What are the common standards for human - machine interface design?

Hey there! As a supplier of human - machine interfaces (HMIs), I've been in the thick of this industry for quite a while. And let me tell you, designing a great HMI is no walk in the park. There are a bunch of common standards that we need to follow to make sure our HMIs are user - friendly, efficient, and reliable. So, let's dive into what these standards are.

1. Usability

Usability is like the bread and butter of HMI design. You want your users to be able to interact with the interface easily and quickly. One of the key aspects is simplicity. The interface should be straightforward, with clear labels and intuitive controls. For example, if you have buttons, they should be big enough to be easily tapped, especially on touch - screen HMIs.

Navigation is also crucial. Users should be able to move around the interface without getting lost. A well - structured menu system can help with this. We often use hierarchical menus, where related functions are grouped together. This makes it easier for users to find what they're looking for.

Another part of usability is feedback. When a user takes an action, the HMI should give some kind of feedback. It could be a visual cue, like a button changing color when pressed, or an auditory signal. This lets the user know that their action has been registered.

2. Visual Design

Visual design plays a huge role in HMI design. First off, color is important. You need to choose colors that are easy on the eyes and provide good contrast. For example, if you're using text on a background, the text color should stand out from the background color. This makes it easier to read, especially in different lighting conditions.

Icons are also a big part of visual design. Icons should be simple, recognizable, and consistent. They should convey the function they represent at a glance. For instance, a trash can icon is universally recognized as a symbol for deleting something.

Typography is another factor. The font you choose should be legible. It's best to use simple, sans - serif fonts, as they are easier to read on digital screens. And make sure the font size is appropriate for the user's viewing distance.

3. Performance

Performance is all about how fast the HMI responds to user input. No one wants to wait around for a screen to load or for a command to be executed. We need to optimize the software and hardware to ensure quick response times.

One way to do this is by minimizing the amount of data that needs to be processed. This can involve optimizing code and using efficient algorithms. We also need to make sure the hardware can handle the load. For example, having enough memory and a fast processor can make a big difference.

Reliability is also part of performance. The HMI should work consistently without crashing or freezing. We test our HMIs rigorously to make sure they can handle different operating conditions and user interactions.

4. Compatibility

HMIs need to be compatible with different systems and devices. They should be able to communicate with other equipment, such as sensors, controllers, and servers. This requires using standard communication protocols, like Modbus, Ethernet/IP, etc.

Compatibility also extends to different operating systems and browsers. If the HMI has a web - based interface, it should work well on various browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. And it should be responsive, meaning it can adapt to different screen sizes, from small mobile devices to large desktop monitors.

5. Safety

Safety is a top priority in HMI design. The interface should be designed in a way that prevents users from making dangerous mistakes. For example, there should be confirmation prompts for critical actions, like shutting down a machine or changing important settings.

We also need to protect the HMI from unauthorized access. This can involve using passwords, encryption, and other security measures. And in case of a system failure, the HMI should have backup and recovery mechanisms in place.

Our HMIs

At our company, we make sure to follow all these standards when designing our HMIs. We have a range of products that meet different needs. For example, we have the Standard 7 - inch HMI. It's a great option for applications where space is limited but you still need a reliable and user - friendly interface.

We also offer the Professional HMI with APP. This HMI comes with a dedicated app, which allows users to control and monitor the system from their mobile devices. It's perfect for remote access and management.

Let's Connect

If you're in the market for a high - quality HMI, we'd love to talk to you. Whether you're looking for a standard model or a custom - designed solution, we can help. Our team of experts can work with you to understand your specific requirements and recommend the best HMI for your application. So, don't hesitate to reach out and start a conversation about your HMI needs.

References

• Norman, D. A. (2013). The Design of Everyday Things. Basic Books.
• Nielsen, J. (1993). Usability Engineering. Morgan Kaufmann.
• Preece, J., Rogers, Y., & Sharp, H. (2015). Interaction Design: Beyond Human - Computer Interaction. Wiley.