HMI - Have a consistent style
Article#: 00097
Date: 2024-09-04
Author: Radim
There are many ways how to develop HMI screens for machine automation and related applications, but successful implementation requires discipline in design.
Consistency is the key to create a user-friendly, safe, and efficient graphical interface.
Consistent design elements such as buttons, icons, fonts, and colors help users understand and interact with an interface intuitively.
When users encounter familiar patterns, they can easily predict how the system will respond, reducing the learning curve and minimizing errors.
Having a style guide early on promotes better collaboration among team members, including designers, developers, and stakeholders.
When designers and developers have clear guidelines to follow, they can work more efficiently without constantly revisiting decisions about colors, fonts, layouts, and other elements.
Decide on a color palette, typography, iconography, and other visual elements that will form the basis of the interface.
Ensure these choices align with the brand and functional requirements.
Define consistent interaction patterns, such as button behaviors, navigation structures, and feedback mechanisms. Make sure these patterns are intuitive and familiar to the users.
Create a centralized document or repository for the style guide and ensure it is easily accessible to all team members.
The style guide acts as a living document that can be updated as needed, ensuring that any new additions are consistent with the existing design.
Regularly update the guide as the project evolves, and encourage feedback and contributions from different stakeholders.
Conduct usability testing with real users to identify any inconsistencies or areas of confusion.
User feedback is invaluable for understanding how well the HMI design is working and where improvements are needed.
Consistency is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process.
Continuously refine and update the design based on user feedback, technological advancements, and changing requirements.
© Radim-Automation, 2020–2025. All rights reserved.
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Related previous articles:
- High Performance HMI
- Graphic designer
- Keep the documentation up to date throughout the project
- Version control system
- My boss was a hero
- Talk to operators
- Clear signals
- Design considerations for effective HMIS
- Documentation issues
- Modular software architecture
- Think critically!
- Design machines with a focus on user's abilities and needs
- Project leader
- Why do automation projects fail?
- Collect all the requirements and sort them!
- Who will operate?
- Functional and intuitive HMI
- HMI and PLC applications should grow together
- More than just start and stop
- Don't make it worse!
- Introduce the terminology and standardize it!
- Realize every good idea ASAP!
- Industrial evolution - Listen to your customers and follow new trends!
- Stay alert!
- Have an expert on hand!
- Ask questions!
- Think on paper!
- Check the result!
- Keep it simple!
- Don't leave a work package half-finished!
- Success is not a matter of coincidence
- Choose the right tool!
- Development is evolution
- Transparency and reliability
- From an idea to a consistent system
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Comment#: 00001
Date: 2025-01-20
User: Radim
"When designing and assembling an HMI that delivers effective situational awareness, it is important to begin with a standardized set of design elements that will be used throughout the application. These design elements can be symbols or displays that have been optimized for their ability to communicate key information to the operator with minimal training and cognitive load."
- John Krajewski. AVEVA (2023). HMI/SCADA design fundamentals: Building for situational awareness. (Page 06)
- https://de.scribd.com/document/773251489/White-Paper-HMI-SCADA-Fundamentals-Building-for-Situational-Awareness
Comment#: 00002
Date: 2025-02-18
User: Radim
Why is the hamburger menu not ideal for industrial visualization?
Recently, the hamburger menu has become increasingly common in industrial HMI systems. While this element is widely used in mobile and web applications, it may not be the best choice for industrial visualization.
The main drawback is that it hides important control elements (buttons) and requires an extra click. Users first have to open the menu before selecting the desired function. This reduces efficiency and can be a problem, especially in environments where speed and clarity are crucial.
A better solution is a fixed toolbar with the key control elements (buttons). It provides immediate access to essential functions, improves user orientation, and reduces the time needed to perform an action. Of course, this should be considered already at the beginning of the project - especially when choosing a sufficiently large display that allows a clear arrangement of the control elements on the screen.
Do you use a hamburger menu in your HMI systems, or do you prefer fixed toolbar with the most important buttons?