How do you update and maintain HMI GUIs to meet changing user needs and building automation standards?

1 Assess user feedback and requirements

The first step in updating and maintaining HMI GUIs is to assess the feedback and requirements of the users who interact with them. Users may have different preferences, expectations, and goals when using the HMI GUIs, depending on their roles, tasks, and contexts. For example, a maintenance technician may need more detailed and technical information than a building manager who only wants to see the overall performance and status of the system. Therefore, it is important to collect and analyze user feedback and requirements, such as surveys, interviews, observations, and usability tests, to identify what works well and what needs improvement in the HMI GUIs.

2 Design and implement changes

The second step is to design and implement the changes that are needed to improve the HMI GUIs based on the user feedback and requirements. This may involve modifying the layout, color, font, icons, labels, menus, navigation, functionality, or interactivity of the HMI GUIs. The changes should aim to enhance the usability, readability, accessibility, and aesthetics of the HMI GUIs, as well as to reflect the current state and capabilities of the building automation system. The changes should also follow the best practices and guidelines of HMI GUI design, such as consistency, clarity, simplicity, feedback, and error prevention.

3 Test and validate changes

The third step is to test and validate the changes that are made to the HMI GUIs to ensure that they work as intended and that they meet the user needs and expectations. This may involve conducting user acceptance testing, functional testing, performance testing, or security testing, depending on the type and scope of the changes. The testing and validation process should involve the users who will use the HMI GUIs, as well as the stakeholders who are responsible for the building automation system. The testing and validation process should also document any issues, errors, or feedback that arise from the changes, and resolve them accordingly.

4 Monitor and optimize performance

The fourth step is to monitor and optimize the performance of the HMI GUIs after they are updated and deployed. This may involve collecting and analyzing data on how the users interact with the HMI GUIs, such as usage frequency, duration, patterns, actions, errors, or satisfaction. This data can help to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the HMI GUIs, as well as to identify any potential problems or opportunities for improvement. The monitoring and optimization process should also consider the impact of the HMI GUIs on the building automation system, such as the network bandwidth, data storage, processing speed, or security.

5 Review and update standards

The fifth step is to review and update the standards that are used to guide the design, development, and maintenance of the HMI GUIs. Standards are the rules and specifications that define the quality, functionality, and compatibility of the HMI GUIs, as well as the processes and procedures that are followed to create and manage them. Standards may come from various sources, such as industry associations, regulatory bodies, vendors, or internal policies. Standards may also change over time, due to technological advancements, market trends, or user demands. Therefore, it is important to review and update the standards regularly, and to ensure that the HMI GUIs comply with them.

6 Train and support users

The sixth and final step is to train and support the users who use the HMI GUIs. Training and support are essential to help the users learn how to use the HMI GUIs effectively and efficiently, as well as to address any questions, issues, or feedback that they may have. Training and support may take various forms, such as manuals, tutorials, videos, webinars, workshops, or help desks. Training and support should also be tailored to the different user groups, roles, and levels of expertise, as well as to the different types and features of the HMI GUIs.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?