How do you optimize the layout and content of your HMI and operator panel screens?

Consider the ergonomic aspect of HMI design. Imagine an assembly line where operators wear gloves; using a touchscreen interface might be impractical. In such cases, opting for physical buttons or controls that can be operated with gloves becomes crucial. This illustrates the importance of tailoring HMI solutions to the specific needs and conditions of the operators, enhancing both efficiency and safety in industrial settings.

To choose the right HMI size: Assess the environment's constraints. Define the purpose and operator needs. Consider resolution and scalability. Stay within your budget. Test with potential users for feedback. Plan for future needs. Ensure it fits available mounting space.

- direct messages - easy to access tabs, no rerouting here and there - mimicking panels (same buttons colors and layouts as the same machine/system is available) that will shorten the learning path curve - easy to communicate errors - able to be tailored (presets)

Optimizing HMI screens starts with understanding the operator's workflow and ensuring that critical controls and information are accessible within 2-3 clicks from the home screen. Design principles like contrast, alignment, and proximity enhance readability and operational efficiency. Use color judiciously, following ASM Guidelines, reserving red, yellow, and cyan for abnormal conditions, and maintaining a consistent theme across screens for intuitive navigation. Incorporate situational awareness by displaying relevant data clearly, aiding operators in quick decision-making. Lastly, engage in iterative design by observing real-world interactions and feedback, refining the interface for optimal performance and ease of use.

You should use the biggest letter and number. No matter the HMI size. It's really difficult to touch the screen with your finger and don't touch other button.

When organizing elements on your HMI, prioritize critical information for easy access. Group related elements logically, employ consistent layouts and clear labels, and use color and icons to convey meaning. Arrange elements in a logical flow, make alarms and alerts highly visible, and customize the layout for specific tasks. Continuously gather user feedback for ongoing improvement.

Max 3 or 4 elements to show. For example: Voltage, Amperage, frequency and run/stop. And the last one it's the only one the operator really need.

Designing a HMI requires careful attention to each element and its role. The font type, background, and theme should be consistent with the organization's template, but the placement of labels, fields, and buttons should reflect their importance and urgency. For example, a stop button should not be hidden in a corner as a small icon. It should be visible and accessible at all times. A designer's mindset should always consider safety as a priority.

Next, organize screen elements logically and intuitively. Group related information and functions, using clear labels, headings, and separators. Maintain a consistent color scheme, font style, and alignment to enhance readability. Avoid clutter by eliminating unnecessary elements. Utilize grids, frames, or zones to create a balanced and symmetrical layout, ensuring ease of navigation and efficient operation.

simplify the operators work by making indicators more focused on a specific activities or issues: seperate the control system indicators from the process or communication indicators.

Avoid using confusing controls and indicators in your design. For example, a red start button and a green stop button can create confusion and delay the user's action. Colors have a strong impact on our brain and emotions. We tend to respond to colors before we process the text.

Easy Button green to start anything. Button red to stop anything. Circle light to share error. Red light to share warning. Text in black. Background in light simple color.

The third step is selecting appropriate controls and indicators for your HMI and operator panel screens. Controls, like buttons, switches, and sliders, enable system interaction, while indicators, such as lights, gauges, and alarms, display system status. Ensure these elements are recognizable, easy to operate, and contextually appropriate. Use standard symbols, shapes, and colors, adhering to industry conventions and regulations.

prioritize user needs and preferences, simplify the interface, ensure intuitive navigation, and highlight key information. Provide efficient data presentation, offer context-specific support, train users, and maintain consistent terminology. Implement robust security measures and plan for future scalability.

The fourth step is applying human factors principles to your HMI and operator panel screens. These design aspects impact how users perceive, process, and respond to information. Enhance usability, efficiency, and safety while reducing cognitive load, stress, and fatigue by using simple language, providing feedback, minimizing distractions, and prioritizing critical information. This approach improves user interaction and overall system performance.

Only copy the menu of a smartphone. Everyone knows use a smartphone. It's really easy. Don't try to create something news. Be fast and copy.

The simple way to do this is to call the customer and question about the system with HMI. Or go to them and view it. Normally HMI are stronger that other components.

The screen design should undergo User Experience and Usability testing, just like a website. The users of the screen are the operators and engineers, so their feedback is essential. The design should be revised based on their input and needs.

?? Determine what information and controls are essential and arrange them accordingly. ?? Keep the design simple and avoid clutter by limiting the number of elements on the screen. ?? Understand your users' needs and preferences. Design the interface to be intuitive, efficient, and easy to navigate.

1. Regular Monitoring and Review: - Continuously monitor and review your screens to ensure they remain relevant, accurate, and functional. Regular checks help in identifying areas needing updates and maintaining overall system integrity. 2. Collect and Analyze Feedback: - Gather data, feedback, and suggestions from users and stakeholders to understand their needs and challenges. Analyzing this input helps in making informed updates that enhance user experience and meet new requirements. 3. Utilize Tools for Change #Management: - Employ tools like version control, #documentation, and change management to track and implement changes efficiently.

Reduce the intensity of colors. When using colors to indicate states of items like something is running use muted colors. Use bright colors to highlight something that needs attention like an alarm.

Los HMI/SCADA deben ser cómodos al operador y no tener gráficos y/o colores que saturen o incomoden la vista del operador, existen normas que definen los colores en base a la ergonomía. - Los colores rojo de las alarmas o fallos, debe resaltar por sobre cualquier otra animación, para que el usuario identifique rápidamente la anomalía. - Usar faceplates ayuda a comisionar y/o animar elementos repetitivos del proceso se una manera óptima. - La administración de usuarios es vital para tener mayor referencia de los turnos de trabajo en que suceden los eventos. - Se deben realizar pantallas de diagnóstico, que visualice el estado de los PLC que se encuentren en la red, así como el estado de los módulos I/O.

? Make it user-friendly, don't over-complicate it. ? Make it easy to read and simple language. ? Write clear alarm messages and if possible the solutions. Remember the operator should be able to troubleshoot simple things on the machine, such as a E-stop or door opened.

I would look at ISA101. ISA101 is a standard that provides recommendations and best practices for effective HMI systems. It covers all HMI hardware and software aspects in the design phase, including identifying requirements and initial designs for all HMI components. ISA-101 is designed to develop and establish a consistent approach to effective HMI development and implementation for manufacturing. Some of the large manufactures now put this in there equipment specs.

Display critical information in a clear and intuitive format integrate predictive maintenance, helping operators schedule maintenance activities based on real-time data and condition monitoring. This reduces downtime and prevents costly equipment failures.

it depends on the end-user , preferences, presets, emergency, urgency and weightage of the information that you want to display.