Proper HMI Graphics Should Look BORING!

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