INFOGRAPHIC

Intuitive Design in HMI

In a rapidly evolving world, how does innovation ensure that users remain central to the design?

Engineers and researchers grapple with this question directly through their work on Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) - building, testing, and rebuilding iterative touch points that help bridge the gap between complex systems and the users that operate them.

User-Centric Design

Modern HMI design prioritizes user needs, leading to the development of innovative features and benefits that facilitate seamless interaction between people and machines across diverse applications.

Improved User Satisfaction

Increases the likelihood of product adoption and success in the market.

Enhanced Usability & Efficiency

Designing with the user in mind can reduce training time, minimize errors, and streamline workflows, ultimately saving time and resources.

Reduced Development Costs

Incorporating user feedback early in the design process helps identify usability issues and design flaws before they become costly to address.

Market Competitiveness

Products that are user-friendly and meet the needs of their target users are more likely to stand out among competitors and attract loyal customers.

Mitigation of Risks

Clear instructions, warnings, and feedback can prevent user errors and accidents, reducing the potential for harm and liability.

MARKET PROJECTIONS

Tapped into Growth

The global human machine interface market size is expected to exceed $14.99 billion by 2032.

Human Machine Interface Market Size 2022-2032 (USD Billion)

Year	Global human interface market size
2022	$5.50 billion
2023	$6.06 billion
2024	$6.67 billion
2025	$7.36 billion
2026	$8.13 billion
2027	$8.98 billion
2028	$9.93 billion
2029	$10.99 billion
2030	$12.18 billion
2031	$13.51 billion
2032	$14.99 billion

Source: Precedence Research

Talk, Touch, and Beyond

As demand for more personalized, intuitive experiences grow, engineers will continue to tailor HMI technology to match those requirements.

Touch

Multi-touch capability and durability across applications include resistive, projected capacitive, surface capacitive, and infrared sensors that integrate with OLED and Quantum Dot displays, alongside intuitive UI/UX software to deliver unparalleled precision.

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Light interference
Areas of obscuration

Multi-screen toggling
Haptic/sensory feedback

Voice

Sensitive microphone arrays and natural language processing AI integrate with state-of-the-art, voice-activated DSPs to enhance accessibility, engagement, and efficiency in executing user commands.

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Slang/localized dialects
Speech impediments

White noise/environmental influence
Multiple speakers

Gesture

Intricate computer vision combined with machine learning and AI algorithms interpret and react to gestures and facial expressions in real time. Through meticulous calibration, a predictive relationship begins to form between each user, the interface, and desired system outcomes.

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Mapping range/sensor placement
Gesture standardization

Progressive visual cues
Simplified start/stop workflow

Augmented/Virtual Reality

Sophisticated optical technology, precision motion tracking sensors, and advanced rendering engines enable immersive 3D interfaces to help users visualize complex systems, interact with remote team members, and integrate virtual prototypes.

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Hardware compatibility
Spatial awareness/proximity cues

Fully immersive vs. augmented overlays
Field of vision limitations/interference

A GREATER WORLD VIEW

Interaction Across Industries

In 2024, hardware is expected to account for the largest share — 38% of the HMI market.

The large market share of this segment is driven by increased automation across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and automotive.

Source: Meticulous Research

Manufacturing

Communication Protocols

Industrial devices compatible with communication protocols such as MODBUS, EtherNet/IP, and PROFIBUS enable the factory floor to operate with real-time data exchanges and device interoperability, enhancing system flexibility and scalability.

SCADA

Through SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) integration HMIs enable real-time data visualization, historical data logging, alarming, and remote control functionality, empowering operators to monitor process parameters, analyze trends, and respond promptly to operational changes or abnormalities.

Ethernet Ports

HMIs are equipped with Ethernet ports, typically 10/100/1000 Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet), enabling seamless data exchange, remote monitoring, and system integration with other devices, controllers, and SCADA systems in the manufacturing environment.

Healthcare

Medical Device Communication Protocols

An understanding of communication protocols such as HL7, DICOM, IEEE 11073 (x73), and IHE play a crucial role for engineers to ensure seamless integration of HMIs with various medical devices.

Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory compliance requirements such as FDA regulations (e.g., 21 CFR Part 820, 21 CFR Part 11), CE marking directives, ISO 13485, and IEC 62304 are necessary for approvals and certifications when developing healthcare HMIs that meet safety, efficacy, and quality standards.

Machine Learning (ML) & Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms enable engineers to develop intelligent HMIs capable of automated data analysis, pattern recognition, predictive modeling, and decision support in healthcare settings.

Automotive

User Interface (UI) & User Experience (UX)

User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design principles are essential for creating intuitive, ergonomic, and distraction-free interfaces - optimizing screen layouts, graphics, typography, and interaction patterns to enhance usability, readability, and accessibility for drivers and passengers.

Safety Standards

Automotive safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262) and driver assistance systems (e.g., ADAS – Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) are critical in prioritizing driver safety and mitigating the risk of accidents.

Augmented Reality (AR)

Augmented Reality (AR) algorithms, optical designs, and display technologies deliver seamless and accurate AR/HUD experiences in varying lighting conditions and driving environments.