HMI Development for a Plastic Welding Machine
Development of an HMI solution for a series of special machines used in various uncontrolled and harsh environments. The solution is perfectly adapted to users, technology, and operating conditions.
Client:
HMI Development for a Plastic Welding Machine
Initial situation
An HMI solution existed that was developed and implemented by software experts. New functions with their own user interface had been integrated bit by bit over the years by various developers, resulting in an inconsistent HMI. There was a lack of expertise in designing human-machine interfaces when the HMI was created, which led to a technical, developer oriented, almost unusable HMI. The entire HMI was to be revised and adapted to the user group as part of a general software update.
Goal
The aim was to create an easy-to-use, attractive HMI solution that perfectly serves the contexts of use and user groups. The manufacturer’s corporate design should be reflected in the HMI.
Actions
The project started with the analysis of the existing HMI and the machine functionality. A contextual inquiry was then carried out to analyze users, application contexts, and scenarios. The development of the HMI was based on the acquired information including interaction design, menu trees and processes. Development of the graphic design by selecting, integrating, and managing a design studio.
Delivery
A complete specification of the HMI was delivered in written form with all menu trees, processes, and wireframes. Graphics for implementation in a software tool were developed and prepared. A report with the results of the analysis and subsequent steps to improve the solution completed the delivery.
Result
A future-proof, best-in-class HMI solution was created, the machines are easy to use and understandable for the user.