The human-machine interface (HMI) is not only the link between operator and machine, determining how smooth and efficient their interaction will be – it’s also the calling card of any machine, with a crucial impact on its overall look and feel. That’s why it needs to be designed with as much thought and care as the machine itself, but that’s easier said than done, given that the operator interface journey is constantly evolving. At present, HMI design is undergoing a revolution, driven by digitalization and other technological advances, changing user needs and expectations, and shifting market demands. To help you navigate these challenges, we’ve identified five clear trends that are shaping the future of HMIs.

1: The shift to a human-centered user experience (UX) in product design

The next generation of operators is different from those of the past. They switch jobs more often, may not have the same level of technical knowledge, and often need to manage multiple machines at ones. But they’re also digital natives with new skills, familiar with all kinds of user interfaces from their personal devices.

That’s why HMIs must be better tailored to their needs, preferences and expectations, for example by matching the intuitiveness of smartphones and tablets. To optimize operation and shorten the learning curve, you should design your HMIs around the user experience, rather than the technical specifications of the machine.

2. The convergence of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT)

In the framework of digitalization, user interfaces are becoming more connected, intelligent and integrated, enabling the collection, analysis and visualization of large amounts of data from the machine and its environment. And with cloud computing, you can make the most of these data through artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), from performance optimization to predictive analytics. By predicting potential failures before they occur, also known as preventive or predictive maintenance, you can significantly reduce downtime.

3. The emergence of new interface modalities

This includes devices such as smartphones and tablets or even wearables like smartwatches and smart glasses, offering more flexibility, mobility and convenience for the user. Whether it’s gesture control, voice recognition, eyetracking or brain-computer interfaces, these new modalities contribute to more natural, intuitive and immersive modes of interaction, alongside new possibilities for accessibility and inclusion.

They also facilitate hands-free operation, which is particularly relevant in hazardous environments where manual operation could pose a safety risk.

4. Moving from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0

We’re still in the midst of the implementation of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), which is all about smart and interconnected machines and manufacturing process. HMIs are thus increasingly being integrated with IoT devices, so that they play a decisive role in machine data management. In parallel, the Fifth Industrial Revolution is already underway, with a focus on sustainability, resilience and how people and machinery can work together. As more and more smart machines and collaborative robots (dubbed “cobots”) work alongside humans, new types of interfaces between them will be needed.

5. The adoption of gamification and immersive technologies

The use of game design elements, such as rewards, feedback, leaderboards and badges, can make user interfaces more engaging while also enhancing learning, retention and productivity.

Meanwhile, 3D modeling presents new opportunities for the creation of digital twins and the application of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in HMIs, contributing to a better spatial understanding of machines. In the future, operators will be able to inspect and troubleshoot machines without being physically present.