When the team at Motorola Solutions was creating the SVX video remote speaker microphone, it relied on decades of extensive knowledge to help ensure the end experience was as intuitive as possible for users in the field. Every element of the revolutionary device, from buttons to batteries to LEDs, was thoughtfully considered and refined, to help ensure maximum usability. This blog explores the rationale behind these important design choices, detailing how the team focused on tiny details when bringing SVX to life.
In order to create a converged device, the designers had to reexamine every element of a standard body camera and remote speaker microphone. One team member explains: “We had to fit so much functionality into a comparatively small form factor… we took a step back and asked users what was most important for them, so we could prioritize effectively.”
That’s why SVX, unlike other body cameras in the Motorola Solutions portfolio, such as the V700, doesn’t have a screen. The team realized that much of the information officers usually relied on a screen to access, such as battery life and memory levels, could be more efficiently communicated via a voice interaction with SVX’s AI assistant or by looking at the paired APX NEXT radio screen. That freed up crucial space for the big orange emergency button. Prabodh Sakhardande, senior UX designer, emphasizes that this is in the same location across all Motorola Solutions remote speaker mics and radios, so officers can rely on muscle memory during escalating situations.
The top face also features a small LED, which communicates the recording status of the device. Officers can see it easily, no matter where SVX is mounted on their torso, with a single glance down.
Every element of SVX is intentional. Because it also functions as an officer’s body camera, the team added the iconic “T-grip” design to naturally nudge a user’s hand down into the correct position instead of accidentally covering the lens. Similarly, each button on SVX is textured differently. That way users can easily differentiate by touch: the voice assistant button has three dots (exactly like an APX NEXT radio), the side buttons have one or two dots and the record button is recessed with raised diamonds, so it can be operated easily while wearing gloves.
The record button is also the same size as the PTT button on the side of the device, reflecting the two key video and voice functionalities of SVX which officers use every day. To further simplify workflows for officers, the design team incorporated recording triggers – such as unholstering equipment – which help ensure evidence is captured even during rapidly-escalating incidents.
While the average user may not interact with the back of a device much during a shift, it’s still a very important element of SVX. Firstly, the designers had to incorporate simple, secure latches to disconnect and reconnect the swappable battery in the field, without compromising SVX’s IP rating. They also added multiple mounting options to the device, so officers can use a coiled tether in addition to standard magnetic or MOLLE mounts, based on preference.
Similarly, the bottom face of SVX is critical because it houses the device’s charging port. The design team chose to give SVX a USB-C port, to help ensure compatibility with standard chargers and powerbanks. The two magnetic contacts and subtle grooves around the base of the device also enable officers to dock the device more quickly and provide stability in the charging station.
All of these individual choices add up to more than the sum of their parts. By paying meticulous attention to detail, the design team at Motorola Solutions has created a device which is equal parts powerful and easy to use – one which leverages a familiar design language while still delivering revolutionary functionality.