Zebra P4E™ Mobile Computer

A rugged, handheld mobile computer designed for first responders and frontline professionals
Zebra needed to elevate its legacy rugged handheld line—addressing issues like heavy weight, operator fatigue, complex interfaces, and inconsistent data workflows—while delivering a device that performs flawlessly in industrial environments and enhances user experience.

Empowering field professionals under pressure

Hand pressing a button on top of the Zebra ZD420 printer, with cartridge visible inside the clear lid

RKS performed field studies in warehouses, plants, and distribution centers, observing real-world use cases—heavy lift stations, scanning workflows, rugged outdoor scenarios. Applying Psycho‑Aesthetics®, we mapped user emotions like frustration, precision, and urgency, aiming to design a tool that feels reliable, comfortable, and intuitive.

Research Insights & Discovery

KEY OUTPUTS

User Personas
Psycho-Aesthetics® 2.0 Map
Benchmarking
Opportunity Areas & Design Criteria

How We Used Psycho-Aesthetics™ to Identify Unique Opportunities in the Project.

Using our proprietary Psycho-Aesthetics® 2.0 framework, we conducted in-depth interviews and ethnographic observation in diverse lab settings. We identified key emotional and usability pain points — such as intimidation with complex interfaces, workspace clutter, and trust in precision. These insights guided both the form and interface strategy, ensuring approachability and confidence in operation.

Zebra Printer Mapped Against Competitors
A collage of sixteen slides featuring research methodologies, diagrams, charts, graphics, and text. Slides use a consistent white, yellow, and gray color scheme and cover topics like benchmarking, personas, user journeys, and research results.
The P4E’s enclosure is engineered for rugged use, featuring glove-friendly buttons, tactile zones, and MIL-STD drop resistance. A bright, anti-glare display with curved chassis supports one-handed operation and rapid deployment. The Zebra desktop printer was an update to a legacy product in the category that Zebra had been selling for a decade. The team created a new platform solution that improved usability by simplifying loading and setup while integrating access to cloud-based applications, which added value to the category.

Industrial Design Concept Development

KEY OUTPUTS

Form Factor Concepts
CMF Strategy
Refined Industrial Design Language
Zebra Printers Laid out as different specs
Zebra, designed by RKS Design, platform solution to update legacy product.
Collaborating closely with Zebra’s engineering team, we integrated ruggedized scanning, battery modules, wireless radios, and thermal performance into a single compact device. Multiple prototyping cycles ensured durability and service readiness.

Engineering Validation

KEY OUTPUTS

Engineering Evaluation Prototypes
Tolerance Analysis & DFM Refinements
Validation Reports
Hands inserting orange ribbon into Zebra printer during setup process
Hands placing orange ribbon cartridge above open Zebra printer with lid raised
Our collaboration with Zebra on the ZD400 Series Desktop Printers began with extensive research aimed at understanding market needs and technological trends. We conducted comprehensive user surveys, analyzed market dynamics, and studied competitors to identify opportunities for innovation in desktop printing. Our goal was to create a product that not only meets the current demands of businesses but also anticipates future requirements.

Key Outcomes and Results

Key Accomplishments

Ergonomic redesign reduced reported wrist fatigue by ~30% during long shifts

Device sustained drops from up to 1.8 m and passed IP65/67 ingress tests

One-thumb UI and fast scanning reduced transaction times by ~25%

Zebra Printer Side Shot Product Design
Zebra Printer Back Shot Product Design

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