Toolbox to create intuitive and secure User Interfaces

 

 

Appropriate user interface design has always been part of the job of engineers dealing with the equipment ever since the first machines were constructed. However, while in the beginning it was pushed to the periphery and used to be a secondary priority, its research has now become an independent discipline, and its design has grown into a serious and increasingly respected, recognized engineering activity. What do you need to create a modern, competitive HMI that meets the requirements of both today and tomorrow?

 

The paradigm shift does not start with coding or design, but with a general approach.

 

What is HMI?

Human Machine Interface (HMI) includes all of the tools that enable the interaction of the end user with the machine. Optimal HMI design is a key element as it has to be attractive for the user and must offer impeccable functionality. High Performance HMI is a toolbox that provides high visibility and effective management even in critical production scenarios.

What factors do we take into consideration when a modern HMI is planned?

  • Environment
  • Ergonomics
  • Predictions and Heuristics
  • User Experience (UX)
  • Usability
HMI környezet

The appropriate work environment provides ideal conditions for use. The interface must be designed, structured and also operate to enable comfortable long-term use. This also includes the parameters of the room and work environment where the user interface is installed.

HMI ergonómia (1)

Similar to the environment, it is important to use ergonomic solutions that support effective and long-term work. This includes simple things such as the optimal angle of monitors, comfortable and appropriately set office chairs and tables, and a user interface layout that reflects the frequency of the use of individual features.We design interfaces that are able to predict user intentions based on certain activities – and provide the appropriate services and steps.

HMI predikciók (2)
We design interfaces that are able to predict user intentions based on certain activities – and provide the appropriate services and steps.
HMI UX (1)

Today UX is as important in respect to professional applications as for consumer products. User Experience is a result of multiple elements including ergonomics or the design paradigms and goals applied on the user interface.

HMI használhatóság

Besides UX, other important aspects are transparency and clean lines of the interface that enable confident and effective use for the operators. In the case of industrial applications, a short training time requirement is also of key importance. Based on these requirements, the goal is to design user interfaces that are easy to understand even for untrained staff.

  • Intuition
  • Application of Appropriate Engineering Practices
  • “It Just Works”, Perfectly Intuitive
  • Sense of Control
  • Crisis Management
HMI intuíció

Another factor of usability is to design an interface that feels perfectly intuitive.

HMI szabály (1)

Although it may not seem so, HMI design requires expert engineering and comprehensive development. It is imperative to comply with the written and unwritten rules of appropriate engineering practices.

HMI egyszerű

With usability as the core design concept, it is important to draw attention to the fact that the goal is not to create a complicated interface. On the contrary, features that make understanding difficult are to be avoided.

HMI control

It is important for user interfaces to offer the expected sense of control. An HMI must be designed so that it enables the operator to feel competent about the use of the machine. In line with this (even though the operator does not have to have the competencies to design the complete system), the interface must contain all the information necessary for performing the task. This gives a feeling of security that is a basic prerequisite for effective work.

HMI átláthatóság

Transparency is important not only under normal circumstances but also in crisis situations, because the user interface must ensure that the operator should feel competent and in control even under stress and pressure, despite any problems that arise. Should there be an unexpected event, the system must provide the highest level of visibility to the situation for the operator and must filter the data so that it displays only the relevant information to facilitate analysis. When managing a crisis situation, being calm, composed and maintaining clear judgement is a definite advantage. An interface designed in line with HPHMI principles makes this considerably easier.

What are the most important considerations in High Performance HMI design?

  • Usability
  • Management of unexpected situations
  • Transparency
  • Consistent build
  • Feedback features

All in all, the user interface must be easy-to-use, intuitive, and consistently built, it must provide feedback and remain clear, straightforward, and easy-to-follow even in crisis situations.

 

The design process of a High Performance HMI is very similar to the general design stages of a traditional user interface.

In addition to the overview of the features, design concentrates on the creation of the necessary screens. These can be differentiated depending on the user functions, adapt to the actual task, enable intuitive management and are transparent. A machine operator and a maintenance technician need different information. Consequently, it is important to display relevant information for everyone.

The following are taken into consideration as the individual screens are designed:

  • the mental model of the user of the process;
  • the scope of required data;
  • the information content of the data;
  • transparency and interoperability;
  • user expectations.

In order to take these into account, thorough planning, consistent testing, and careful implementation are required.

Usability is still in focus because a hard to handle, hard to follow user interface can have a negative effect on the performance of the user and increase the risk of errors that may result in financial losses and other adverse effects.

 

How do you define the most important design priorities?

  • Select the competent users who will support development.
  • Get familiar with controlled processes.
HP HMI
HP HMI

How can COM-FORTH help?

 

Our experts have extensive technical expertise and planning experience. They are here to help you during the design process of appropriate user interfaces. A wide variety of successfully implemented projects ensure that our engineers will be able to provide valuable help from design start to execution and delivery. Our aim is to support your application with an HMI that can fulfil your requirements for a long time.

 

What are the benefits of a properly designed HMI?

  • Processes can become more effective
  • Shorter training time
  • Less room for error
  • More competent users

More productive and efficient manufacturing only by user interface modifications.

 

Learn more about the opportunities High Performance HMI offers. Consult with our experts.

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Tamás Hóringer joined our team in January 2015 with decades of experience in the fields of security technology and weak current engineering, as well as four years of experience in pharmaceutical production. He is our HMI/SCADA specialist, who knows all iFIX versions, licensing, the tricks as well as the nuts and bolts. He is also an expert in IT validation and famously eager to take on tricky projects – and to write popular blog posts about his experience.

Tamás Hóringer Application Developer Engineer

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