Image of a seat with operating elements for controlling a machine.

Operator HMI

What is an operator HMI?

An operator HMI (Human-Machine Interface) is a user interface that enables an operator to interact with a vehicle, machine, plant or system.

The more complex and extensive the functions are, the more important it is that operation is as intuitive and ergonomic as possible, with minimal training time and a low operating error rate.

At BUSSE, we specialize in the development of modern and intuitive operator HMIs by combining the expertise of our industrial designers and UI/UX designers in one team. Can we support you with your project?

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Where are operator HMIs used?

  • Industrial automation: Control of machines and production processes.

  • Vehicle technology: In construction and special vehicles, trains or airplanes for display and control.

  • Medical technology: In devices such as MRI scanners or infusion pumps.

  • Energy & building technology: Monitoring and control of heating, ventilation or power supply systems.

Depending on the application, an operator HMI can be simple (buttons + display) or complex (complex hardware input elements such as joysticks, jog dials and individually designed control elements as well as touch screens with graphic visualization). Modern HMIs are often networked and offer data analysis, cloud connection or voice control.

What makes an operator HMI?

  • Display of information: Displays operating statuses, measured values, warning messages or process data.

  • Operation & control: Enables the user to set machine functions, adjust parameters or start/stop processes via hardware and software components.

  • Ergonomics & user-friendliness: A well-designed HMI improves efficiency, safety and user experience through intuitive controls and clear visualizations.

→ Optimal usability can only be achieved through a perfect combination of hardware and software elements.

Mann bedient das Pistenfahrzeug

How is an optimal user interface created?

There are a few things to consider when developing an optimal user interface. First and foremost, the perfect combination of physical HMI elements, graphic content and operating sequences:

  • Control elements adapted to the task:

    Joysticks, steering wheels, buttons, etc. Both as purchased parts and as in-house developments

  • Suitable display solutions and optimized placements:

    responsive content, different display sizes, flexible alignment

  • Clear visualization:

    Intuitive operation through the integration of supporting graphics, animations or videos.

  • User-centered design:

    Support through user guidance, user role management and customizable screen content for first-time users and experienced professionals

  • Structured menu navigation:

    Anticipatory user guidance and screen content adapted to the use cases and various tasks.

  • Forming function groups:

    Logical clustering of operating elements, visual assignment and clear representation of functions.

User-centered development

What does this mean and why is it so important?

  • UX720°: Consideration of all physical and software-based user interfaces

  • Development of the entire user experience: usability, user interface & ergonomics.

  • Evaluation after each iteration loop using click dummies, prototypes and testing

    Design phase is only started with a tested concept.

We are an auditor for the “User-centered development” seal from UIG. Every product developed with us can be audited during the development process and awarded the seal.

Seal user-centered developed


Operator HMI

Magirus

We were able to provide support in the area of hardware definition of individual operating modules, the installation situation at the pump control station, the operating concept for display content and the development of screen designs and icons.
Der Pumpenbedienstand am Feuerwehrauto von Magirus.

Operator HMI

Prinoth

Developed on the basis of feedback from drivers, the PRINOTH Control Unit optimizes the driving experience through increased comfort and simple control.
Mann bedient das Pistenfahrzeug

Operator HMI

PistenBully

Many new operating elements in the PistenBully impress with their user-friendly input methods. These include the ergonomic double-jointed joystick, which can be moved freely in all directions and transmits hand movements directly to the control unit, as well as the new iTerminal and dashboard.
Pisten Bully Bedienkonsole mit Joystick, Folientasten und weiteren Stellelementen

Our service modules

With over 65 years of experience in product development and more than 60 employees from the 4 specialist areas of product design, UI/UX design, prototyping and engineering, we offer a unique service package to implement your operator HMI:

  • Recording use cases, user groups and their requirements

  • Identification and research of interaction elements

  • Ergonomics studies

  • Definition of operating sequences, menu structure and screen content

  • Product design concepts for physical input media

  • Construction of physical prototypes, combined with functional operating elements such as buttons, joysticks or touch interfaces

  • Use of VR/AR for hybrid testing, e.g. in a Motion Table

  • Usability tests, expert reviews or interviews

  • Complete implementation of the operator HMI up to series production readiness

  • Methods: Design Thinking & Human Centered Design according to ISO 9241

How do we work?

We work according to Human Centerd Design taking into account the entire operating interfaces (hardware & software). Our way of working consists of a combination of agile concept sprints and structured and focused implementation in detailing.


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Unsere Tools

  • Miro: Digital whiteboard for structuring requirements, use cases and personas

  • Figma: Creation of UI concepts, click dummies and design drafts through to an all-encompassing design system as a template for programmers

  • Adobe: Creation of icons, animations and geometric designs

  • Gravity Sketch: 3D visualization for direct AR & VR validation

  • SolidWorks: geometric development of physical elements from the armrest to the entire cabin and product design. Derivation of tool-compatible data

  • Arduino: Control of click dummies and mockups via Arduino components that combine hardware and software

  • Motion Table: testing operating scenarios under realistic movements

  • Qt: we can use Figma as an interface for GUI development

Development process

1. Project preparation & kick off

Coordination of working methods, project goals and organization.
Person points to a note written on a whiteboard.

Development process

2. Product training & research

Analyzing the current status of existing products and comparing them with competitors and trends.
Collage of different HMIs.

Development process

3. Analysis

User groups and their requirements are recorded.
Four people sit together at a table and work together.

Development process

4. Concepts for arrangement

Creation of concepts for the arrangement, size and number of screens and control elements and early validation using AR/VR.
A person tests the Operator HMI in VR.

Development process

5. Concept studies

Concept studies on industrial design and hardware. Creation of concept sketches and CAD models for joysticks, steering wheels, armrests, screens, special control elements, seat, etc.
Collage of concept studies for a driver's control station.

Development process

6. Concept work Screens

Consideration of different screen design concepts and operating philosophies.
Various sketches drawn by two people.

Development process

7. Model making & click dummy

Connecting hardware and software by creating hardware models of vehicle structures, housings, functional units and HMI components.
Motion table in use

Development process

8. Usability Testing

Conducting usability tests, internally or with end customers, using typical scenarios and tasks, preferably in a real environment.
One person points to a display and the second person looks at it.

Development process

9. Detailing

Detailing the design, HMI elements and detailing the UI concepts.
Drawing of a driver's cockpit from the inside.

Development process

10. Screen and software design

Development of the visual design with all details.
Close-up of the display of the snow groomer as it is being operated

Development process

11. Series transfer & programming support

Support with questions on various UI/UX topics as well as series transfer in conjunction with the workshop or design department.
Close-up of lines of programming code which can be seen on a screen.

References

Your contact person
Evamaria Plehn, Head of UI/UX Design
Evamaria Plehn

Our expertise is not only proven by 400+ awards, but also by the enthusiasm of our customers.

Product DesignEngineering

Calistair

"We were particularly impressed by the enthusiasm and technical creativity of the Busse employees. The atmosphere in the project was characterized by professional looseness and great agility. We turned an idea into a finished product in 4 months!"

Product DesignEngineering

Thyssenkrupp

"As an experienced design partner, BUSSE offers everything from a single source. Creative design solutions, prototyping through to small series production and UX design for software. The solution approaches and methods through to implementation always lead to a result that perfectly meets the requirements."

Product DesignEngineeringPrototyping

Sigel

„The collaboration with the entire project team was always goal-oriented, constructive and pleasant in terms of communication. Mr. Timm and his project team always kept the functional and safety requirements in mind and understood what is also important to us in product development: can-do mentality, agile mindset as well as flexibility and efficiency in all project situations."

UI/UX Design

Prinoth

„BUSSE is our design game-changer for snow groomers! Their UI/UX team elevates not only icons and layout but the entire user experience to a new level. Clear operation turns every ride into a pleasure. Reliable from development to series production, BUSSE is by our side. Their interface, based on precise product research, simplifies operation. Flexible, forward-thinking, and reliable – BUSSE is our satisfaction guarantee!"

Product Design

Mikron

"With BUSSE as a sparring partner, we were able to successfully work out a brand-defining design for our latest products that was appropriate for the target group. BUSSE understood our internal company processes very well and was therefore able to deliver optimal results. Deadlines were always met, you can rely on BUSSE. Anytime again!"

Product DesignEngineering

Keller

"We were positively surprised by the collaboration with BUSSE in that the focus was not solely on the appearance of our product, but rather on the interplay of economical manufacturing solutions, optimized ergonomics and a functional design. The result now impresses with a coherent, unprecedented design concept."

Product DesignEngineering

Britax Römer

„Child seats are not only visually complex but also technically demanding. Our longstanding partnership with BUSSE turns development into a creative experience. Design sprints and a versatile selection matrix relieve engineers, minimize time-consuming iterations. We appreciate BUSSE for their timely implementations despite limited resources. The collaboration is not only effective but also truly enjoyable!"

Product DesignEngineeringPrototyping

Infinite Running

„What impressed me right from the start was the incorporation of many innovative ideas that led to a result that is now ready for the market. Despite patented hurdles, design concepts were fine-tuned and refined until a turnkey concept for prototypes and a near-series maturity was achieved."

Product DesignEngineeringPrototyping

Hammer

"BUSSE has been the perfect partner for us to develop new and innovative ideas for over fifteen years. BUSSE offers a very high level of professionalism and a first-class understanding of the brand. The team has completely internalized the high standards of our projects and with exceptional creativity, as well as full dedication, has helped us to set new trends. Many of our bestsellers bear BUSSE hallmarks."

Product Design

Darda

„From the outset, BUSSE embraced our technical wishes and constraints, weaving them into a cohesive product. Their craftsmanship is impressive, making the collaboration not only enjoyable but also an inspiring process due to their expertise. It's a partnership that seamlessly blends creativity with professionalism."

Das moderne BUSSE DESIGN+ENGINEERING Headquarter mit großen Glasfenstern wird von innen beleuchtet und hebt sich vom dunkler werdenden Himmel während der Dämmerung ab. Das Bild zeigt architektonisches Design und natürliche Beleuchtungseffekte.