Graphical User Interfaces (or GUI’s) are the most prominent part of any control system…they are the direct link between the client and all of the equipment that makes up the entire installed audiovisual and environmental subsystems.  End users typically do not have any idea of how much design effort and programming time went into the system that subsequently makes the GUI work smoothly, or not, for their overall system.

 

Therefore, AV Controlwise puts much effort into not only making the graphics look great, but laying it out in an appropriate manner based upon the intended use of the space and the end users’ technical knowledge.  We rely heavily on InfoComm’s Dashboard for Controls project as a starting point, which is based upon human factors theory, theories that have been applied to almost every electronic interface used in our daily lives.  Below, you find a discussion of different GUI formats, portions of which have been taken from Dashboard for Controls Integrators Guide.

 

Defined below are three typical touch panel control system navigational formats.  AV Controlwise will typically recommend one of these formats to our clients, or a combination in dual-use systems.

  • Wizard – Linear Format
  • Menu – Progression Format
  • Control – Global Format

 

Wizard Format  This design requires that a series of linear choices be made, guiding the user to a desired function or device.  A popular use of the Linear Hierarchy pattern is the ubiquitous iPod interface. Linear Hierarchy provides the user with intuitive instructions while presenting him or her with the fewest choices possible.  Some Linear Hierarchy designs may defeat the simple nature of the format when the technical complexity increases as the user “drills down” more deeply into the structure.  To avoid presenting the user with an overwhelming number of features and benefits, this navigational format relies heavily on programmed automation.

 

The strength of this format is that little or no training or technical knowledge is required.  Although slow to use and difficult to modify in the field, this design is the best choice for one-time use by non-technical users in shared or public spaces.  To maintain the simplistic nature of this navigation format it should be limited to information, small presentation, audio conference systems, or interfaces in a residential guest bedroom.

 

Menu Format  This navigational structure employs a simple menu structure that presents all system functionality by mode or category using a progression hierarchy.  Devices and functions are rarely more than one button-press away and this is a time-based interface that guides the user to the desired goal by omission barriers (features and functions are only presented when required).  This system type allows for the use of organizational laws such as grouping by similarity or proximity, and creates a strong visual hierarchy.

 

The strength of the menu navigational structure requires little training or previous AV knowledge, outside of an understanding of AV terminology.  It is also easily modified in the field and will accommodate repeat use without frustration.  Similar to the “Wizard” structure, this interface uses constraints that guide the user to the desired result; however, using the menu structure is generally much quicker than using the wizard structure.

 

Control Format  This interface presents the user with the bulk of system functionality on a single main page where all functions are present or one button press away.  Designed for the repeat, or technical user, this interface style may intimidate the novice user because of the many options simultaneously presented.  The global navigation format organizes like functions in specific areas of the screen, giving some commonality from system to system regardless of content.  Its apparent complexity may require that initial training by industry professionals be provided to some users.

 

Strength: This is the most acceptable navigation format that will satisfy advanced technical users who depend repeatedly on speedy access or for moderate- to high-frequency repeat uses such as in a university monitoring environment. Both the global and wizard navigation formats depend on the user reading what can sometimes be a large quantity of text prior to deciding a course of action.  For this reason, structural or graphic design elements should be used to guide the user to the most commonly used functions.  This is achieved by appropriate positioning, grouping, or color selection to draw attention to the most frequently used features or functions.