Industry Voices: Effective Industrial HMI Requires Mixed Technology Solutions

As technology advances, human-machine interface (HMI) is prompted to move forward.  Traditional singular technology solutions can no longer meet the demands of modern users. At the center of any industrial device HMI plays a pivotal role in usability, safety, and overall success.

Technology advances have resulted in a shift towards mixed technology solutions in HMI design. Unlike consumer or commercial applications where a singular technology “one size fits all” approach works just fine, industrial HMI requires a more nuanced approach. Customization is key with mixed technologies, and flexibility is a must when tailoring interfaces to specific user needs, applications, and ergonomic considerations.

By combining electromechanical components, touchscreens, keyboards, pointing devices, and more, mixed technology HMIs provide a holistic solution that enhances operator usability, reduces distractions, and increases safety by ensuring quick access to critical functions. This approach improves user experience, reduces cost, and offers standardization in design.

Mixed-tech industrial HMI is not like consumer screens

Mixed technology solutions have been effective in automotive and medical equipment where the HMI moves beyond singular technology. While touch-centric interfaces may be attractive to Gen Z and Millennials, they are not optimal for all applications.

Related:HMI Software Enhances Collaboration and Efficiency

A mixed technology approach can ensure that HMIs are intuitive, efficient, and adaptable to a wide range of user preferences and operational environments. By moving away from singular technology thinking and embracing mixed technology solutions, engineers can move to intuitive, dynamic, and effective HMI designs.

Image of Dominique Burkard, the industrial and UX design manager at EAO, a global manufacturer of industrial HMI products, courtesy of EAO.

To get details on the development and design of mixed-use HMI, we reached out to Dominique Burkard, the industrial and UX design manager at EAO, a global manufacturer of industrial HMI products.

Explain how HMI plays a pivotal role in determining usability, safety, and overall success.

Dominique Burkard: HMI is critical to the usability, safety and overall success of a system as it enables interaction between man and machine. A well-designed and ergonomic (physical and/or digital) HMI facilitates operation, minimizes errors and improves efficiency, while preventing accidents in safety-critical areas and ensuring smooth operation.

By combining electromechanical components, touchscreens, keyboards, pointing devices, and more, mixed technology HMIs provide a holistic solution that enhances operator usability, reduces distractions which ensures quick access to critical functions. This approach not only improves user experience but also contributes to cost-effectiveness and standardization in design.

Related:What HMI Tells Users About Your Brand

Image courtesy of EAO.

What paradigm shifts have we seen in mixed technology solutions in HMI design?

Burkard: In HMI design, we have seen a paradigm shift towards user-centered and adaptive interfaces that combine different technologies – or what’s known as ‘mixed technology’ solutions. This includes the integration of haptic elements such as buttons and knobs, touchscreens, voice control and gesture-based interaction, resulting in more intuitive and flexible operation. This enables the user to customize operation, as they can configure important functions and processes for their work themselves.

Unlike what is often found in consumer or commercial applications where a singular technology “one size fits all” approach may present itself; effective HMI requirements demand a more nuanced approach. Customization offers flexibility to tailor interfaces to specific user needs, applications, and ergonomic considerations.

Image courtesy of EAO.

How well do HMI devices integrate with smart devices? And what is the advantage of this integration?

Burkard: HMIs integrate well with smart devices, enabling seamless communication and control. The benefit of this integration is improved automation, centralized control and the ability to use real-time data to make optimized decisions.

Image courtesy of EAO.

How touch-centric are new HMIs? What is the value of features such as swiping, tapping, and pinch-to-zoom?

Burkard: Modern HMIs are highly touch-oriented and offer functions such as swiping, tapping, and pinch-to-zoom. These gestures enable intuitive and efficient interaction, especially with mobile and portable devices, and can significantly improve the user experience. However, it is important to note that not all functions can be implemented using touch. Haptic elements are still extremely important, especially for the “blind” operation of important functions like driving or when you need clear feedback.

Drawing on examples from various industries, including automotive and medical equipment where mixed technology solutions have proven effective, this underscores the importance of moving beyond the allure of singular technology paradigms. While touch-centric interfaces may resonate with certain demographics like Gen Z and Millennials, they are not always the optimal choice for all applications.

For example, many safety-relevant functions can only be implemented using haptic elements. The mix of touch and haptic elements offers a positive user experience for the user from a UX perspective. Environmental conditions may also be a factor. Gloved hands, liquids, or extreme weather conditions can compromise the effectiveness of this functionality.

By embracing a mixed technology approach, engineers can ensure that HMIs are intuitive, efficient, and adaptable to a wide range of user preferences and operational contexts. By moving away from singular technology thinking and embracing mixed technology solutions, engineers can pave the way for more intuitive, dynamic, and effective HMI designs that cater to the diverse needs of today's users.

Image courtesy of EAO.

Explain the value of HMIs with multimedia capabilities such as videos, animations, and interactive tutorials.

Burkard: HMIs with multimedia features such as videos, animations and interactive guides offer great value by making complex information easy to understand and provide users with an interactive learning experience. This is particularly beneficial in training and troubleshooting environments.

A purposeful and successful implementation of a mixed technology HMI approach allows the operator or end user to quickly and efficiently engage content. A user-oriented approach with the design and selection of control devices will result in a positive experience. Combining mixed technology HMIs with multimedia content and interactive tutorials enhance operator interactions with machines and systems. The merging of these functions provides for greater operational efficiencies, reduced equipment downtime, quicker learning and training curves, and intuitive practices.

Image courtesy of EAO.

Do some HMIs integrate with social media? What benefits does this bring to HMI functionality?

Burkard: Absolutely. Some HMIs are integrated with social media, which extends functionality by allowing users to share experiences and provide feedback. This enables stronger user engagement, faster problem solving and the dissemination of best practices.

Do new HMIs offer accessibility such as voice commands, screen readers, and adjustable font sizes?

Burkard: New HMIs offer a variety of accessibility features such as voice commands, screen readers and adjustable font sizes. These features make the technology accessible to a wider range of users and improve inclusivity and ease of use. Disabled users, along with Millennials and the Gen Z environment, benefit from the comfort and familiarity with new technologies carried over from everyday devices.