As always, it is good to see what is happening around us. And with LLMs, it is getting easier to search for sources of inspiration or other notable things. Or, conversely, something quite normal and typical — which is also very useful from a usability perspective. Anything that can help with work on complex professional and engineering systems.
Below are my recent findings that I consider worth sharing — and I don’t set any particular constraints or expectations. Probably, this will become a regular post once every month or two, or simply whenever enough things worth sharing have accumulated.
Equipment
- Stagetec Auratus mixing consoles — seamless integration of physical controls with digital feedback on the screens.
Compact HMIs
- B. Braun automated infusion pumps — embedded HMIs with high information density without clutter.
- Vaisala Indigo500 transmitters — accurate and clean modular visualization of measurements. Manual for more details.
- Leister VARIMAT 700 — an automatic welding machine with a tiny HMI that demonstrates how a minimal set of physical controls can be used effectively. Manuals for more details.
Design Systems
- Venus OS UI Update — Victron Energy updated its approach to HMIs in 2024. It is a good example of powerful specialized HMIs for broad groups of users, inspired by smartphone platforms with all their animations and visual effects, while still remaining highly domain-specific in terms of content. Direct YouTube video with an overview of the UIs.
- OpenBridge new release — the design system now includes an automation case covering SCADA, IAS, and P&ID, while also expanding its use beyond a purely maritime context. Figma file
Operator Consoles
- ABB Extended Operator Workstations — high-end consoles for 24/7 control and situational awareness environments. They are probably quite expensive with all the demonstrated features, but definitely worth taking a look at.
- Tracsis Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) Dispatching — a real-world layout. It looks like a good way to keep the video wall visible while combining it with the simultaneous use of individual workstations.