Welcome to HMI Project
Welcome to project “One HMI”, the uniform Human Machine Interface which we developed for the OYSTAR Group. OYSTAR, with 10 production plants, are one of the world’s leading Packing Machine companies. One HMI startet with GTI-Control as the general contractor and the design agencies Triebwerk and CaderaDesign. Our task was to develop a uniform user concept as well as software that could be adapted for use with various different technologies, types of machines and monitor sizes. The following presentation shows you how, with a combination of expert know-how and team spirit, this ambitious project was realized in record time. If you’ve been contemplating a similar project for your own company, or you need assistance with your interface design, we’d be happy to advise you.
News
13.02.12 - ONE HMI wins iF gold award.
The jury: „The touch-based HMI for packaging and processing machines is very complex. Here the operating concept and software design were extremely well thought out and implemented. Even though One HMI is defined by its complexity, all design elements are clearly and intuitively arranged on the screen. Complex processes were considered down to the details: remarkable.“
From a total of 1,054 entries in 6 categories, 275 entries passed the jury’s scrutiny and received the iF label as a symbol for outstanding design. 30 of those award-winning entries made the top selection by the international experts and received iF gold awards. The gold awards were presented today by iF managing director Ralph Wiegmann at the iF design awards night. The night was hosted by TV presenter Frauke Ludowig who welcomed the winners of the iF design awards 2012 onto the stage at the auditorium at BMW Welt.
Images from the event
22.12.11 - ONE HMI convinces at iF design awards.
Once more the ONE HMI Interface Design was able to convince an international jury and achives the highly coveted iF communication design award 2012 in the category product interfaces. The iF communication design award is one of the top national and international awards. Those who are successful here, have delivered an outstanding piece of communication design.
iF communication design award
27.06.11 - Renowned design prize: ONE HMI wins the red dot seal of quality!
The jury agreed: In recognition of its outstanding design quality the ONE HMI Interface Design will receive the sought-after red dot in “the red dot award: communication design”, one of the largest and most internationally acclaimed design competitions. This testifies to the prize-winner’s very high level of design. 15 jury members, all of whom are design experts of international repute, assessed every single one of the total 6,468 entries in a process that lasted several days. Just 608 works were awarded a red dot. All of the award-winning works in 2011 will be on show in the special exhibition “Design on stage – winners red dot award: communication design 2011” in the Alte Münze Berlin.
red dot Online Exhibition
12.05.11 - ONE HMI exhibited at Interpack, Düsseldorf
After a year of development the end result is exhibited for the first time at the annual trade fair, Interpack, in Düsseldorf, which takes place from the 12th to the 18th May this year.
Impressions from the event
Focused on our customer needs
At the beginning of the project there were 12 applications to be put to the test. Criteria such as simplicity of use, role functionality and adaptabilty for individual usage environments were important considerations. Just as important were the analyses which we undertook directly with OYSTAR’S customers. With the machines running and work taking place as normal, we were able to see and understand just how the complex workflows and production processes took place and were able to handle and design accordingly.
One Concise Control Concept
Through a survey of machine users, service technicians and developers, we researched the requirements of the different user types. Using this knowledge, we developed a control concept to suit every machine.
Wireframes
Using wireframes – schematically simplified drafts – we defined the fundamentals for the design of the interface. With the help of flow charts and in consultation with the client, we structured the information architecture.
Structure
We’ve used a modern wide screen format as the basis for our screen design. All the interface functions are allocated their own particular field on the screen: The most important information about the production process and what’s happening with the machine can be recognised at a glance using the status bar. The main navigation toolbar is situated ergonomically at the right-hand side of the screen.
Usability
With the development of the Human Machine Interface, we have taken into account many different principles in order to optimise user friendliness. These were defined at the start of the project and were the basis for all the structural and creative decisions that followed. Simplicity of use was our utmost priority at every stage.
Focusing the low-level user
The low-level user has been considered in all our structural decisions. Their everyday tasks have been prioritised. Depending on the level of the user, the interface can be extended to include other functions.
Differentiated Dialogue System
The information that is generated from the system is treated differently than the dialogue that the user opens. This simplifies communication with the machine and helps to avoid errors, maximising safety.
Easy to Customise
Little helpers for the production process, widgets, are customised to the requirements of the various types of users. Information about the production process, temperature or statistics – all available at a glance.
An Intelligent Machine Assistence System
Correct and fast reactions when it comes to errors save time and money. The context dependent assistant helps even inexperienced operators with step-by-step instructions in how to solve any problem that occur.
Visuals for the Parameter Input
Animated visuals help with setting up and optimise the stages of production. The advantage is direct feedback over the interface. The graphics are self-explanatory across all languages.
Increasing Functions using the Multi-touch screen
Using gestures and two hand operations on the touch screen, the natural interaction between the user and the machine can be increased, optimising efficiency.
Machine Linearisation
The consecutive stages of production from a machine are shown as simplified modules. In this way even complicated machines can be depicted in an easy-to-understand way.
Ergonomical Interface Design
The ONE HMI Interface features a coherent and easy to use surface with high quality images. The systemised structuring can be adapted for any use and is easy to tailor to individual needs. The concise surface layout is quick and easy to learn, thus simplifying the handling of the machine. Every stage in the development process has taken place according to DIN EN ISO 9241 -210
Touch sensitive Controls
Having looked at ergonomic studies, we have designed the touch screen with adequate space between the controls ensuring control errors kept to a minimum.
Intuitive controlling
Objects like buttons and input fields are depicted 3-dimensionally, making it easier for the user to observe and recognise what they are doing. Depending on the level of the user, only the information which they need for their particular tasks are shown.
Self explanatory Icons
We have developed a set of easy-to-use self-explanatory monochrome icons to serve all the important functions and processes. These simple 2-dimensional images help the user navigating through the interface and help fast cognition.
Logical Pictograms
The sometimes extremely complex machine modules are represented in simple pictograms. Basic functions and production processes from the modules are depicted in reduced form, making observation of the production process simpler.
Harmonious Colour concept
The interface has bright richly contrasting colours and tones, making it easier to read and more interesting to look at. The colour scheme is based on the colours in the customers own corporate design. The muted colours are differentiated using different tones. Prime colours signal when important information needs the immediate attention of the user.
Effective Implementation
Important Information by Prototyping
Prototyping by GTI Control played an essential role in the development by allowing us to experiment with typical problems, situations and interactions.
Online Wiki styleguide
The styleguide has been provided as a dokuWiki site which you can access any time on the internet. Here you can find out all the information you need in order to implement the HMI interface software. It gives you all the exact measurements and a clearly laid-out download area. The online style guide is the tool you need for guaranteeing successful implementation of the creative elements. Here you can experience the consistency of the concept and get the look and feel of all OYSTAR’s applications. Using the community function, effective communications between designers and developers can be made accessible to anyone involved.
Growing Library with use cases
A special feature is the use case library. Special solutions and upgrades that develop during the implementation are documented here. It also serves as a source of reference for all the developers working abroad.
Sharing components
The online styleguide is also used as a platform for developers to share software components. In this way effort is spared and synergy can be put to better use!
Customized Operator Panel
The aim of the custom designed ONE HMI panel by Prime Cube was making operation easier, more ergonomic and more intuitive. It is designed as a stand-alone system for support arm installation. The stainless steel housing is IP65 protected all-around. Due to seamless integration of the glass front, the device is easily to clean. An operator uses the software's GUI intuitively with the multi-touch capable, capacitive touch screen. Display sizes range from 25 cm over 39 cm to 53 cm. Defined operations can be proceeded directly with capacitive controls or electromechanical devices. All device types provide fanless cooling thanks to Intel Atom CPU and the use of especially energy-efficient components.
Partners of HMI Project
Prime Cube
Prime Cube - a brand for Customized Computer Systems of MSC Tuttlingen GmbH
Contact: Alexander Eschbach, Sales
www.primecube.de
GTI Control
Since over 20 years GTI implements HMIs focused on machine-building. With PROCON-WIN GTI has developed a standard software adaptable to cusomers needs. Besides Concept and Project Management GTI provides Prototyping with client specific Programming.
Contact: Achim Schreck, Management
www.gti-control.de
Contact Us
Our top priority is detailed consulting on every project. We look forward to your enquiries.
Your Contact Partners on Site
Markus Buberl
Dipl. Des. Kommunikationsdesign (FH)
Specialized in Project Management, Concept and Icondesign.
Phone +49 (0) 9353 982567
E-Mail buberl@hmi-project.com
Christian Rudolph
Dipl. Des. Kommunikationsdesign (FH)
Specialized in Concept and Interfacedesign.
Phone +49 (0) 9353 982567
E-Mail rudolph@hmi-project.com
Address
HMI Project Markus Buberl, Christian Rudolph GbR
Stationsweg 9
D-97753 Karlstadt
Phone +49 (0) 9353 982566
Fax +49 (0) 9353 982567
E-Mail info@hmi-project.com
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