Let's sort out what 'correct use' means and what real advantages gauges provide.

1. GOOD METAPHOR

Almost all user interface development guides state the first main rule: "Choose good metaphor". Sometimes metaphor comes from subject area. So, when you develop graphic editor it makes sense to use metaphor that includes paper, pen, rubber, i.e. the concepts the user faced with before in real life and has an idea of their behavior and functions. But very often subject area is more abstract and good metaphor is a real problem. Usability specialists state that right metaphor is a key factor that determines application success, as it can extremely reduce evaluation and training time.

What have gauges to do with it? Gauge is a natural metaphor for many things.

We use thermometer since childhood and get a clear idea that if stem of the thermometer is in the red zone, temperature is higher than it should be etc. Those who drive a car, every day watch registration of point devices.

I think these samples present a clear idea that visual elements should be designed in the way their appearance provides as much information on the type of displayed values as possible.

For example, displaying value on the point device means that all acceptable values are in the range determined on the scale. Slider gauges show that value can be changed by the user. Availability of scale segments helps define bounds of value ranges. Blinking elements warn against errors or going beyond acceptable values range.

Thus, novice user of the system will have no trouble to learn system interface. At the same time it would be better to provide more informative interface with less graphic to experienced users.

2. SPEED OF PERCEPTION

Speed of information perception is one of unquestionable merits of analog gauges. Reaction to pointer moving towards the red zone or blinking indicator can be much faster then reaction to changing numeric indicator.

That is why the supermodern fighters use out-of-date dashboards with a lot of pointers and indicators.

Stop! What have fighters to do with it? We talked about business, not about war. It is not matter of milliseconds; you can relax and have a cup of coffee before you make important decision, can't you?

Well, let's calculate.

Every manager regardless of his level regularly reviews the same reports in most cases daily and in most cases just to make sure everything is ok. As a rule it doesn't take much time - only 10 minutes a day.

* 10 minutes a day is 10*5=50 minutes a week; * is 10*5*4= 200 minutes a month; * is 10*5*52=2600 minutes a year (ok, I know 4 week I a vacation, let it be 10*5*48=2400 minutes a year).

Suppose we will reduce time of reviewing reports to 1 minute due to higher speed of perception. In this way we will save 9*5*48=2160 minutes a year; this constitutes 4.5 working days. Multiple this figure by your hour wages (or hour wages of your employees) to evaluate economic effect.

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