AI Insight
This document presents a human-system interface (HSI) style guide developed for the ACORN control system at the Fermilab accelerator complex. It establishes standardized visual and interaction design principles intended to ensure consistency, usability, and maintainability across interfaces developed by multiple contributors over extended periods. The guide is explicitly designed as a living document, subject to annual updates to incorporate operational feedback and emerging design practices.
Why it matters
Standardized HSI guidelines are critical in complex, long-lived scientific infrastructure where inconsistent interface design can increase operator training burden and introduce usability failures. This framework has direct practical relevance for particle accelerator operations and may inform similar efforts in other large-scale scientific or industrial control environments.
arXiv:2605.18828v1 Announce Type: new
Abstract: The purpose of this style guide is to provide a clear, consistent framework for the design and development of human system interfaces (HSIs) used throughout the Fermilab accelerator complex. It establishes a shared visual and interaction foundation to ensure that interfaces remain intuitive, effective, and cohesive, regardless of when or by whom they are developed. By adhering to these guidelines, developers can avoid introducing unnecessary deviations that compromise usability or increase system training burden. This consistency is especially critical in long-term, multi-contributor projects where interface continuity and maintainability are paramount. This document serves as a practical reference for all HSI development activities related to the accelerator control environment. While the guidance provided is comprehensive, it is not exhaustive of every potential design scenario. As such, the style guide is intended to function as a living document, subject to regular review and revision. Updates will be made at least annually to incorporate emerging best practices, operational feedback, and evolving system needs. Areas where detailed guidance is still under development are clearly indicated in gray throughout the document and will be addressed in future revisions according to project priorities.
Source: Human-system Interface Style Guide for ACORN Control System