Reengineering the operator interface for a semiconductor manufacturing execution system

Dominion Semiconductor (DSC) manufactures state-of-the-art computer memory devices. DSC uses a commercial software system called the SiView manufacturing execution system (MES) to manage all aspects of the production process. Originally designed in the early 1980s, the SiView user interface suffers shortcomings typical of legacy systems. These include screens that are unattractive and difficult to read, screen content that is not interactive, and screen-to-screen flow that is inefficient. We describe a student project that designed a prototype for a new SiView operator interface (OPI). The new design is based on a thorough analysis of SiView's structure and functionality, repeated on-site observation and interviews with DSC engineers and operators at work in the clean-room environment, and an extensive review of current research on graphical user interface (GUI) design. The prototype illustrates the migration from text-based to windows-based screens, which makes the interface easier to read and navigate. Additionally, screen flow is rationalized, which improves access to the most frequently used screens and makes the interface consistent with the way Dominion operators actually perform tasks. Benefits of the prototype include enhanced operator satisfaction, improved efficiency, quicker learning time, and reduced calls to the help desk.