Sometimes, intuitive machine operation involves going digital, but it can also mean easily identifiable pushbuttons that users can instinctively locate and operate without having to look at them. And when operators wear gloves, these buttons should not be too close together to avoid accidental activation.

If you opt for on-screen visualizations, make sure to think carefully about their intuitiveness. For example, you can use multi-touch screens that mimic the smartphone experience, meaning they can be operated with two fingers (to zoom, switch between screens, etc.), two hands or even gloves.

The machine status should be easily visible from all angles and enable fast recognition, so that operators intuitively know where to go and what to do, even if they are elsewhere in the factory.

This can include sending alerts to a smartphone or tablet to point them in the right direction. And if illuminated pushbuttons are used, only those that need to be pressed in an emergency could light up to speed up the response.

When using visualizations, also think about what data to display and how to make the experience as intuitive and efficient as possible.