Dr. Jennie Gallimore of Wright State University examined the use of color in process control graphics. Examples from multiple member sites were provided for examination. Key finding was that while color usage was less than optimal, the poor choice of display content was more likely to degrade operator performance. This led into the display content project.
Developing color guidelines for graphic displays requires an understanding of color perception and vision characteristics, color theory and measurement, display hardware, environmental factors and task factors. The purpose of this research was to review the current practices of the COP membership and current literature related to color displays and examine guidelines from other domain applications that can be used as input to color guidelines for displays used in process control.
- How many colors should be used and which colors should be used?
- Is the use of animation (blinking/flashing) helpful or distracting? Under what conditions?
- Are there any effects (psychological or otherwise) of long-term monitoring (12 hour shifts) of primarily grey scale graphics?
- How do colors, shapes and dynamics of display elements interact? For example, while graphic shapes typically provide the key parameters associated with measurement and control functions, color and dynamics are used to illustrate other dimensions of the overall presentation.
- What is the effect of “realism” in representation – does it help or provide unnecessary detail?
- How should color in automated procedures be used versus in graphics used for normal operations?
Selection of colors for operator displays can have a significant effect on interpreting the status of a device. There is not a set standard in the industry for definition of colors as it relates to different device states for control systems. API 1165 is a pipeline recommended practice that should be a reference for this research, but it does not dictate decisions on color definition. A study on how colors are intuitively interpreted could help provide direction on best practices for incorporating color schemes. In addition, the impact of using the same color for multiple codes (e.g., red for warning; red for stop) should be investigated.
(1) a six month interim presentation report, (2) a final written report, (3) a final presentation to the Center for Operator Performance , and (4) a survey conducted of current practices of the membership.