Challenge: Modernizing User Experience with Constrained Resources

Stages Cycling, a leader in bike hardware, needed to modernize its Dash GPS cycling computer to keep up with evolving user expectations and touchscreen technology. The company aimed to enhance usability, optimize performance, and improve power efficiency, all while maintaining the durability required for professional cycling.

However, Stages Cycling faced a challenge: it did not have in-house expertise in embedded GUI development. To meet their ambitious timeline, they needed a partner with deep experience in embedded software, UI/UX design, and hardware integration.


Solution: Accelerated GUI Development with Storyboard

Our team of HMI experts stepped in to assist Stages Cycling accelerate the development of their next-generation Dash cycling computer. Using Crank’s Storyboard, an embedded GUI development framework, our team was able to quickly create some sample prototype applications to help the team at Stages determine which interface design concepts worked best. 

Once the UI/UX concepts were explored and validated via user testing, our team was able to incorporate the best designs into the GUI application in a fraction of the time it would take to recode everything by leveraging Storyboard’s rapid iteration technology. From there, our team of HMI experts set out to ensure the best performance and user experience possible for the chosen hardware by further optimizing the application for the available resources and power provided by the NXP processor.

By outsourcing GUI development, Stages Cycling could stay focused on its core expertise: hardware development and backend engineering.

 

Results: A High-Performance Embedded GUI for Cycling Computers

Our collaboration with Stages Cycling resulted in a highly responsive, power-efficient interface that exceeded expectations.

Key Outcomes

  • Faster Time to Market: Efficient development enabled a faster launch, keeping Stages Cycling ahead of competitors.

  • Increased Market Success: The new Dash model outperformed previous generations in sales and adoption.

  • Used at the Highest Level: The revamped cycling computer was adopted by UAE Team Emirates and played a role in Tadej Pogačar’s 2020 Tour de France victory.

  • Optimized Performance & Power Efficiency: Interface fine-tuned for low power consumption on the NXP i.MX 6SoloLite processor while maintaining a premium user experience.

  • Seamless GPS Mapping & Navigation: Integrated real-time mapping for an improved riding experience.

  • Scalable GUI Design: A single, adaptable design efficiently scaled across multiple high-resolution display sizes.

  • Future-Ready Interface: Built on a strong foundation for future product innovation and expansions.

  • Enhanced UI/UX for Cyclists: Modern, sleek, and intuitive touchscreen experience tailored for performance-driven users.



“Having dedicated experts meant we didn’t have to worry about the graphics. Instead, we could just focus on the backend and hardware.”
James Stemper, Director of Program Management, Stages Cycling


Services Provided:

  • Embedded GUI development framework for smart devices.

  • Professional embedded GUI design and development services.

  • Power-efficient graphical interface optimization for embedded systems.

  • GPS map and real-time mapping integration.

  • Rapid UI/UX prototyping and design import support.

  • Cross-platform GUI deployment for multiple screen sizes.

  • Ongoing software support and future GUI development consultation.


 

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