At first glance, it may appear that a status indicator simply tells you whether a device is on or off. But for most devices in the smart home and modern workplace, there’s so much more than meets the eye when it comes to status indication. The devices we use every day are becoming more sophisticated, meaning additional functions must be communicated with end-users in ways that don’t make them think too hard.
A status indicator is a light used to signify various functions of a device with the end-user. Light can shine through the device and communicate with the user in multiple ways:
Light Pipes
Transmit light from the surface-mount or through LEDs to the display of the device.
Panel mount indicators
LEDs are attached to the control panel of a device visually communicate with the operator on the machine.
Capacitive touch sensor displays
combine graphic interactive control with color identification.
No matter how the light is shining through on the back end, what the end-users see determines how well (or poorly) they engage with the device. From the printer indicating that you’re out of magenta ink to your car’s dashboard notifying you that it’s time for an oil change, engaging with electronic status indicators has become second nature in many ways.So, does indicator design really matter? It’s not all about a sleek design aesthetic with lights that complement a brand’s color palette. Using intuitive indicators facilitates safety and efficiency for end-users.
