I would like to hear other’s opinions on what would be considered best or most efficient graphical design practices for HMI screens? Basically, what does one think of the HMI Optimatization method (my preference - clean and minimalist) vs using more animations and colors?
I’ve been developing in Ignition (first time in SCADA) for just over a year now and personally after seeing the examples set by Inductive Automation on the HMI Optimization method by producing clean lines and minimal distractions (less is more), I really liked that method best. I also liked how colors and animations were reduced. Instead of making the screen look like a disco party, only making something stand out when it needs attention. I also like using a gray shade for the page backgrounds all across (which seems to be common in most methods anyways).
I tend to lean towards designing things so only alerts have colors (orange or red) and don’t like using the color “green” for normal running states just to say it’s good, but only show a color when it’s in abnormal state. As far as graphics for equipment, I don’t mind using a more modern symbol for something for example like a tank, but make sure the gradients when used don’t have high contrast or anything that would stick out too much. In those cases, I mute and slightly blend the colors some more if needed (usually in shades of gray, nothing too dark or too light.
I also follow other methods such as consistency, sizing and orientations as well, but was more curious on what other here think of the graphical side of things.