Nevada

Northern Alberta Refinery · 2023

This project involved a complete overhaul of the Human-Machine Interface for a critical hydrocarbon flow control system at a major Canadian refinery. The legacy interface presented operators with dense, monochromatic data grids, leading to cognitive overload during emergency shutdown procedures. Our solution centered on a spatial, color-coded visualization of the entire flow network, integrating real-time pressure and temperature data with predictive anomaly alerts. The new dashboard reduced operator response time by 42% and improved situational awareness during simulated crisis scenarios, directly contributing to enhanced safety protocols and operational efficiency.

Control room operator using a modern HMI dashboard

How It Works: From Concept to Control Room

Our process is engineered for precision and safety, transforming complex refinery data into clear, actionable interfaces for operators.

Our 5-Step Development Framework

Discovery & Requirements Analysis: We conduct in-depth interviews with your control room teams to map critical data points, safety protocols, and workflow pain points.
Ergonomic Wireframing & Prototyping: We create low-fidelity wireframes focused on information hierarchy and operator cognitive load, followed by interactive prototypes for user testing.
Data Integration & Visualization Design: Our team engineers the connection to live data streams (SCADA, PI) and designs custom visualizations (trends, alarms, mimic diagrams) for maximum clarity.
High-Fidelity UI & Interaction Development: We build the final pixel-perfect interface with a focus on color coding, typography, and interaction patterns that reduce error in high-pressure situations.
Deployment & Operator Training: We manage the staged rollout of the new HMI system and provide comprehensive training for your operators, ensuring seamless adoption and confidence.