Metal Masters is a commercial HVAC contractor in southern Oregon, and some of the services they offer are custom web-based controls for the systems they install. They use Honeywell's NWEBs-N4 software platform to program the interfaces.
My task was to design a graphically rich and intuitive interface that was branded as a Metal Masters digital product. I also developed some style guides to be used for current and future projects.
I was able to interview a past commercial controls client—and observe their use of the interface—which helped inform what user needs and wants were for this type of product. The navigation was designed to be simple and predictable, allowing for quick views of overall performance and submenus to direct users into further details and issues with the system.
I also built out floorplan graphics using SketchUp—if a 3D model was required—or Adobe Illustrator when the budget called for flat graphics. These plans are color coded to clearly indicate each zone of a facility. Users can see general reports for each of these zones from a top view, then click through to see the specific equipment status of those zones, and make any needed adjustments.
The overall result has been successful for clients, and we have received positive feedback from General Contractors regarding the graphic interfaces that were designed.