High-Performance HMI Design Basics

Welcome back to the world of High-Performance HMI Design! In this article, we will delve deeper into the fundamentals of this cutting-edge technology, exploring design principles, standards, and best practices. So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive in!

High-Performance HMI Design Basics
High-Performance HMI Design Basics

Designing Around the Operator

One crucial aspect of HMI design is to prioritize the needs and workflow of the operator. While other personnel may have an interest in the displayed information, an HMI should primarily cater to the operator’s requirements. By designing an HMI that aligns with the operator’s perspective, abnormalities and issues can be quickly identified without the need for additional support. This not only enhances efficiency but also reduces the time spent searching for problems.

Operator at work

The Importance of Operator Workshops

To ensure successful HMI design, operator workshops play a vital role. These workshops allow operators to provide valuable input to the controls engineer, enabling the development of a High-Performance HMI that meets their specific needs. During the workshop process, the creation of an HMI Philosophy Document and Style Guide is crucial. The Philosophy Document establishes the foundation for designing the HMI, ensuring continuity across different control systems. Meanwhile, the Style Guide provides detailed instructions for every aspect of the proposed HMI, from screen layout to color schemes, object design, and navigation.

Building a Roadmap to Success

Once the HMI Philosophy Document and Style Guide are in place, they become the roadmap to success. The Style Guide, a living document, serves as a blueprint for building the High-Performance HMI. It documents the screen objects to be used during display creation, becoming the control system’s specific object library for the project. By standardizing objects, the development process becomes streamlined, reducing errors, time, and costs.

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HMI Design Flow

Leveraging the Object Library

The HMI Object Library, also known as the HMI Template Suite, becomes a repository of source code for the project. It includes predefined scaling, alarms, engineering units, and other features for objects such as analog inputs. By using a drag and drop environment, developers can quickly create control functions while ensuring adherence to the HMI Style Guide and ISA101 High-Performance HMI standards. This modular design approach minimizes errors, accelerates development time, and ultimately increases profitability.

FAQs

Q: What is the primary focus when designing an HMI?
A: The operator’s needs and workflow should be the primary focus when designing an HMI.

Q: How can operator workshops contribute to successful HMI design?
A: Operator workshops provide valuable input to the controls engineer, ensuring that the HMI meets the specific needs of the operators.

Q: What is the purpose of an HMI Style Guide?
A: The HMI Style Guide provides detailed instructions on screen layout, color schemes, object design, and navigation, ensuring consistency and continuity in HMI design.

Conclusion

Designing a High-Performance HMI requires careful consideration of operator needs, adherence to standards, and meticulous planning. By involving operators in the development process, creating comprehensive Philosophy Documents and Style Guides, and leveraging object libraries, engineers can maximize the control system’s capabilities and achieve success. So, embrace the world of High-Performance HMI design and empower your projects with cutting-edge technology!

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High-Performance HMI Design Basics