Display Design Handbook

While this project didn’t yield great results, it was the inspiration for the Data To Information Handbook, one of the best tools created by a COP working subgroup.

Dr. Leslie Strawderman of Mississippi State University was tasked with creating a handbook on display design. Various member sites were visited to identify existing display conventions. A handbook was created, but recommendations were inconsistent with capabilities within the process control environment. While this project failed to produce a usable tool, the project inspired a working subgroup of COP members to create the Data to Information Handbook.

Handbook will address when, why, and how various display features should be used. It will define different methods for presenting process data, including schematic, tabular, trend, and various qualitative techniques. The best use for the application will be defined. The book will have a means to access the technique by either the method of visual presentation or type of decision for which it is being used.

• How should displays be designed so that operators can effectively and efficiently locate necessary information?
• What are the options for presenting process data to enhance operator performance?

The project outlines tasks for developing a data to information handbook. Subject matter expert interviews, surveys of existing displays, and the extensive use of human factors display guidelines will be used during the handbook development. The handbook will be organized into two sections: 1) display type and 2) task type. This will allow process plant operators and display designers to easily locate display guidelines for the task at hand. Decision aids will also be included in the handbook to guide designers in selecting the most effective display design.

1. Report summarizing categorized interview findings. (Display_Design_Handbook-Strawderman-Presentation-2013-05-15.pptx)
2. Report summarizing categorized existing display designs. (Display_Design_Handbook-Strawderman-Presentation-2012-11-06.pptx)
3. Report presenting display examples, as well as an overview of display principles incorporated in their design. (Display_Design_Handbook-Strawderman-Presentation-2012-11-06.pptx)
4. Report detailing decision aids and instructions for their use. (Display_Design_Handbook-Strawderman-Presentation-2012-11-06.pptx)
5. Report detailing feedback from validation interviews, including changes made to decision aids and display examples. (Display_Design_Handbook-Strawderman-COP_Feedback-2013-05-15.docx)
6. Handbook draft (Display_Design_Handbook-Strawderman-Draft_Handbook-2013-04-29.pdf)
7. Final handbook (Display_Design_Handbook-Strawderman-2013-09-17.pdf)