Railway applications - Driver's cab - Part 7: Design of displays for tram vehicles

This document is applicable to vehicles operating on tram networks.
This document specifies all necessary design rules and associated assessment criteria as well as guidance concerning the design of information and the corresponding user interfaces of driver’s cabs of tram vehicles.
It considers the tasks the driver has to carry out and human factors. This document specifies how information is arranged and displayed.
All assessments based on the normative requirements of this document are applicable mainly to:
— symbols provided by Annex A;
— arrangement of screen areas conform with Figure 1 (generic organization of information);
— colours, fonts;
— audible information.
This document is applicable to the following aspects:
— legibility and intelligibility of displayed information: general rules concerning the layout of
information on the displays, including character size and spacing;
— definition of harmonized colours, symbols, etc.;
— definition of harmonized principles for the command interface (by physical or touchscreen buttons):
size, symbols, reaction time, way to give feedback to the driver, etc.;
— general arrangements (dialogue structures, sequences, layout philosophy, colour philosophy),
symbols, audible information, data entry arrangements.
NOTE If this document deals with how information can be given for operation and in degraded situations, it does not define operating rules and degraded situations.
This document does not request any safety requirement related with displayed information.
This document specifies minimum requirements and does not prevent innovative solutions.
Requirements describing the functions using the display are out of scope of this document.

Bahnanwendungen - Führerraum - Teil 7: Displaygestaltung für Straßenbahnfahrzeuge

Dieses Dokument ist für Fahrzeuge anwendbar, die auf Straßenbahnnetzen eingesetzt werden.
Dieses Dokument legt alle notwendigen Gestaltungsregeln und damit verbundene Bewertungskriterien sowie Anleitungen für die Gestaltung von Informationen und der entsprechenden Bedienerschnittstellen von Fahrerräumen in Straßenbahnfahrzeugen fest.
Es berücksichtigt die Aufgaben des Fahrers und menschliche Faktoren. Dieses Dokument legt fest, wie Informationen angeordnet und angezeigt werden.
Alle Bewertungen, die auf den normativen Anforderungen dieses Dokuments beruhen, sind hauptsächlich anzuwenden für
-   die in Anhang A angegebenen Symbole,
-   Anordnung von Bildbereichen in Übereinstimmung mit Bild 1 (allgemeine Organisation von Informationen),
-   Farben, Schriftarten;
-   akustische Informationen.
Dieses Dokument ist für die folgenden Aspekte anwendbar:
-   Lesbarkeit und Verständlichkeit angezeigter Informationen: allgemeine Vorschriften für die Gestaltung von Informationen auf den Displays wie Zeichengröße und -abstand;
-   Festlegung harmonisierter Farben, Symbole usw.;
-   Festlegung harmonisierter Grundsätze für die Befehlsschnittstelle (über physische Schalterelemente oder Touchscreen-Schaltflächen): Größe, Symbole, Reaktionszeiten, Arten der Rückmeldung an den Fahrer usw.;
-   allgemeine Anordnungsregeln (Dialogstruktur, Sequenzen, Aufteilungskonzept, Farbkonzept), Symbole, akustische Informationen, Ausgestaltung der Dateneingabe.
ANMERKUNG   Wenn in diesem Dokument beschrieben wird, wie Informationen zum Betrieb und bei Betriebsstörungen bereitgestellt werden können, legt es weder Betriebsregeln noch Betriebsstörungen fest.
Dieses Dokument enthält keine Sicherheitsanforderungen in Bezug auf die angezeigten Informationen.
Dieses Dokument legt Mindestanforderungen fest und stellt kein Hindernis für komplexere Lösungsansätze dar.
Anforderungen, die diejenigen Funktionen beschreiben, die Displays verwenden, liegen außerhalb des Anwendungsbereichs dieses Dokuments.

Applications ferroviaires - Cabine de conduite - Partie 7 : Conception des affichages pour tramways

Le présent document s’applique aux véhicules exploités sur les réseaux de tramways.
Le présent document spécifie l'ensemble des règles de conception nécessaires et des critères d'évaluation correspondants ainsi que des recommandations, concernant la conception des informations et des interfaces utilisateur correspondantes des cabines de conduite de tramways.
Il tient compte des tâches que le conducteur doit effectuer et des facteurs humains. Le présent document spécifie la manière dont l'information est organisée et affichée.
Toutes les évaluations fondées sur les exigences normatives du présent document s'appliquent principalement
- aux symboles donnés à l'Annexe A ;
- à la disposition des zones d'affichage des écrans en cabine conformément à la Figure 1 (organisation générique des informations) ;
- aux couleurs et aux polices ;
- aux informations sonores.
Le présent document s'applique aux aspects suivants :
- la lisibilité et l'intelligibilité des informations affichées : règles générales relatives à la disposition des informations sur les afficheurs, y compris la taille et l'espacement des caractères ;
- la définition de couleurs, symboles, etc. harmonisés ;
- la définition de principes harmonisés pour l'interface de commande (touches physiques ou sur écrans tactiles) : taille, symboles, temps de réaction, retour d'information au conducteur, etc. ;
- les dispositions générales (structure des dialogues, séquences, philosophie de la disposition, philosophie des couleurs), symboles, informations sonores, principes de saisie des données.
NOTE   Si le présent document traite de la façon dont l'information peut être donnée pour l'exploitation et dans des situations dégradées, il ne définit pas les règles d'exploitation et les situations dégradées.
Le présent document ne requiert aucune exigence de sécurité relative aux informations affichées.
Le présent document spécifie des exigences minimales et n'interdit pas des solutions plus complexes.
Les exigences décrivant les fonctions utilisant l'afficheur ne relèvent pas du domaine d'application du présent document.

Železniške naprave - Voznikova kabina - 7. del: Načrtovanje prikazovalnikov za tramvajska vozila

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
25-Nov-2025
Current Stage
6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
Start Date
26-Nov-2025
Due Date
10-Oct-2025
Completion Date
26-Nov-2025

Overview

EN 16186-7:2025 - Railway applications - Driver's cab - Part 7: Design of displays for tram vehicles - is a CEN-based European standard applicable to vehicles operating on tram networks. It specifies design rules, assessment criteria and guidance for the information and user interfaces in tram driver cabs, with emphasis on human factors, ergonomics and clear presentation of operational data. The document defines minimum requirements (not operational rules or safety mandates) while allowing innovative solutions.

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard addresses display and interface design across several technical domains:

  • Display performance and presentation

    • Layout organization and generic screen-area arrangements (reference figure-based organization)
    • Response and screen change times, degradation handling and robustness
    • Minimum resolution, screen size guidance and luminance ranges with adjustability
  • Information design and legibility

    • Prioritization and suppression of information; headline and text layout
    • Character size, spacing, typography and minimum character height for legibility
    • Data consistency and dialogue/sequence layout philosophy
  • Colour, symbols and icons

    • Definition of harmonized colours and meanings (colour philosophy)
    • Use, field and style of symbols; harmonized symbol set (Annex A)
    • Background colour contrast and limits on number/combination of colours
  • Warnings and audible information

    • Warning content, priority levels and visual design rules
    • Principles for audible signals and loudspeaker adjustment
    • Limits on simultaneous visual/audible alerts to support intelligibility
  • User/display interaction

    • Command interface principles for hard keys and touchscreens: button size, symbol linkage, reaction time and feedback
    • Placement and prevention of unintentional operations; [Enter]/[Close] guidance
    • Data-entry arrangements and common user interface concepts
  • Operational context

    • Language selection rules and tram-train considerations
    • Note: functional requirements describing what the display should show are out of scope.

Practical applications

This standard is used to:

  • Guide ergonomic display design in new tram vehicle driver cabs
  • Develop harmonized HMI (human–machine interface) specifications for tram manufacturers
  • Define acceptance and assessment criteria for procurement and testing of cab displays
  • Improve legibility, situational awareness and consistency across tram fleets

Who should use this standard

  • Tram vehicle manufacturers and integrators
  • HMI/UI and human factors engineers
  • System and display designers (touchscreen & hard-key interfaces)
  • Operator procurement teams, testing laboratories and certification bodies
  • Maintenance and retrofit teams updating driver cabs

Related standards

  • Other parts of the EN 16186 series (driver’s cab standards)
  • CEN railway ergonomics and rolling stock HMI guidance

Keywords: EN 16186-7:2025, tram display design, driver cab HMI, railway standards, human factors, tram vehicles, display ergonomics, symbols and colours.

Standard
EN 16186-7:2026 - BARVE
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SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-januar-2026
Železniške naprave - Voznikova kabina - 7. del: Načrtovanje prikazovalnikov za
tramvajska vozila
Railway applications - Driver's cab - Part 7: Design of displays for tram vehicles
Bahnanwendungen - Führerraum - Teil 7: Displaygestaltung für Straßenbahnfahrzeuge
Applications ferroviaires - Cabine de conduite - Partie 7 : Conception des affichages pour
tramways
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 16186-7:2025
ICS:
45.060.10 Vlečna vozila Tractive stock
45.140 Oprema za podzemne vlake, Metro, tram and light rail
tramvaje in lahka tirna vozila equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN 16186-7
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
November 2025
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 45.060.10; 45.140
English Version
Railway applications - Driver's cab - Part 7: Design of
displays for tram vehicles
Applications ferroviaires - Cabine de conduite - Partie Bahnanwendungen - Führerraum - Teil 7:
7 : Conception des affichages pour tramways Displaygestaltung für Straßenbahnfahrzeuge
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 22 September 2025.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 16186-7:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 6
Introduction . 7
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 9
4 Abbreviations . 13
5 Requirements for display performance requirements and principles of presenting information 14
5.1 General guidelines . 14
5.1.1 Robustness . 14
5.1.2 Consistency of display application . 14
5.1.3 Design principles . 14
5.1.4 Principles for the provision of information . 14
5.1.5 Suppression of information . 15
5.2 Display performance requirements and principles of presenting information . 15
5.2.1 General . 15
5.2.2 Time to change screens . 16
5.2.3 Display response time . 16
5.2.4 Degradation of displays . 16
5.2.5 No reverse impact of a display failure . 16
5.2.6 Design of screen area. 16
5.2.7 Data consistency . 16
5.3 Principles for warnings . 16
5.3.1 Content of warnings . 16
5.3.2 Priority levels . 17
5.3.3 Warning design . 17
5.3.4 Numbers of visual warnings . 17
5.3.5 Principles for audible signals . 17
5.4 Information on languages . 18
5.4.1 Language selection . 18
5.4.2 Simultaneous language selection . 18
5.5 Tram-trains. 18
6 Requirements for the design of information . 18
6.1 General . 18
6.1.1 General design of displayed information . 18
6.1.2 Common user interface . 18
6.1.3 Prioritization of information . 18
6.1.4 Display of indicators . 18
6.1.5 Audible and/or visual warnings . 18
6.1.6 Use of information . 18
6.2 Screen organization and dimensions . 19
6.2.1 Organization of screen information . 19
6.2.2 Screen size . 19
6.2.3 Combination of screens . 19
6.2.4 Minimum resolution . 19
6.2.5 Headline height . 20
6.2.6 Headline text . 20
6.3 Luminance . 20
6.3.1 Range of luminance . 20
6.3.2 Adjustability of luminance . 20
6.3.3 Automatic adjustability of luminance . 20
6.3.4 Illumination of hard keys . 20
6.3.5 Flickering . 20
6.3.6 Uniformity of luminance and colours . 21
6.4 Colours. 22
6.4.1 Definition of colours . 22
6.4.2 Meaning of colours . 23
6.4.3 Colour ID 12 – 16. 23
6.4.4 Colour green . 23
6.4.5 Screen colours . 23
6.4.6 Background colour of status icons . 23
6.4.7 Background colour contrast . 24
6.4.8 Number of colours . 25
6.4.9 Combination of colours . 25
6.5 Symbols . 26
6.5.1 Use of symbols . 26
6.5.2 Field for symbols . 26
6.5.3 No use of symbols in texts . 26
6.5.4 Inverse status . 26
6.5.5 Symbol style . 26
6.5.6 Meaning of symbols . 26
6.6 Text . 26
6.6.1 Principles for text . 26
6.6.2 Requirements for text . 27
6.6.3 Character type . 27
6.6.4 Minimum character height . 27
6.6.5 Typography . 28
6.6.6 Character spacing. 28
6.6.7 Numbers . 28
6.7 Loudspeaker . 28
6.7.1 Loudspeaker adjustment . 28
6.7.2 Simultaneous loudspeaker adjustment . 28
7 Requirements for user/display interaction . 29
7.1 Buttons . 29
7.1.1 Button design . 29
7.1.2 Link between button and function. 29
7.1.3 Overriding hard key functionality by screen labels . 29
7.1.4 Button feedback . 30
7.1.5 Position of text or symbols on buttons . 30
7.1.6 Shape of buttons . 30
7.1.7 Location of button to prevent unintentional operation . 30
7.1.8 Button location . 30
7.1.9 Location of [Close] button . 30
7.1.10 Location of [Enter] button . 30
7.1.11 Size of a button . 31
7.1.12 Separation of buttons . 31
7.1.13 Button types . 31
7.1.14 Navigation buttons . 33
7.2 Keyboards . 33
7.2.1 Type of keyboard . 33
7.2.2 Arrangement of data keys . 33
7.2.3 Display of keyboards on the screen . 33

8 Requirements for the input of data . 34
8.1 General . 34
8.2 Entering (alpha)numeric characters. 34
8.2.1 Use of cursor . 34
8.2.2 Delay time for automatic cursor movement . 34
8.2.3 (Alpha)numeric characters . 34
8.3 Input fields . 34
8.3.1 Dimensions of input fields . 34
8.3.2 Highlighting of input fields . 35
8.3.3 Keyboards or lists associated with input fields . 35
8.3.4 No overlapping of the input field . 35
8.3.5 Options for entering or changing data input . 35
8.3.6 Data entry proposal . 35
8.3.7 Number of character positions in the input field . 35
8.3.8 Function of [Enter] button for data entry . 35
8.3.9 Input for free data . 35
8.3.10 Input for predefined data . 35
9 Requirements for troubleshooting . 36
9.1 Fault indication requesting driver warning and acknowledgement (troubleshooting process) . 36
9.2 Fault indication not requesting driver warning and acknowledgement . 37
Annex A (informative) Symbols, text messages and audible signals . 38
A.1 General . 38
A.2 Symbols and text messages . 38
A.2.1 Guidelines for symbols . 38
A.2.2 Symbols and text messages . 39
A.3 Audible signals . 54
Annex B (informative) Hard keys arrangement . 56
Annex C (informative) TDD basic screen . 57
C.1 General . 57
C.2 TDD basic screen at standstill . 58
C.3 TDD basic screen while running . 58
Annex D (informative) Data entry and keyboard examples . 61
D.1 Numerical data entry examples . 61
D.2 Alphanumerical data entry examples . 63
Annex E (informative) Registration form for new graphical symbols . 65
Bibliography . 66

European foreword
This document (EN 16186-7:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 256 “Railway
applications”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by May 2026, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by May 2026.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
EN 16186 Railway applications — Driver’s cab consists of the following parts:
— Part 1: Anthropometric data and visibility;
— Part 2: Integration of displays, controls and indicators;
— Part 3: Design of displays;
— Part 4: Layout and access;
— Part 5: External visibility for tram vehicles;
— Part 6: Integration of displays, controls and indicators for tram vehicles;
— Part 7: Design of displays for tram vehicles;
— Part 8: Tram vehicle layout and access.
NOTE Part 1 to 4 above-mentioned standards are only applicable for heavy rail vehicles.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North
Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United
Kingdom.
Introduction
The requirements of this document have been developed taking into account the relevant regulations and
the state of the art of tram vehicles.
The reasons for specifying the requirements are as follows:
— achieving harmonized and coherent presentation of information;
— defining Driver-Machine Interface ergonomics that is compatible with agreed interoperable
specifications;
— to reduce the risk of incorrect operation by a driver working with different tram vehicles fitted with
displays;
— facilitating tram vehicle operation with unified ergonomics, hence reducing the cost of driver training.
Information designed according to this standard is deemed to fulfil the following basic principles:
— be clear, correct and necessary;
— indicate its priority, whether by positioning, size, colour, sounds, sound levels, etc.;
— minimize confusion of the driver;
— prevent unnecessary distraction of the drivers' attention while performing their normal duties.
If a requirement contains an option, the choice of this option is purely up to the applicant.
NOTE 1 The term “option” is to be understood as a possibility that is usually expressed by the word “can”.
NOTE 2 In the context of this document, “tram vehicles” also means “tram-trains”.
1 Scope
This document is applicable to vehicles operating on tram networks.
This document specifies all necessary design rules and associated assessment criteria as well as guidance
concerning the design of information and the corresponding user interfaces of driver’s cabs of tram
vehicles.
It considers the tasks the driver has to carry out and human factors. This document specifies how
information is arranged and displayed.
All assessments based on the normative requirements of this document are applicable mainly to:
— symbols provided by Annex A;
— arrangement of screen areas conforming with Figure 1 (generic organization of information);
— colours, fonts;
— audible information.
This document is applicable to the following aspects:
— legibility and intelligibility of displayed information: general rules concerning the layout of
information on the displays, including character size and spacing;
— definition of harmonized colours, symbols, etc.;
— definition of harmonized principles for the command interface (by physical or touchscreen buttons):
size, symbols, reaction time, way to give feedback to the driver, etc.;
— general arrangements (dialogue structures, sequences, layout philosophy, colour philosophy),
symbols, audible information, data entry arrangements.
NOTE If this document deals with how information can be given for operation and in degraded situations, it
does not define operating rules and degraded situations.
This document does not request any safety requirement related with displayed information.
This document specifies minimum requirements and does not prevent innovative solutions.
Requirements describing the functions using the display are out of scope of this document.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 16186-5:2021+A1:2023, Railway applications — Driver’s cabs — Part 5: External visibility for tram
vehicles
EN 16186-6:2024, Railway applications - Driver’s cab - Part 6: Integration of displays, controls and
indicators for tram vehicles
EN 17343, Railway applications - General terms and definitions
EN 894-2:1997+A1:2008, Safety of machinery — Ergonomics requirements for the design of displays and
control actuators — Part 2: Displays
EN ISO 9241-307:2008, Ergonomics of human-system interaction — Part 307: Analysis and compliance test
methods for electronic visual displays (ISO 9241-307:2008)
ISO 2575:2021, Road vehicles — Symbols for controls, indicators and tell-tales
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 17343, EN 16186-5 and
EN 16186-6 and the following apply.
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
activated
put into a functional state following a validated input
3.2
authentication
process checking the identity of the user, device or any other element of the system or integrity of the
stored, transmitted or retrieved/exposed data
Note 1 to entry: This can be a pre-requisite to access the system.
3.3
authorisation
process granting the access rights to a user, program or process, or an event or status of the system
putting the system itself in hold condition which can be exited only by the action of authorised staff
3.4
brightness
attribute of a visual sensation according to which an area appears to emit more or less light
Note 1 to entry: The use of this term is not restricted to primary light sources.
[SOURCE: ISO 9241-302:2008 [1], definition 3.3.9, modified (Note added)]
3.5
button
operating element for interaction with the display (hard key, soft key, sensitive area)
3.5.1
enabled
put into a state where the function related to the button can be activated by pressing the button
3.5.2
pressed
put into a state where the action on the button is ongoing
3.6
Closed Circuit Television
CCTV
television allowing the transmission of images over a relatively short distance intended for a particular
group of users
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-723-01-19 [2], modified “generally by cable” and examples removed]
3.7
display
hardware device or system that shows text and/or graphic information to the user
Note 1 to entry: The display optionally contains hard keys.
3.8
command
action executed by the personnel on the human-machine interface
3.9
consistency
maintenance of interface design choices (codes, naming, formats, procedures, etc.) in similar contexts
Note 1 to entry: see [3].
3.10
Operational Aided System Display
OASD
display that allows the driver to enter operational related information and to get real time information
(tram vehicle number, route information, driver ID, track status, electronic timetable, messages, …)
3.11
error
discrepancy between a computed, observed or measured value or condition and the true, specified or
theoretically correct value or condition
Note 1 to entry: An error can be caused by a faulty item, e.g. a computing error made by faulty computer equipment.
Note 2 to entry: A human error can be seen as a human action or inaction that can produce an unintended result.
[SOURCE: EN 50129:2018 [4], 3.1.13]
3.12
event
occurrence of a state at a defined precondition and time requesting attention, e.g. alarm, authentication,
authorisation, fault, warning
[SOURCE: EN 15380-4:2013 [5], 3.12, modified (“requesting attention, e.g. alarm, authentication,
authorisation, fault, warning” added)]
3.13
failure
loss of ability to perform as required
[SOURCE: EN 50129:2018 [4], 192-03-01, modified (the Notes 1, 2 and 3 to entry have been omitted)]
3.14
fault
state of an item characterized by inability to perform a required function, excluding the
inability during preventive maintenance or other planned actions
Note 1 to entry: a fault is often the result of a failure of the item itself, but can exist without prior failure (e.g. in case
of a design fault).
Note 2 to entry: the fault is a state characterized by inability to perform a required function.
3.15
grid array
area consisting of pixels which results in a visual appearance of information in certain proportions
Note 1 to entry: Form and shape of the information on the screen in this standard is based on a graphical screen
with a total grid array of 1 024 × 768 pixels. This ratio forms the basis for all object proportions independent of
resolution and size of the screen.
3.16
hard key
physical key with permanent marking and not part of the screen area
Note 1 to entry: This permanent marking can be alpha and/or numeric and/or a symbol.
3.17
input field
highlighted screen area for entering data
3.18
label
symbol or text indication on or near an indicator or a button
EXAMPLE Soft key label
3.19
luminance
physical measurement of the stimulus which produces the sensation of brightness, in terms of the
luminous intensity in a given direction (usually towards the observer), per unit area, of an emitting,
transmitting or reflecting surface, expressed in candelas per square metre (cd/m )
Note 1 to entry: It is the luminous intensity of the light emitted or reflected in a given direction from an element of
the surface divided by the area of the element projected in the same direction.
[SOURCE: ISO 11064-6:2005 [7], 3.9, modified: (cd/m ) added, notes 2 and 3 removed.]
3.20
remedy
help and/or explanatory information related to a technical fault
3.21
RGB
colour scheme defined in EN 61966-2-1 [8]
3.22
screen
visual result of software, implemented on a display that is devoted to interact with the user
Note 1 to entry: A screen is a set of information made of a background, windows and symbols. This information can
be for example speed, distance, pressure, temperature, electric current, real time video images, which may allow or
request drivers to input data through a user interface
3.23
screen area
part of display providing the screens
3.24
sensitive area
enabled area on a touchscreen on which a physical action is possible in order to give input to the display
3.25
soft key
context-dependent key consisting of a combination of a hard key and an associated screen label (text or
symbol)
Note 1 to entry: This key is for multifunctional use.
3.26
status
existent or potential state of the system or actual state at a given time t
Note 1 to entry: A status can be:
a) ON/active/up;
b) OFF/inactive/down;
c) excluded/isolated/inhibited;
d) faulty;
e) unknown.
3.27
symbol
pictorial representation (with optional digits and letters) used for displaying information
3.28
technical and diagnostic display
TDD
device that provides information and recommendations with regard to tram vehicle and/or vehicle
status, diagnostics, failure management and dedicated functions of the trainset
3.29
basic screen
screen at the root of the screen hierarchy easily accessible
Note 1 to entry: Depending on the situation, the basic screen can be different (at standstill, while running, etc.).
3.30
technical specification
document describing specific parameters and/or product requirements, which have to be agreed by
contracting parties
3.31
text
alphanumeric information
3.32
title
text explaining the purpose of the window or screen
3.33
Train Control and Monitoring System
TCMS
means of controlling and monitoring functions of the train internally, whether by software or hardware,
and of providing information to the driver of the status of equipment on-board the train
3.34
troubleshooting
process of structured and intentional activities in order to cope with a technical problem with support of
the diagnostic system
3.35
window
separate visual area of the screen which displays information output and may allow input
Note 1 to entry: Usually it has a rectangular shape.
4 Abbreviations
Table 1 — Abbreviations
ACK Acknowledgment
CCTV Closed Circuit Television
DAC Driver Activity Control
HSCB High Speed Circuit Breaker
HVAC Heating, ventilation and air conditioning
OASD Operational Aided System Display
PAD Passenger Alarm Device
PAS Passenger Alarm System
TCMS Train Control and Monitoring System
TDD Technical and Diagnostic Display
WSP Wheel Slide Protection
5 Requirements for display performance requirements and principles of
presenting information
5.1 General guidelines
5.1.1 Robustness
Any protection against mechanical damage should not adversely affect the visibility of any displayed
information.
5.1.2 Consistency of display application
Information that requires an action from the driver shall be presented only once on only one display.
Existing information shall be consistently available for all displays where relevant. Each piece of
information (e.g. time) should be only shown on one display. Synchronization of identical information on
different displays shall be less than 1 s.
5.1.3 Design principles
All displays and displayed applications should be designed according to consistent principles and
therefore have a common approach for the user interface.
The following principles govern graphical user interface design:
— symbols should be used consistently with their meaning (same information = same symbol);
— all driving related displayed information should be located in the preferred field of vision (see
EN 16186-6:2024, Figure A.2);
— visual information requiring immediate action shall be prominently displayed;
— high priority visual information shall be accompanied by an alerting tone. The number of sounds
should be minimized (see 5.3.5);
NOTE 1 High priority information is information that requires immediate action by the driver.
— each window should have an explicit title;
— numerical values should be displayed using standard units and SI standard prefixes (e.g.: voltage in V,
mV, kV etc.);
— when two symbols (e.g. a needle and a figure) represent the same piece of information on a screen,
the same colour shall be used for both unless they physically overlap;
NOTE 2 The symbols in Annex A follow these general rules. Further information related with the symbols is
provided in Annex A.
5.1.4 Principles for the provision of information
The information provided should be adapted to the phase of driving and the state of the train. The
principle of “just enough” at the right time should drive the design of the screens.
TDD displaying safety information shall be developed with the appropriate safety level, if the information
is not already displayed outside the TDD.
Priority information for operations should be displayed on the TDD basic screen (see C.1 for examples).
The TDD basic screen shall be accessible easily from any screen.
The TDD basic screen shall allow access to menus and submenus adapted to the operating phase
(stopping, running, etc.). For example, the coupling/uncoupling submenu shall be accessible only when
stopped.
For tram-trains, the following additional information shall be displayed while driving:
— traction/dynamic brake force;
— front light selection states (dimmed headlight, full headlight .).
For additional tram-train functions, refer to EN 16186-3:2022.
The TDD should automatically switch to the
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Frequently Asked Questions

EN 16186-7:2025 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Railway applications - Driver's cab - Part 7: Design of displays for tram vehicles". This standard covers: This document is applicable to vehicles operating on tram networks. This document specifies all necessary design rules and associated assessment criteria as well as guidance concerning the design of information and the corresponding user interfaces of driver’s cabs of tram vehicles. It considers the tasks the driver has to carry out and human factors. This document specifies how information is arranged and displayed. All assessments based on the normative requirements of this document are applicable mainly to: — symbols provided by Annex A; — arrangement of screen areas conform with Figure 1 (generic organization of information); — colours, fonts; — audible information. This document is applicable to the following aspects: — legibility and intelligibility of displayed information: general rules concerning the layout of information on the displays, including character size and spacing; — definition of harmonized colours, symbols, etc.; — definition of harmonized principles for the command interface (by physical or touchscreen buttons): size, symbols, reaction time, way to give feedback to the driver, etc.; — general arrangements (dialogue structures, sequences, layout philosophy, colour philosophy), symbols, audible information, data entry arrangements. NOTE If this document deals with how information can be given for operation and in degraded situations, it does not define operating rules and degraded situations. This document does not request any safety requirement related with displayed information. This document specifies minimum requirements and does not prevent innovative solutions. Requirements describing the functions using the display are out of scope of this document.

This document is applicable to vehicles operating on tram networks. This document specifies all necessary design rules and associated assessment criteria as well as guidance concerning the design of information and the corresponding user interfaces of driver’s cabs of tram vehicles. It considers the tasks the driver has to carry out and human factors. This document specifies how information is arranged and displayed. All assessments based on the normative requirements of this document are applicable mainly to: — symbols provided by Annex A; — arrangement of screen areas conform with Figure 1 (generic organization of information); — colours, fonts; — audible information. This document is applicable to the following aspects: — legibility and intelligibility of displayed information: general rules concerning the layout of information on the displays, including character size and spacing; — definition of harmonized colours, symbols, etc.; — definition of harmonized principles for the command interface (by physical or touchscreen buttons): size, symbols, reaction time, way to give feedback to the driver, etc.; — general arrangements (dialogue structures, sequences, layout philosophy, colour philosophy), symbols, audible information, data entry arrangements. NOTE If this document deals with how information can be given for operation and in degraded situations, it does not define operating rules and degraded situations. This document does not request any safety requirement related with displayed information. This document specifies minimum requirements and does not prevent innovative solutions. Requirements describing the functions using the display are out of scope of this document.

EN 16186-7:2025 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 45.060.10 - Tractive stock; 45.140 - Metro, tram and light rail equipment. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

EN 16186-7:2025 is associated with the following European legislation: Standardization Mandates: M/483, M/486. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.

You can purchase EN 16186-7:2025 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of CEN standards.

Der Standard EN 16186-7:2025 bietet eine umfassende und präzise Grundlage für die Gestaltung von Displays in den Fahrerkabinen von Straßenbahnfahrzeugen. Der Umfang dieses Dokuments bezieht sich speziell auf Fahrzeuge, die in Straßenbahnnetzen betrieben werden, und legt alle notwendigen Designregeln sowie die zugehörigen Bewertungskriterien fest. Dies unterstreicht seine Relevanz für die praktische Anwendung in der Verkehrsindustrie. Ein herausragendes Merkmal dieses Standards ist die Berücksichtigung menschlicher Faktoren und der Aufgaben, die ein Fahrer zu bewältigen hat. Durch die Spezifikation, wie Informationen angeordnet und angezeigt werden, trägt das Dokument dazu bei, die Effizienz und Sicherheit im Fahrbetrieb zu erhöhen. Die Definition harmonisierter Farben, Symbole und typografischer Elemente sorgt für eine einheitliche und optimierte Benutzeroberfläche, die sowohl die Lesbarkeit als auch die Verständlichkeit der angezeigten Informationen unterstützt. Der Standard legt klare allgemeine Regeln zur Gestaltung der Displays fest, einschließlich der Schriftgröße und des Abstands, was entscheidend für die Sichtbarkeit der Informationen ist. Darüber hinaus wird ein konsistentes Layout definiert, das durch beispielhafte Anordnungen in Abbildung 1 verdeutlicht wird, und die Anforderungen für die Interaktion mit dem Fahrpersonal, wie die Größe und die Reaktionszeit der Bedienelemente, werden ebenfalls behandelt. Obwohl das Dokument keine Sicherheitsanforderungen in Bezug auf die angezeigten Informationen festlegt, definiert es Mindestanforderungen, was Raum für innovative Lösungen lässt. Dies ist besonders vorteilhaft in einem sich ständig weiterentwickelnden Bereich wie dem der Schienenverkehrsanwendungen. Die Flexibilität des Standards, sich auf die Aspekte der Informationsanzeige zu konzentrieren, ohne zusätzliche betriebliche Vorschriften zu integrieren, ermöglicht es den Entwicklern, kreative Ansätze zu verfolgen, die über die traditionellen Normen hinausgehen. Zusammenfassend stellt der EN 16186-7:2025 einen bedeutsamen Beitrag zur Optimierung der Nutzererfahrung in der Fahrerkabine von Straßenbahnfahrzeugen dar, indem er bewährte Praktiken und klare Richtlinien für die Informationsdarstellung und Interaktion definiert.

標準EN 16186-7:2025は、トラム車両の運転席におけるディスプレイの設計に特化した重要なガイドラインを提供しています。この文書は、トラムネットワークで運行される車両に適用され、運転手の作業と人間の要因を考慮しながら情報の設計とユーザーインターフェイスについて必要な設計ルールと評価基準を定めています。 この標準の強みは、情報がどのように配置され表示されるかを明確に示し、運転手が効率的にタスクを遂行できるような設計に寄与する点です。特に、表示された情報の視認性と理解性に関する一般的なルールや、文字サイズと間隔に関するガイドラインを詳細に説明していることで、実用性が高まっています。さらに、標準化された色、シンボル、操作インターフェースの原則に関する定義は、トラム運行における一貫性を確保し、運転手に対するフィードバック方法を設定することによって、ユーザビリティを向上させることに貢献します。 また、全体のレイアウトや対話構造、色の哲学といった一般的なアレンジメントについて定義されており、これにより運転手が迅速かつ効果的に情報を処理できる環境が整えられています。この標準は、表示の機能に関する要件を網羅するものではありませんが、革新的な解決策を妨げることはなく、最低限の要件を設定しています。このような柔軟性は、未来の技術やデザインの進化に対応するための重要な要素です。 EN 16186-7:2025は、トラム業界における運転席のディスプレイ設計において重要で関連性の高い基準を提供しており、その適用範囲は広く、トラム運行の安全かつ効率的な運営に寄与することが期待されます。

The EN 16186-7:2025 standard, titled "Railway applications - Driver's cab - Part 7: Design of displays for tram vehicles," offers a comprehensive framework for ensuring optimal design and usability of driver displays in tram vehicles. Its applicability to vehicles operating on tram networks highlights its targeted focus, which is essential for meeting the specific needs of tram operators and ensuring safety and efficiency in urban rail transport. One of the significant strengths of this standard is its detailed specification of design rules and assessment criteria related to the user interfaces within the driver's cab. By addressing critical factors such as legibility and intelligibility, the document underscores the importance of how information is arranged and displayed. The emphasis on harmonized colours, symbols, and the arrangement of screen areas contributes to a consistent and user-friendly experience, which is crucial given the diverse range of operators and front-line staff interacting with tram systems. Moreover, the EN 16186-7:2025 standard takes into account human factors by defining clear guidelines on the size, symbols, and reaction times of command interfaces, whether they use physical buttons or touchscreens. This focus on usability not only promotes safety but also aids in reducing cognitive load on drivers, thereby enhancing operational efficiency. The inclusion of principles related to dialogue structure and feedback methods for drivers further solidifies its relevance in contemporary tram operation environments. Additionally, the standard's recognition of innovative solutions while specifying minimum requirements fosters creativity among manufacturers and designers. This ensures that while basic safety and usability standards are met, there remains the possibility for advancement in display technology and user interface design. While the document is robust in its design-centric approach, it notably abstains from dictating operational rules and safety requirements related to displayed information. This creates a clear distinction between design guidelines and operational protocols, allowing stakeholders in the tram sector to focus on the actual functionality of displays without encroaching on regulatory constraints. Overall, EN 16186-7:2025 stands out as a pivotal document for tram vehicle design, capturing essential elements of human factors, usability, and information display standardization in a sector where precision and clarity are paramount. Its thorough framework supports the development of safe, efficient, and innovative tram systems, ultimately benefiting both operators and passengers.

EN 16186-7:2025 표준은 트램 네트워크에서 운영되는 차량에 적용되며, 운전자의 운전실에서 정보를 표시하고 사용자 인터페이스를 설계하는 데 필요한 모든 디자인 규칙과 평가 기준을 명시하고 있습니다. 이 표준은 운전사가 수행해야 할 작업과 인적 요인을 고려하여 정보를 어떻게 배열하고 표시할지를 정의합니다. 이 표준의 강점 중 하나는 표시되는 정보의 가독성과 이해 가능성을 보장하기 위한 일반 규칙을 제공한다는 점입니다. 특히, 문자 크기와 간격 등 정보 레이아웃에 관한 요소를 포함하여, 기호, 색상, 폰트와 같은 하모니화된 요소를 정의하는 데 중점을 두고 있습니다. 또한, 물리적 버튼 또는 터치스크린 버튼을 통한 명령 인터페이스의 사이즈, 기호, 반응 시간, 운전자에 대한 피드백 방법 등의 하모니화된 원리도 설계하고 있습니다. EN 16186-7:2025는 운전실의 대화 구조, 시퀀스, 배치 철학, 색상 철학과 관련된 일반적인 배열 원칙을 다루며, 데이터 입력 방식, 상징, 음성 정보 등 다양한 측면에서 운전자가 정보를 효과적으로 인지할 수 있도록 돕습니다. 이 표준이 제시하는 평가 기준은 부록 A에서 제공된 기호를 포함하여 전반적인 정보의 조직 및 디스플레이 영역의 배치를 준수해야 합니다. 또한, 이 표준은 운영 규칙이나 저하된 상황을 정의하지 않으며, 표시된 정보와 관련된 안전 요구사항은 요구하지 않습니다. 이는 최소 요구사항을 규정할 뿐만 아니라 혁신적인 솔루션을 선도적으로 도입할 수 있는 여지를 제공합니다. 따라서, EN 16186-7:2025 표준은 트램 차량 운전실의 정보설계에서 기술적 일관성을 제공하며, 운전자의 작업 효율성을 극대화하는 데 매우 중요한 역할을 합니다.

La norme EN 16186-7:2025, intitulée "Applications ferroviaires - Cabine de conduite - Partie 7 : Conception des affichages pour les véhicules de tramway", est un document essentiel qui s'applique aux véhicules circulant sur les réseaux de tramway. Elle définit des règles de conception précises ainsi que des critères d'évaluation associés, orientant ainsi la création des informations et des interfaces utilisateur pour les cabines de conduite des tramways. Parmi ses points forts, cette norme se concentre sur les tâches que le conducteur doit effectuer et prend en compte les facteurs humains, garantissant que les informations sont agencées et affichées de manière optimale. La norme stipule des exigences spécifiques concernant l’agencement des symboles (Annexe A), l’organisation des zones d'écran (conforme à la Figure 1), ainsi que des éléments tels que les couleurs, les polices, et l'information audible. Cela en fait un document particulièrement pertinent pour améliorer l’ergonomie et la sécurité des opérations des tramways. Un autre aspect remarquable de la norme est sa portée sur la lisibilité et l’intelligibilité des informations affichées. Elle établit des règles générales concernant la mise en page des informations sur les affichages, ce qui comprend des critères comme la taille et l’espacement des caractères. De plus, elle définit des couleurs et des symboles harmonisés, facilitant la compréhension rapide et efficace des informations par les conducteurs. La norme aborde également les principes harmonisés pour les interfaces de commande, qu'elles soient physiques ou à écran tactile. Les critères de taille, de symbolique, de temps de réaction, et de retour d'information au conducteur sont tous couverts, ce qui favorise une interaction fluide et intuitive entre l’opérateur et le système. Bien qu'elle ne traite pas des exigences de sécurité liées aux informations affichées et n'inclut pas des règles opérationnelles pour des situations dégradées, cette norme représente une base solide pour la conception des cabines de conduite. En précisant des exigences minimales sans interdire des solutions innovantes, elle encourage également le développement de nouvelles technologies et pratiques dans le domaine du transport ferroviaire. En résumé, la norme EN 16186-7:2025 est non seulement essentielle pour le design des affichages des tramways, mais elle joue également un rôle important dans l'amélioration des interactions entre les conducteurs et leurs outils de travail, rendant ainsi l'exploitation des tramways plus sécurisée et efficace.