Usability Engineering in Equipment and Mechanical Engineering

Table of contents

1. Usability Engineering - the context makes the difference
2. Usability - ISO 9241-11 standard
3. Principles of dialog design according to ISO 9241-110
4. Usability Engineering - from theory to practice
5. Products for maximum usability in equipment and machine engineering

Complex processes, sophisticated systems and countless customization options: state-of-the-art technology is producing ever more capable systems. While the growing range of options can trigger euphoria, it certainly often leads to excessive demands in the user area. The more extensive and complex the operation of systems, the greater the likelihood of technical complications and of endangering users through incorrect operation. User-friendly and expectation-compliant handling of equipment makes all the difference – and favors the production of high-quality end products.

Usability Engineering – the context makes the difference

To achieve ideal usability, it is not enough to design a device that is as easy to use as possible. Rather, the respective context is essential for optimizing usability. The usability of a system is defined by how uncomplicated and pleasant it is to use for certain people in order to achieve specific goals in the best possible way. To work toward high usability, the following must be answered:

• Who is using the product?
• What is the goal of the use?

Example: If the focus of a production is on particularly high quality, and the user has in-depth specialist knowledge, usability will increase because the finest detail settings can be made. If, however, quantity is prioritized and the system is operated by non-professionals, high usability is characterized primarily by a reduced control panel without technical bells and whistles.

Usability Engineering – from theory to practice

User-friendly Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) represent an important factor in modern device and machine engineering, which is constantly gaining in complexity. These user interfaces serve the communication between man and machine and have to meet several requirements. The primary focus is on fulfilling the following tasks:

• user-oriented information transfer
• comprehensive connectivity and standardization

Information provision through efficient displays

In modern technology and electronics, numerous processes run automatically or semi-automatically. Humans only occasionally have to intervene in these processes, which are usually control processes. Efficient, high-resolution displays play an essential role in providing information.

For example, they inform trained personnel about the current status of the plant, indicate sources of error, or provide valuable data and measured values for analysis and further processing.

Connectivity through standardized solutions

Too much individuality slows down manufacturing processes: If there are too many different operating sequences on the machines used in a process or even in its subsections, the handling workflow suffers. Humans act strongly according to intuition, based on learned logics. If processes do not function in accordance with expectations and deviate from the typical norm, sequences of actions come to a standstill.

In equipment and mechanical engineering, for example, intelligent connectors, smart connectors and single pair Ethernet (SPE) ensure seamless data transmission and communication between individual electronic components. Standardized systems interlock better and lead to reliable connectivity in the overall process. In the Bürklin Elektronik online store, we offer you high-quality models from Schurter, Belden and TE Connectivity for this purpose. You will find the right solution for every application in our range.

Products for maximum usability in equipment and machine engineering

Emergency stop switches, key switches, pushbuttons or selector switches are used to optimize the operation of equipment. With the help of polycarbonate housings, mini cable glands and cable bushings, everything remains safely in place in complex mechanical engineering – this provides an overview and also facilitates operation in the broader sense. The product range in the Bürklin Elektronik online store is ideally positioned in terms of usability. Click through the large selection of switches, connectors, displays, practical solutions for your cable management and much more!

Tip: Demoboards help you to consider usability already in product development and prototyping.

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