Context: The Human Machine Interface (HMI) for Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) is limited in its capability and is often the most common cause of failure when interacting with devices. A new approach to interact with these devices is needed with focus on improving interaction and effective visualization of information.

Objectives: In this thesis, we investigate and propose a solution to visualize data of existing IED in interactive way. A mobile based prototype is proposed to list alarms, events and disturbances. Further single line diagram shown with capability to switch controls. Objective of proposed solution is to investigate specific use of mobile device from the perspective of usability and compare the new prototype with existing use of IED monochrome screen interface.

Methods: Mixed approach based on qualitative and quantitative methods is conducted for analysis of the problem, method and approach to solve the problems in the domain of Substation automation. Analysis of the problem was carried out with the literature review of the technical documentation of IEDs. Experiments are performed in real environment to test and verify the usability of prototype.

Results: Experiments results of proposed solution indicate that new approach is acceptable. The interfaces developed in mobile provide better results than traditional interfaces of IED. The difference between them is significant.

Conclusions: We conclude that mobile usability gives better interaction, freedom, visualization of information and enhance the users’ experience by providing context specific information as compared to the existing Local Human Machine Interface of Intelligent Electronic Devices. The study provides strong results that recent developments of mobile technologies have revolutionized users’ possibilities to access information in an easy and better way.