How to get on the road to Smart Machines: The ABC’s of control interface ergonomics
Nowadays, most computers use a mouse that have 2 clicking buttons and a middle scroll wheel, unless you are a hardcore gamer. The differentiation of the middle actuator is clearly reflecting its function, which is to enable us to scroll down an internet page or a document. Similarly, on a machine control interface the choice of pushbuttons and switches are often linked to the ergonomics and the way the operator will be expected to use the machine. One of the simple choices is whether the actuating movement will be a rotation, with a selector switch, or a linear pressure, with the emblematic pushbutton. So, what are some of the reasons to choose one or the other? 1. Visibility of status: selector switches Even with your machine not powered, it is easy to see the status of your control interface with a glance when using a selector switch: the left / right angle of the selector is indeed much easier to identify that the pressed status of a latching pushbutton. 2. ...