The user interface of a machine is of great importance to the user.
Surprisingly, this aspect is rarely given much attention.
User Interface Design HMI
More information?
Raoul Molenkamp
Managing Director
Cost-Saving
A good UI (user interface) ensures that a user can perform their tasks easily, quickly, and efficiently. This helps prevent errors and allows issues in the installation to be detected earlier during production. As a result, production losses can be minimized. Furthermore, a good UI provides an intuitive way of operation, significantly reducing the learning curve for operators.
User-Centered Approach
"If you don't know who you're talking to, how do you know what to say?"
Batenburg JB Systems develops the UI with the user in mind; each user has their own objectives and tasks to perform. Developing a UI based on these tasks is one of the main reasons for inefficient UIs.
Creating Personas
One of the first steps in the process we follow is mapping out personas and the goals they have regarding the UI.
Scenarios
The next step in the process is creating scenarios, how the personas will use a UI. The goals of the different personas are the starting point.
Paper Prototyping
With the personas and scenarios, we create an initial layout of the UI using paper and sticky notes.
User Testing
By having five users interact with the paper prototype, in most cases, 80% of the issues will come to light. With this information, the UI can be improved and eventually implemented..
Principles of Interaction Design
When designing the UI, we adhere to the following principles:
- Visibility of the machine's status.
- Correspondence between the system and the real world.
- Give the user control over the system.
- Follow conventions that users are familiar with.
- Prevent users from making errors.
- Recognition is easier than recall.
- Be flexible and efficient for both experienced and inexperienced users.
- Limit information to what is relevant – less is more!
- Provide clear error messages that assist in problem-solving.
- Offer help and documentation only when absolutely necessary.
Color Blindness
Approximately 8% of men have some form of color blindness, which we need to consider when designing a UI to prevent issues. In the image below, the circle in the top left represents what is perceived by someone without any form of color blindness. The other three circles illustrate the view for deuteranope, protanope, and general red-green color blindness.
Advice
Batenburg JB Systems is happy to assist you in setting up your new or improving your existing HMI or User Interface.
