Switching to Siemens Unified Panels - The opportunity for a sustainably better UX/UI in HMI design
The discontinuation of older Siemens HMI devices or the switch to Siemens Unified Panels is more than just a technical update - it is the perfect opportunity to take your HMI design to a new level. The end of the Siemens Comfort and Basic Panels opens up completely new possibilities to fundamentally improve the user guidance and visual appearance of your machine operation. As a UX/UI design agency specialising in machine HMIs, we have already assisted a number of companies with this transformation. In this article, we would like to show you the advantages of a reorganisation and what to look out for on the UX side with Siemens Unified Panels.
Unified Panels: Why now is the right time for UX/UI optimisation
Siemens Unified Panels offer modern features such as multi-touch, high-resolution displays and HTML5-based visualisation. This opens up new possibilities - both technically and in terms of design. The switch to Unified should therefore not simply be made 1:1. Instead, it is worth rethinking the user guidance and visual design, as this offers the following advantages:
- Improved usability: Fewer errors, faster operation
- Modernised design: High-end interface with brand look & feel
- Simplified structure: Clearer navigation, better orientation
- Inspiring user experience More efficient processes thanks to well thought-out UX
- Sustainable implementation: Better maintainability, scalability and modularity
Conclusion: The switch to Unified pays off twice over
Use the switch to Siemens Unified Panels as a strategic opportunity. Make your HMI fit for the future - functional, visual and user-centred.
Talk to us - we will accompany you through every step of your Unified project.
Our offer for your unified project
- Support through to commissioning
- UX analysis - Find out what users really want in their roles
- Operating concept: interaction and navigation
- Prototyping & testing
- Visual design & brand integration
- Design systems
- Front-end development in unified
- UX with an eye on technical feasibility
We know exactly what is possible in Siemens Unified Panels - and, if required, we only design what can be implemented in the system. On request, we can also develop customised solutions that go beyond this.
Best practice: Strama-MPS with Siemens Unified
Since 2021, we have been successfully supporting companies in their migration to Siemens Unified Panels - from the UX concept and visual design to implementation in the engineering team. One example: For Strama-MPS, we developed a scalable HMI system for three display sizes and two colour modes - perfectly tailored to the user roles.
As an experienced UX/UI design agency for user experience and ergonomics in industry, we provide you with comprehensive support when switching to Siemens Unified - from analysis to implementation. Take a look at other exciting insights into UX in mechanical engineering, industry and technology.
Glossary
Siemens Unified Panels
Modern HMI devices from Siemens with HTML5-based visualisation, multi-touch functionality and high performance. They replace the previous Basic and Comfort Panels and offer new possibilities for a future-orientated HMI design.
HMI modernisation
The process of revising existing user interfaces in terms of technology and design. The aim is to improve usability, utilise the latest technologies and implement modern design standards.
Design system
A modular construction kit consisting of UI components, colours, typography and interaction principles. Design systems ensure consistency, scalability and reusability in HMI design.
Frontend development in Unified
The technical implementation of visual design in the Siemens Unified Engineering environment. Interactive interfaces are created in HTML5 and JavaScript and linked to the PLC logic.