top of page
AI POWERED SMART RADIO
APX NEXT brings advanced usability and performance to every aspect of the two-way radio experience. It combines touchscreen and voice interfaces with mission-critical performance to assure a communications lifeline for emergency responders. It brings new applications and services such as LTE back up and voice query to assure uninterrupted information flow. Cloud-based provisioning and update cycles reduce downtime from months to minutes. New capabilities, such as video, data analytics, and AI application, are added as needs evolve. APX NEXT embodies a purpose-built form factor designed for the rigors of mission-critical conditions.
NORTH AMERICA PUBLIC SAFETY PRODUCTS (LAST 50 YEARS)
Identifying the Challenge: Reinventing Two-Way Radios for a New Era
The journey of APX NEXT began with the recognition that traditional two-way radios were lagging behind modern technological standards. Over the course of a year, we delved into the challenge, conducting workshops with internal and external stakeholders to define what "Radio Next" should be. The outcome was a dual integration approach – incorporating a touchscreen platform for applications and introducing the groundbreaking Voice AI platform, ViQi, tailored specifically for public safety. I led multiple sessions and ensuring that, despite the technological leap, we maintained a focus on enhanced basics and ergonomics. APX NEXT emerged not just as a product but as a visionary solution, redefining the landscape of mission-critical communication for emergency responders.
INTERFACE INNOVATION
Touch Screen Soft Controls
Better Basics Hard Controls
AI Voice Controls
Design Ingenuity: Form Meets Function
During ideation, We merged industrial design expertise with the unique demands of public safety professionals. My focus was on marrying ruggedness with innovation, resulting in a device that not only adhered to military standards but also featured a mission-critical touchscreen resilient in adverse conditions. As the fifth generation of public safety radios, we introduced a fresh design language, preserving legacy elements like the Speaker and PTT button. The standout design innovation was strategically cutting the form into sections, creating an optical illusion to make the radio appear smaller while accommodating essential components. This intentional detail showcased our commitment to blending form and function seamlessly in APX NEXT.
DESIGN LANGUAGE
Legacy Design Elements
(Speaker / PTT / Buttons DNA)
Form follows function
Award winner Dl
Size Volume Perception Reduction with design tricks
ARCHITECTURE INNOVATION
Prototyping for Reliability: Testing Boundaries in Design
Applied rigorous Human Factors (HF) testing to the device, aiming for optimal usability in various conditions. Our close collaboration with the HF team was crucial as we worked together to meet high-velocity ergonomic criteria. We took ownership of meticulously designing every button, aiming to strike a perfect balance between accessibility and protection to guard against inadvertent activations. Our comprehensive approach is a testament to our commitment to reliability, meeting the stringent requirements of emergency responders.
Building the device: Architecting Innovation and Reliability
I worked closely with EE and ME engineers at Motorola especially Billy Robertson, my mentor, side by side for a year, ensuring that the vision for APX NEXT was not only conceptualized but also achievable within a compact size. Three key innovations emerged from this collaboration. First, the device's two-sided design minimized component stack-up, a breakthrough idea I proposed, and it became part of the plan of record. Second, I suggested high-density Tesla cells originally developed for the Model 3, reducing the device's size. After a persistent pursuit, the plan of record transitioned to 21700 cells. Lastly, we introduced a metal endoskeleton for significant drop performance; the outer shell can be replaced, while the device's core remains robust.
ARCHITECTURE INNOVATION
Two Sided Design
(Speaker-Display Sides)
High Energy Density Cells and Unique Packaging
Endoskeleton for best in class drop performance
ARCHITECTURE INNOVATION
Crafting Mission-Critical Interface
Collaborating seamlessly with the UI/UX teams, we spearheaded the development of a purpose-built interface framework for the APX NEXT, tailored specifically for mission-critical scenarios. We evaluated diverse touch target sizes that seamlessly integrated with the display and form factor, including left and right scroll options and edges around the display, ensuring an optimal user experience. Working with software developers, we meticulously crafted and defined 87 voice commands such as "change my channel" and "change volume" to empower users with efficient and hands-free control, enhancing the radio's adaptability to dynamic public safety needs. This concerted effort resulted in a cutting-edge user interface that seamlessly blends functionality with user-centric design.
Crafting Both Device and Its Ecosystem
In addition to the device itself, I played a pivotal role in designing the entire accessory ecosystem for the radio. This included crafting solutions such as a single-unit charger, multi-unit charger, DIV1 and high-capacity batteries, plastic in-box carry solutions, and a uniquely designed formed leather carry case. The latter, in particular, marked an exceptional journey involving months of prototyping and rigorous testing. This innovative design, a first in the market, required close collaboration with suppliers in the factory to ensure flawless production. The result is a comprehensive and seamlessly integrated accessory lineup that enhances the overall user experience.
bottom of page