How do you balance HMI functionality and aesthetics for different industrial sectors and applications?

Human-machine interfaces (HMIs) are essential components of industrial automation systems, allowing operators to monitor and control various processes and devices. However, designing effective and user-friendly HMIs is not a simple task, as it involves balancing functionality and aesthetics for different industrial sectors and applications. In this article, we will explore some of the current trends and challenges in HMI programming and how to overcome them.

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1 Trend 1: Multi-touch and gesture control

One of the most noticeable trends in HMI programming is the adoption of multi-touch and gesture control features, inspired by the popularity of smartphones and tablets. These features enable more intuitive and natural interaction with HMIs, as well as more flexibility and efficiency in performing complex tasks. For example, operators can zoom in and out, rotate, drag, and swipe on the HMI screen to access different menus, views, and functions. However, implementing multi-touch and gesture control also poses some challenges, such as ensuring compatibility with different devices and operating systems, avoiding accidental touches and gestures, and providing clear feedback and guidance to the users.

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2 Trend 2: Cloud and edge computing

Another trend in HMI programming is the integration of cloud and edge computing technologies, which enable more data storage, processing, and analysis capabilities for HMIs. Cloud computing refers to the use of remote servers and networks to provide various services and resources, while edge computing refers to the use of local devices and sensors to perform data processing and analysis near the source. By leveraging cloud and edge computing, HMIs can access more information and insights, improve performance and reliability, and reduce costs and latency. However, these technologies also introduce some challenges, such as ensuring data security and privacy, managing connectivity and bandwidth issues, and complying with different standards and regulations.

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Richard Brillhart

Engineering Manager at AA Electric
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Cloud computing provides an amazing extension to the functionality of the PLC and HMI. There are though a few caveats that need to be explored. 1. Does your client allow remote connectivity? With the cyber attacks going on we have seen many of our clients lock down remote connectivity. 2. Have you looked closely at the level of security you are going to offer in implementation of your cloud based solution? No one wants to be "the guy" that let a cyber-attack in. 3. Can your manufacturing process allow a disconnect from the cloud? If this is data gathering and display there is probably no issue, most edge solutions allow allow buffering of data. If it is actively supporting the process there may be an issue if the internet goes down.

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3 Trend 3: Artificial intelligence and machine learning

A third trend in HMI programming is the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques, which enable more intelligent and adaptive HMIs. AI and ML refer to the use of algorithms and models to learn from data and perform various tasks, such as recognition, prediction, optimization, and decision making. By using AI and ML, HMIs can provide more personalized and customized user experiences, enhance functionality and usability, and support more complex and dynamic industrial scenarios. However, these techniques also present some challenges, such as ensuring transparency and explainability, avoiding bias and errors, and maintaining human oversight and control.

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4 Challenge 1: User interface design

One of the main challenges in HMI programming is user interface (UI) design, which refers to the visual and interactive aspects of the HMI. UI design is crucial for ensuring that the HMI is easy to use, understand, and navigate, as well as appealing and engaging to the users. However, UI design is not a one-size-fits-all solution, as it depends on various factors, such as the industrial sector, the application, the user profile, the device type, and the environmental conditions. Therefore, HMI programmers need to consider these factors and apply appropriate design principles, such as simplicity, consistency, clarity, feedback, and affordance.

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Richard Brillhart

Engineering Manager at AA Electric
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One big thing... Understand your audience. It's so easy to make a screen, gui or dashboard that intimidates normal operators. Follow the KISS rule (keep it simple stupid). I attempt to make the user screens give the operators just the information they need and hide the complexity behind the curtain. Then make secondary screens to give maintenance and tech support the information they need. True story, one of my clients spent hundreds of hours making a really amazing screen that each operator could drag drop and customize to see the page just like he thought they would like. Turns out the operators got so confused the entire machine program was scrapped.

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5 Challenge 2: User experience evaluation

Another challenge in HMI programming is user experience (UX) evaluation, which refers to the assessment of the overall quality and satisfaction of the user interaction with the HMI. UX evaluation is important for identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the HMI, as well as the needs and preferences of the users. However, UX evaluation is not a straightforward process, as it involves various methods, metrics, and tools, such as surveys, interviews, observations, usability tests, and analytics. Moreover, UX evaluation is not a one-time activity, but a continuous and iterative process that requires constant feedback and improvement.

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6 Challenge 3: Future-proofing

A final challenge in HMI programming is future-proofing, which refers to the ability of the HMI to adapt to changing requirements and expectations over time. Future-proofing is essential for ensuring that the HMI remains relevant and competitive in the fast-paced and dynamic industrial automation landscape. However, future-proofing is not an easy task, as it requires foresight, flexibility, and innovation. Therefore, HMI programmers need to keep up with the latest trends and technologies, anticipate the emerging needs and demands of the users and the market, and incorporate features and functions that can accommodate future changes and enhancements.

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How do you balance HMI functionality and aesthetics for different industrial sectors and applications?

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1 Trend 1: Multi-touch and gesture control

2 Trend 2: Cloud and edge computing

3 Trend 3: Artificial intelligence and machine learning

4 Challenge 1: User interface design

5 Challenge 2: User experience evaluation

6 Challenge 3: Future-proofing

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