"For time-critical applications, a quick push of a button is beneficial."

Interview with Torsten Singer about the Flexitast that has received the design award FOCUS GOLD

For the very first time SCHLEGEL has received the renowned design award FOCUS GOLD for the display button Flexitast. In an interview, SCHLEGEL’s product manager Torsten Singer explains why SCHLEGEL relies on mechanical pushbuttons and what role the design plays during product development.

The pushbutton with integrated display is a true innovation – for which applications has it been developed?

TORSTEN SINGER: One example for that would be machines that are being exported in many countries with different languages or for applications that have to show the respective operating status visually on the control units. It is possible to allocate different customised functions to pushbuttons that would otherwise look the same or to change those on short notice.

Actually, touch screens can be found anywhere, but still you rely on mechanical switching elements – why is that?

TORSTEN SINGER: Users of touch screens complain about the missing haptic feedback and that the selection is sometimes complicated if too many functions are available. The operators of a machine often have to be able to operate the machine blindly, meaning by just using their sense of touch. Many applications are time-critical, so a quick and safe push of a button is beneficial. A well-cited example are military systems, where displays with touch have been changed to electromechanical pushbuttons once again, as it makes the operation more precise and faster.

Another part of the Flexitast is a gateway that configures the pushbuttons. Which one was more challenging to develop?

TORSTEN SINGER: The most time was spent on the development of the Flexitast, for the gateway, we could use our knowledge of already existing products from our modular bus system (MBS). The gateway regulates the administration of the Flexitast buttons, the functions themselves are being executed by the Flexitast on its own.

This means that pushbutton and system are two separate systems?

TORSTEN SINGER: Yes, exactly. And that means that our customers can create their controls by themselves. If we would have to do this, we would have to consider it a customised application and start a new development for each case. Flexibility is the philosophy behind the Flexitast. There are no specific demands or a necessary product for the control, it can be realised freely according to their own requirements.

How relevant is the closeness between development, design and production for you?

TORSTEN SINGER: Design has always played an important role for us and is generally considered during product development. The shape and high quality materials are already considered during construction, modern machines and professional production processes are the basis of high quality products. And yes, the closeness between those operating areas within our company is highly relevant.

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