DISPLAY & UI
Practical considerations for specifying displays and user interfaces for industrial applications
When specifying displays and user interfaces for professional or regulated applications, several practical considerations come into play. This article talks about some of the factors to consider when designing and building a display system. By Daniel Burke, marketing manager, Review Display Systems (RDS)
H
igh-quality TFT LCD panels remain the most widely used across a range of sizes, offering reliable performance and long product lifecycles. Micro-OLED and other specialised display technologies are also available where higher contrast, compact form factors or specific optical characteristics are required. But TFT is still the most common for industrial uses. With brightness levels up to around 3,000 nits, combined with optical bonding, a significant improvement in sunlight readability and durability can be achieved whilst also reducing reflections and protecting the panel from impact or moisture. User interfaces are typically built around projected capacitive (PCAP) touch technology. Modern implementations support multi-touch gestures, operation with gloves and reliable performance in wet or outdoor conditions. Additional input devices such as custom keyboards, trackballs or pointing devices can be integrated where the application demands more tactile feedback or specialised control. For projects that fall under medical or quality-critical requirements, design and manufacturing processes that comply with ISO 9001 (general quality management) and ISO 13485 (medical device quality management) provide structured controls
around documentation, traceability, risk management and process consistency. These standards help ensure that both the hardware and the production methods meet recognised expectations for safety and reliability.
Cabling and interconnect solutions form an essential part of any complete system. Custom cable assemblies, wire harnesses and connectors can be engineered for specific environmental demands — for example over moulded or IP-rated designs for moisture protection, high-flex constructions for repeated movement, or EMI-shielded versions where electrical noise is a concern. Matching the cabling to the display and interface requirements early in the design process reduces the risk of signal integrity or mechanical issues later. Manufacturing capabilities that cover the full route from prototype to volume production are useful when consistency
38 SEPTEMBER 2026 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS
and long-term support matter. This typically includes PCB assembly, optical bonding in controlled environments, system integration, environmental testing and final assembly. Facilities operating under ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 can provide the necessary process controls and documentation, particularly for medical or other regulated sectors. Organisations such as Review Display Systems (RDS) offer design, supply and manufacturing services covering these areas — displays, user interfaces, cabling and complete assemblies — within the framework of the above standards. When evaluating options, it is worth reviewing the specific environmental ratings, expected product longevity, testing regimes and documentation provided, as these factors often determine suitability for the intended application more than any single technical feature.
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