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Voith

Partner since 2017

Digital solutions for shifting freight transport across Europe

UX/UI Design

Human-Machine Interface Development

User Experience

Digital transformation

Together with Voith, we developed the CargoFlex Shunting Dashboard. A functionally consistent, user-centred UX and UI concept that digitalises core shunting processes. From flat shunting to hump yard operations. Through genuine practical collaboration with shunting staff, we developed a concept that increases efficiency, enhances safety, and fully leverages the potential of the Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC).

Need

Make shunting fit for the future. More efficient, safer and digital. With a solution that connects innovation with operational reality.

Result

A validated UX and UI concept with prototype, documented key features and a clear decision-making basis for further development.

Impact

The CargoFlex Shunting Dashboard shows how digitalisation can transform shunting operations and accelerate the modal shift in freight. relevant across Europe, designed with practical application in mind, and delivering real value for people and operations.

The challenge

Courage to act despite limitations

The digital automatic coupler is at the core of the rail freight transformation. It connects wagons, supplies air, power and data, and makes coupling safer, faster and more transparent. Its potential goes far beyond the coupling itself. It opens the door to fundamental optimisation in shunting.

Voith wanted to go beyond delivering the CargoFlex coupler. The goal was to develop a digital interface that makes these opportunities visible. We reimagined shunting with input from real users and a clear technological vision. The complexity: two very different use cases - flat shunting and hump yard shunting - had to be brought together in one functionally consistent concept.

In addition, major European programmes such as TRANS4M-R (an EU innovation project for the introduction of the Digital Automatic Coupling) often still lack clear standards. Those who simply wait lose valuable time. What’s needed is the courage to move forward, to test solutions in everyday operations, and to set impulses - even if the framework conditions will only follow later.

What we did

A UX and UI concept focused on people

We created a clickable prototype that maps the preparation process of a freight train. From arrival at the yard to departure. Core functions such as wagon lists, uncoupling, and the display of brake information were designed in a user-centred way, validated, and translated into a visual interface.

The dashboard combines technological innovation with practical relevance: instead of theoretical models, it is based on the real workflows of shunting staff. Visionary extensions that go beyond the core functions have been documented and structured as a foundation for future development stages.

How we did it

Research and prototyping in the real world

We accompanied railway workers directly during shunting operations – through interviews, on-site research, and prototyping under real conditions. This created an accurate picture of the working environment: oil-stained gloves, a remote control in hand, and no space to put down additional devices.

This hands-on approach was crucial to gather requirements for the first time and to validate relevant functions using click dummies – insights that directly informed further development.

The result

The project shows that even complex processes can be translated into a clear and digital product. Our research captured the workflows precisely. Together with railway teams, we tested the prototype in practice. Functions were shaped directly around operational needs.

The scale of change is measurable. Freight trains will grow from 500 to 740 metres. A brake test that takes 45 minutes today will soon take just a few minutes. That is the kind of progress the DAC enables. And that is what we are making visible with Voith.

By the time a freight train is ready for departure, the truck has already arrived. That needs to change. The CargoFlex Shunting Dashboard shows how things can work differently and makes a real contribution to the modal shift.

Matheus Habets

VP Product Line Digitalization Rail and Marine

Voith Turbo

What we learned

Digital solutions must adapt to work routines. Not the other way around. Sounds obvious. But this is the key. Digital tools only work if they work in daily life. That is why we go on site. Try things ourselves. Experience the job. That is where we find out if an interface truly helps or makes things harder.

A digital interface can look great in theory. But it only proves its value in daily use. Seeing how closely success depends on context is always a key moment in any project.

Maike Funkert

Senior Consultant Product Design & Research

Ray Sono

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Transport & Logistics