research need
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Our software controlled critical municipal systems with high-consequences of users failing at their tasks.
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There was a danger of low alarm-state salience
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User actions and their consequences needed to be explicit with good feedback
solution
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Recreate our current system of alarm animations and HMI graphics.
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Conduct secondary research into alarm and critical system color theory to ensure effectiveness.
research
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I researched third party findings for alarms, color, flash rates, and examples of poor UIs causing failure or disaster.


animation design
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I developed color conventions based on western culture standards.
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I used redundant coding of elements for equipment states. Both color and iconography communicate the intent of the animation.

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I reevaluated all of our flashing animations. I studied what the optimal blink rates and contrast ratios, duty cycles and the proper use of flashing indicators.
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Based on my findings I recommended the following:
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The most salient flash rates fall roughly between 4-8 Hz.
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The most salient duty cycle is 1:1; or 50%.
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The most salient color ratio is the highest one possible. (Max is 21:1 RGB color contrast.)
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Anything outside of these parameters are considered less salient.
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I combined the color, icons, and flash rate to create custom animations for our UIs.

result
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Our UI's got a major upgrade in usability and critical state salience, making it safer and easier to use.
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Our software became more accessible to those with color blindness disabilities.