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

Operator HMI

Operator HMI Design for Machinery, Vehicles and Technical Systems

A high-performance operator HMI (Human Machine Interface) determines how efficiently, safely and intuitively machinery and systems can be operated.

As the range of functions increases, well-designed user guidance, clear visualisation and ergonomic operation become crucial factors for success.

BUSSE develops operator HMI solutions for industry, automotive engineering and medical technology that optimally combine hardware, software and user guidance – from the initial idea through to series production.

Our HMI solutions help companies to:

make complex machines simple and intuitive to operate
reduce operating errors
streamline workflows
train operators more quickly
increase safety and productivity

👉 Are you planning a new HMI or looking to improve your existing system?

Please contact us

Referenzen 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.

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Referenzen 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.

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Referenzen 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.

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Close-up of an armrest with controls for controlling a machine.

What is an operator HMI and how is it structured?

An HMI (Human Machine Interface) is the central interface between humans and machines. It enables operators to control systems, machines or vehicles efficiently, safely and intuitively.

A modern HMI combines hardware, displays and operating concepts in a well-designed system:

1. Precisely tailored and ergonomic controls
We integrate the optimal hardware – from robust standard components to bespoke in-house developments – and ensure ergonomic layout and logical function clustering, so that operators can work safely and without errors.

2. Optimal visualisation and display solutions
The right displays, sizes and orientations ensure perfect readability. Supporting graphics, animations and adaptive content make complex information easy to understand, for both beginners and professionals.

3. Intelligent menu and user guidance
A logical, forward-thinking structure and customisable content guide the operator quickly and confidently through typical tasks, whilst the interface remains clear and uncluttered.

Result: Efficient, safe and intuitive operation of complex systems.

Are you planning a new operator HMI or looking to upgrade your existing interface? Our experts are here to offer you personalised advice.

HMI Design and User Experience

Successful Human Machine Interface (HMI) design combines product design, UX and ergonomics. The aim is to simplify operating processes, reduce user errors and increase productivity.

BUSSE takes into account:

intuitive navigation structures
ergonomic layout of control elements
clear visualisation of information
adaptive content for different user levels

Applications for Operator HMIs

Operator HMIs are used in a wide range of technical applications. BUSSE develops solutions for a diverse range of industries.

Industry & Mechanical Engineering: Production machinery, manufacturing plants, automation systems
Commercial & Special-purpose Vehicles: Construction, agricultural and specialist vehicles
Medical Technology: Diagnostic and therapeutic devices

Get in touch now & optimise your operator HMI

Our approach to HMI development

At BUSSE, the development of operator HMIs takes place in several coordinated phases, following Design Thinking and Human-Centred Design in accordance with ISO 9241.

1. Analysis and user understanding: We analyse user groups, work processes and technical requirements.

2. HMI concept and interaction design: We identify suitable interaction elements, conduct ergonomics studies, develop intuitive control structures, information architectures and visualisation concepts, as well as product design concepts for physical control elements.

3. Prototyping and usability testing: Control concepts are implemented as prototypes with functional buttons, joysticks or touch interfaces and tested with real users.

4. Implementation through to series production: We oversee development through to series production and provide support for integration into existing systems.

Graphic of the design process.

Development process

1. Project preparation & kick off

Coordination of working methods, project goals and organization.

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Development process

2. Product training & research

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

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Development process

3. Analysis

User groups and their requirements are recorded.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Development process

7. Model making & click dummy

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

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Development process

8. Usability Testing

Conducting usability tests, internally or with end customers, using typical scenarios and tasks, preferably in a real environment.

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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.

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Drawing of a driver's cockpit from the inside.

Development process

10. Screen and software design

Development of the visual design with all details.

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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.

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Close-up of lines of programming code which can be seen on a screen.

Our tools

We use leading industry tools to deliver your HMI project efficiently and to the highest standard:

Miro – a collaborative whiteboard for requirements, user stories, personas and process flows.
Figma – interactive UI concepts, click-through mock-ups and design systems as templates for programming.
Adobe – professional creation of icons, animations and all graphic elements.
Gravity Sketch – rapid 3D visualisation and validation of design and ergonomics concepts in AR/VR.
SolidWorks – precise design of physical elements and creation of tooling-ready production data.
Arduino – integration of hardware and software in early prototypes for interactive testing.
Motion Table – validation of user interface concepts under real-world movements and vibrations.
Qt – efficient interface between design (Figma) and final GUI development.

We have our own HMI lab where we can test concepts throughout the development process:

Click here for our Motion Table

Benefits of a well-designed operator HMI

A well-designed HMI offers companies numerous advantages:

intuitive operation of complex systems
reduced training times for operating personnel
lower error rates
higher productivity and safety
greater user acceptance

Particularly with technically sophisticated products, the Human Machine Interface becomes a decisive factor for user experience and market success.

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Why BUSSE for HMI Design?

The development of a successful Operator HMI requires multiple disciplines. The key is the interplay of product design, ergonomics, interaction design, user experience design, user interface design, and technical implementation.

BUSSE combines these disciplines in an interdisciplinary team.

Holistic Development

Hardware, ergonomics, software and operating concept are developed together.

Holistic Development

Hardware, ergonomics, software and operating concept are developed together.

User-centered approach

The needs of the later operators are at the center of development.

User-centered approach

The needs of the later operators are at the center of development.

Experience in complex systems

For more than 65 years, BUSSE has been developing products and interfaces for demanding technical applications.

Experience in complex systems

For more than 65 years, BUSSE has been developing products and interfaces for demanding technical applications.

Realistic prototypes and tests

With prototyping and usability testing, we check operating concepts early in real application situations.

Realistic prototypes and tests

With prototyping and usability testing, we check operating concepts early in real application situations.

Develop Operator HMI with BUSSE

Would you like to develop a new HMI, optimize an existing interface or make a complex system more user-friendly?

Our experts support you in the development of ergonomic, efficient and future-proof Operator HMIs.

References

Mood picture Ziegler Z-Class in the field

User-centered development for maximum practicality

A user-centered approach ensures that your product not only works technically, but is also enjoyed and used efficiently by users. For us, this means specifically:

We follow the UX720° approach and consider all physical and software-based user interfaces in interaction with each other.
We develop the entire user experience, taking into account usability, user interface design, and ergonomics.
We evaluate our concepts after each iteration loop using click dummies, prototypes, and tests with real users.
We will only start the final design phase once a concept has been reviewed and approved by all parties.

As an auditor for the UIGs “User-Centered Design” seal, we can audit and certify every product developed with us during the process.

Seal user-centered developed

Working together for success – with our experience, we will take your project to the next level!

Connected services

UI/UX Design

Product design

Your contact person

Maila Thon, Senior UI/UX Designer, Project Manager

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.