your opinion, what are the biggest success factors in design?
I see three factors in particular as essential: Firstly, the product should have a clear formal design in order to convey a clear message. Secondly, the product should fit in perfectly with the existing brand and not try to dominate it. Thirdly, timing is a success factor that should not be neglected. A feel for the acceptance of the target group is more important today than ever. In my view, a product hits the capital goods market perfectly if it surprises and, to a certain extent, polarizes the target group at market launch and achieves broad acceptance after one to two years.

handling: Mechanical engineering and automation are all about efficiency. How does design fit in with this?
Design works on many different levels, for example in the area of usability. Here, good and functional design ensures that the operation of machines and components is quickly understandable and clear. Design supports the operating efficiency of the machine through clear structuring and ergonomic design of operating elements. This motivates the machine operator, avoids operating errors, increases production quality and thus the overall efficiency of the system.

The GED 5000 gripper was one of Pfeiffer's first design solutions for the Zimmer Group. © Zimmer Group

handling: Do you remember the first product you designed for Zimmer?
I've been with the Zimmer Group since 2013. The first product was the GPP5000 gripper series. It is still on the market, albeit with a few revisions.

handling: What has changed since then?
The Zimmer Group has grown massively, doubling its turnover in the last five years. Our systems business has helped us to build up important expertise in the field of digitalization and initiate a technology transfer to our industrial automation components.

handling: In what way?
Well, during development we relied heavily on methods such as the "digital twin" to speed up the process. These are precisely the capabilities that customers are currently looking for in the components business and we are very well positioned in this respect today. dsc