Intelligent HMI design for modern industrial machines

Product and Industrial Design User Experience Design (UX) User Interface Design (UI)

HMI design: The key to modern machine operation

Machines are becoming more powerful and software increasingly complex – yet systems must be commissioned quickly and operated by constantly changing teams. This is exactly where the HMI (Human-Machine Interface) determines the efficiency, safety and acceptance of a machine. A well-designed HMI is therefore far more than a touchscreen. It combines industrial design, UX/UI design and system logic into an interface that makes complex functions understandable and reduces errors.
In Part 1 of this article, we explain what HMIs are, the role tactile controls play in machine environments, and the significant advantages of well-designed HMIs.

March 17, 2026

What is a HMI?

HMI stands for Human-Machine Interface. It refers to user interfaces through which machines can be operated and monitored, enabling the control of one or multiple components within a work system. The interface is specifically designed for the machine and must comply with relevant standards and regulations (for example ISO 9241).

Machines often feature a wide range of programmes, complex settings and critical warning systems that respond when specific values are exceeded or fall below defined limits. To manage this complexity without extensive training, effective HMI design becomes essential.

The aim of HMI design is to ensure a positive user experience, while keeping the user interface intuitive, clear and uncluttered. Only then can operators quickly locate important information, adjust settings easily and react immediately to warnings. Depending on the requirements, this is achieved through a combination of digital and tactile control elements.

Within UX/UI design, HMIs fall into the category of operational interfaces, which are specifically designed for machine operators. We explain more about how product design and UX/UI design interact in the development of HMIs in our UX/UI & HMI blog article.

Operator Experience: UX for machine operators

While the term User Experience (UX) is common in consumer products, the industrial environment increasingly focuses on Operator Experience (OX).

This refers to the quality of interaction between machine operators and equipment within the real working environment – often under time pressure, while wearing gloves, in noisy surroundings, during shift work or with limited visibility.

A well-designed HMI takes these conditions into account. Information must be easy to grasp at a glance, functions must respond clearly and critical actions must be properly safeguarded. The goal is an interface that supports operators rather than burdening them.

Operator Experience therefore becomes a key factor for:

safe machine operation
short training periods
stable production processes

Particularly in capital goods industries, the quality of Operator Experience increasingly determines how efficiently a machine can be used in everyday operation. More on the topic of HMI and UX or OX here

Product design of controls for machine operation

HMIs rarely consist of touchscreen displays alone. Especially in industrial environments where protective gloves, oil and dust are part of daily operations, tactile control elements remain essential. These may include buttons and switches, but also control wheels that allow highly precise adjustments.

Tactile clarity: buttons as the primary interface

Buttons and switches provide users with direct tactile feedback and are therefore the preferred choice in HMI product design when fast and unambiguous input is required. Well-dimensioned controls with clearly defined actuation force, an audible click and high-contrast labelling reduce operating errors. They support the operator’s muscle memory and, depending on the material selection, can also contribute to the visual quality of the interface.

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Bedienoberfläche mit haptischen Bedienelementen

Precise navigation: control wheels for continuous input

Well-designed control wheels (such as encoder or scroll wheels) are ideal for fine adjustments or navigating menus without creating visual overload (UX Pilot, 2024). In HMI design they increase ergonomics and efficiency when combined with tactile detents, progressive acceleration logic and ergonomic positioning. Additional features such as illuminated edges or haptic vibration feedback further improve responsiveness and make the wheel intuitive to use even in environments with limited visibility.

However, machine operation spans a wide range of solutions – from fully manual control to fully software-driven automation. We explore this spectrum in Part 2 of this blog article.

ENGEL Bedienoberfläche mit haptischem Bedienrad

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Drawing on our experience of working with global market leaders, we bring in-depth expertise and a deep understanding of industrial requirements. Our focus is on developing intuitive and future-proof HMIs that highlight the strengths of your product. Together, we create solutions that not only work but also deliver an outstanding user experience.

Are you planning a new project? Feel free to contact us for a non-binding (and, of course, free) initial consultation. We look forward to hearing more!

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Advantages of well-designed HMI systems

Effective HMI design has a direct impact on the efficiency, safety and economic performance of machines (Emerson, 2023). When interfaces are consistently developed using a user-centred approach, several clear advantages emerge in daily operation:

1 – Faster onboarding and flexible teams
Intuitive operating structures reduce training times and allow personnel to be deployed more flexibly – an important factor in times of skilled labour shortages and rotating shift teams.

2 – Fewer errors, higher system availability
Clear workflows, unambiguous feedback and role-based operating concepts reduce the risk of incorrect operation and support stable production processes.

3 – Efficient development and scalability
Modular UI components and design systems make it possible to develop HMIs consistently across multiple machines or product generations.

4 – Data as a basis for optimisation
Integrated analytics functions make processes transparent and support data-driven decisions, from maintenance planning to process improvement.

5 – Demonstrating technological expertise
A modern and clearly designed interface increasingly becomes a sales argument in its own right. It signals innovation and quality from the very first interaction with the machine.

You can find out about the latest trends in these areas in Part 2 of this blog post.

To Part 2 of this blog post

Maschinensteuerung CC300 plus in der Nahaufnahme

ENGEL AUSTRIA GmbH

HMI – control unit CC300 plus

Ergonomic and customisable control unit with touchscreen – for the efficient execution of complex operating procedures.

BEKUM Maschinenfabriken GmbH

HMI design relaunch

Touchscreen machine control system offering maximum operational reliability and a clear display of process parameters for different user roles.

PESCHKE – your partner for strong HMI solutions

Through our collaboration with global market leaders across various industries, we bring extensive expertise and a deep understanding of industrial requirements to every project. Our focus is on developing intuitive and future-proof HMIs that combine outstanding industrial design with carefully crafted UX/UI concepts. The result: solutions that optimise your processes while delivering an exceptional user experience.

On our pages covering UX design, UI design and product & industrial design, you can learn more about how we work.

Are you planning a new project? feel free to contact us for a non-binding initial consultation. We’d love to answer your questions and discuss the options best suited to your specific project. We look forward to learning more about your challenges and ideas!

Book free consultation