UNI-MAC UW Series
The Process
Discover
UNIMAC, a leader in high-capacity commercial laundry systems, approached Cruver Design to refresh their UVW series of industrial washers. These machines are critical in settings like hotels, prisons, and hospitals—places where performance and durability aren't just expected, they're required.
The challenge was subtle but important: elevate the look and usability of their flagship commercial machine while preserving its rugged reliability and minimizing changes to the mechanical architecture. UNIMAC didn’t want a redesign from scratch—they wanted a strategic upgrade that aligned their product line with modern industrial aesthetics and evolving user expectations.
This engagement had a unique twist—it was a redesign of a legacy product originally designed in the mid-2000s, just before the financial crash. At that time, consumer interfaces were still dominated by membrane switches; touchscreens existed but weren’t cost-effective or widely adopted. The legacy design reflected the state of tech from that era—trusted and reliable.
Design
To sharpen the redesign approach, our design team conducted observational research inside actual industrial laundry environments—where time, clarity, and durability matter more than sleek consumer-style interfaces.
We uncovered two key insights:
Visual authority matters. Industrial buyers want equipment that looks tough and professional.
User interactions must be intuitive. Many users are quickly trained or transient staff, so clean interfaces reduce error and increase productivity.
We knew we couldn’t jump to full touchscreen solutions (not only for cost reasons, but also durability and familiarity), but we could enhance the membrane switch interface with a more intuitive layout, tactile feedback, and stronger visual hierarchy.
Deliver
Our teams redesign delivered a refreshed UVW Series that speaks to strength, reliability, and modern industrial sensibility.
Alliance Laundry UNI-MAC UW Series Industrial Washers
Built for high-demand environments, the UniMac UW Series delivers unmatched performance for on-premises commercial laundries. Engineered for durability and efficiency, this heavy-duty line features robust construction and exclusive innovations that raise the bar in institutional laundry care.
Key Design Features:
Updated industrial aesthetic with a bolder, more contemporary visual language.
Redesigned interface using membrane switch technology but reorganized for faster learning and fewer mistakes.
Better user ergonomics—especially for loading/unloading in tight utility spaces.
Simplified service access via intuitive paneling and maintenance zones.
Visual cues and material finishes that reinforce the machine’s role as a high-performance workhorse.
While touchscreen control panels are now more common, at the time of this redesign (circa 2005–2007), they were still cost-prohibitive for rugged commercial applications. Cruver's design bridged the gap—enhancing usability and perception without sacrificing reliability or driving up costs.
