Motor and equipment states that operators can distinguish

Model first, decorate second

A motor is rarely just on or off. Command, feedback, availability, mode, interlock, and alarm can disagree. Define those conditions in the control design before compressing them into a visual state.

The display should make contradictory or uncertain conditions more prominent than normal running. Text, shape, border, and position provide redundancy when color is unavailable or ambiguous.

A practical state-design sequence

1. 01

   List observable inputs

   Separate command, run feedback, mode, permissive, trip, and communication quality.

2. 02

   Define priority

   Specify which condition wins when multiple inputs are true.

3. 03

   Choose redundant cues

   Pair color with a label, pattern, border, or icon change.

4. 04

   Test transitions

   Review starting, stopping, stale data, and disagreement—not only stable endpoints.