Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk View Site Edition Users Guide - Manual (Page 70)

F ACTORY T ALK V IEW S ITE E DITION U SER ’ S G UIDE
3–12
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Creating templates to ensure consistency
To maintain consistency in the appearance of graphic displays in an application, present
the same information and basic functions in the same places on each display. This makes
it easier for users to find similar elements as they navigate from display to display.
To ensure uniformity, develop displays with common elements that act as templates. Each
time you develop a new display, start with a copy of the appropriate template. For
example, a template might contain:
 The company logo.
 A title.
 The date and time.
 Navigation buttons.
Applying visual design principles
When designing graphic displays, apply visual design principles that help operators and
increase their efficiency. Consider employing the following important principles.
Consistency
 Be consistent in the use of symbols and color.
 Be consistent with button labels and button placement.
When you design several displays, place the same kinds of buttons in the same
positions. For example, if there is a Start button in a certain position in one display,
don’t put a Stop button in the same position in the next display.
Clarity
 Use symbols that are easily recognizable. For example, use the conventional ISA
symbols for tanks and valves, such as the symbols found in the Symbol Factory
library.
 Do not overload the display with information.
 Use standard, clear terminology, and avoid abbreviations or acronyms that the user
might not understand.
 Use colors with recognizable meanings. For example, in Europe and North America
the colors red and green often mean stop and start. Keep color meanings consistent by
assigning red only to Stop buttons, and green only to Start buttons.
Use global objects to make templates easier to distribute and maintain. For information about
global objects, see Chapter 16, Creating graphic displays.