• 1660329462805 Bartels

    Proper HMI Graphics Should Look BORING!

    Aug. 4, 2011
    The Difference Between Poor HMI Graphics and High-Performance Ones
    About the Author
    Bartels
    Nancy Bartels is Control's managing editor. You can her at [email protected] or check out her Google+ profile.Poor graphics have:
    • Big flashing animated flames
    • Brightly colored 3D process vessels
    • Spinning agitators/pumps and moving conveyors
    • Highly detailed equipment
    • Attempts to color code piping with contents
    • Big bright measurement unit callouts
    • Bright color liquid levels displayed the full width of the vessel
    • No trends
    • An exact representation of the P&ID
    • Lots of lines that cross
    • Inconsistent process flow direction
    • Misuse of alarm-related colors
    • Limited, haphazard navigation
    • Inconsistent color coding

    High-performance graphics have:

    • Gray backgrounds to minimize glare
    • No animation
    • Black process lines
    • Limited use of color
    • Process flow from left to right; gas should flow up and liquids flow down
    • Proper layout to avoid unnecessarily crossing lines
    • Embedded trends of important parameters
    • Low-contrast depictions in 2D
    • A layout consistent with the operator's mental model of the process
    • Logical and consistent navigation methods
    • Display access with a maximum of three operator mouse clicks or keystrokes
    • Techniques to minimize data entry mistakes
    • Validation and security measures
    • Measurement units shown in low-contrast lettering

    Continue Reading