Guardian X

Because the target group is culturally diverse and difficult to define, we developed a new interface concept for a fingerprint scanner that avoids modal dialogs and error messages altogether. Instead, animated gestures guide users through each step and show them how to operate the device. This makes the graphical user interface easy to understand regardless of language or cultural background.

When capturing fingerprints, correct hand placement—both position and pressure—is essential. To show whether each finger is applying the right amount of pressure, a surface beneath the hand behaves like a liquid and is “pushed away” until it reaches a defined boundary. The boundary briefly lights up to indicate a successful scan. Users can see in real time which fingers are applying too much or too little pressure and adjust them immediately.

For this pressure feedback, we took inspiration from the effect of a footprint in wet sand. When you step onto wet sand, the area around your foot becomes lighter. As you lift your foot, the sand quickly returns to its darker color.