Usability Engineering in Equipment and Mechanical Engineering
Equipment and mechanical engineering are often complex and confusing. But it is precisely here that usability engineering can help to simplify the operation of machines and thus increase productivity. Find out exactly how this works and what advantages it offers in our article. Learn how you can increase the efficiency of your production through usability engineering and thus save time and costs.
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 – ISO 9241-11 standard
The usability of interactive systems and devices can also be defined on the basis of the ISO 9241-11 standard. The factors of effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction play leading roles in the concept of usability.
- Effectiveness: Does the action actually lead the user to the intended goal?
- Efficiency: Are the resources used in relation to the achievement of the goal?
- Satisfaction: Is the handling pleasant and does the result meet the expectations?
Principles of dialog design according to ISO 9241-110
In addition to the ISO 9241-11 standard, ISO 9241-110 describes the most important principles of dialog design – i.e. the communication between the user and the system. User-friendly operation is derived from seven sub-areas:
- Task appropriateness: the system is tailored to a specific goal and fulfills the defined purpose exactly.
- Self-descriptiveness: Processes are automatically recognizable and self-explanatory.
- Controllability: The action steps can be controlled and influenced in a targeted manner.
- Conformity to expectations: The system behaves consistently and conforms to expectations.
- Error tolerance: Incorrect inputs are tolerated and corrected with effective mechanisms.
- Conduciveness to learning: Intuitive operation and intelligent assistance allow the user to learn the functions without effort.
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.
Bürklin Elektronik-Service – the direct line to the professionals
Do you need additional information about usability engineering in equipment manufacturing? The competent service team is there to provide you with reliable advice.
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