Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

General PLC HMI (Programmable Logic Controller, Human Machine Interface) design as well. Here's a good example:

https://rockwellautomation.scene7.com/is/image/rockwellautom...

Not only is this showing details for every tank, valve, pump etc in the system, it's also highlighting those which have warnings or alarms against them, so the operator knows which values are nominal and which ones need action to be taken. Depending on the system, you may also be able to tap on each value to pop up a dialog which shows that value on a graph, lets you set alarm thresholds, or lets you switch a piece of equipment from automatic to manual control (from the operator station) or local control (from physical buttons on the equipment) or maintenance mode (safely locked out).

I'm not claiming that all of these SCADA/PLC HMIs are good, but they're really interesting examples of what a user interface can look like when information density and usability matters more than being pretty, and where you can require your end users to have training to use the system.






Consider applying for YC's Summer 2025 batch! Applications are open till May 13

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: