Proper HMI Graphics Should Look BORING!

Aug. 4, 2011

The Difference Between Poor HMI Graphics and High-Performance Ones

About the Author

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

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