In routine operation distinctiveness is preferred over uniformity. Uniformity is facilitates orientation in unfamiliar operational situations (recovery and rescue) but it enables selection errors. Visual distinctiveness enables fast recognition in familiar situations, such as in routine operation. ( more )

Similarity is about tradeoff between the uniformity and distinctiveness of visual and audio attributes of screens and panels.

• Uniformity implies that visual objects and panel objects of the same type should look similar, namely, that they have common visual and sound attributes and similar layout.

• Distinctiveness implies that visual objects, as well as panel objects, should look different.

• Screen design: location on screen, size parameters, images, background and text colors, size and arrangement of text: title, body, status line and more.

• Panel design: control and warning light location, size, shape, color, brightness etc.

• Sound design: tune, amplitude, means and timing for sound control.

Updated on 20 Apr 2016.