Wayne, a GE Energy business, is a global innovator of fuel dispensers and related technologies. In 2003, the Wayne Ovation™ fuel dispenser set new industry standards for product design and customer experience by integrating ATM-like technology. After a successful collaboration to design and launch the Ovation fuel dispenser, Wayne brought a new challenge to IDEO in 2009: Create a globally consistent design language and manufacturing approach for a new family of fuel dispensers—i.e., the “Wayne DNA.” The result is the Wayne Helix dispenser, a robust family of pumps that combine Wayne’s advanced fuel-dispensing and payment technologies with IDEO’s human-centered design innovations to positively impact the lives of distributors, retailers, service technicians, and motorists worldwide. The new design also meets all of the various regulatory standards over 145 countries.
While designing the Helix fuel dispenser, IDEO closely considered the global manufacturing process to see where improvements could be made. The team quickly discovered that a variety of legacy designs were still in use. A modular, globally consistent design language could differentiate Wayne products, bolster worker safety, and allow pumps to be produced anywhere in the world.
Behind the scenes, extensive global industry research and rapid prototyping of new pump designs produced more innovation-driving insights. Some key findings include:
- Traditional fuel dispensers are heavy, bulky, and difficult to transport
- Retailers and motorists all over the world have a growing comfort level with advanced technology and want a consistent pump interface
- There is an increasing need for emphasis on secure payment and fueling transactions at the pump, and both motorists and station owners need reassurance
- Many traditional pumps obstruct “clean” zones with “dirty” elements, such as when hoses interfere with the customer interface
- Clean, modern pumps with strong retail branding can help gas station owners attract drive-by customers “Wayne and IDEO went to great lengths to ensure we understood the needs of everyone from large oil companies and manufacturing plants to small family-owned stations, and drivers,” says Wayne Global President Neil Thomas. “Our team of Wayne global engineers and IDEO designers talked with customers and station owners in nine countries, gathering user preferences and knowledge regarding dispensers, the current fueling process, and the overall user experience. Much of the valuable insights we gained are reflected in the Helix fuel dispenser line.” The Wayne Helix family of dispensers combines advanced engineering and human-centered design to create an innovative, attractive solution to global industry needs.
An advanced fuel-dispensing technology system that emphasizes manufacturing safety, efficiency at scale, and iconic product design
Wayne, A GE Energy business, is a global innovator of fuel dispensers and related technologies. In 2003, the Wayne Ovation™ fuel dispenser set new industry standards for product design and customer experience by integrating ATM-like technology. After a successful collaboration to design and launch the Ovation fuel dispenser, Wayne brought a new challenge to IDEO in 2009: Create a globally consistent design language and manufacturing approach for a new family of fuel dispensers—i.e., the “Wayne DNA.” The result is the Wayne Helix dispenser, a robust family of pumps that combine Wayne’s advanced fuel-dispensing and payment technologies with IDEO’s human-centered design innovations to positively impact the lives of distributors, retailers, service technicians, and motorists worldwide. The new design also meets all of the various regulatory standards over 145 countries.
While designing the Helix fuel dispenser, IDEO closely considered the global manufacturing process to see where improvements could be made. The team quickly discovered that a variety of legacy designs were still in use. A modular, globally consistent design language could differentiate Wayne products, bolster worker safety, and allow pumps to be produced anywhere in the world.
Behind the scenes, extensive global industry research and rapid prototyping of new pump designs produced more innovation-driving insights. Some key findings include:
- Traditional fuel dispensers are heavy, bulky, and difficult to transport
- Retailers and motorists all over the world have a growing comfort level with advanced technology and want a consistent pump interface
Project date: 2012
Related Projects
