Why We Should Care About Who Stands in Front of the HMI
Human or machine – who should adapt to whom?
We believe it’s worth putting people at the center.
Human ready through Human-Centered Design
The Operator’s Challenge
Even the best machine in the world can only perform as well as the person operating it – the one responsible for its smooth running during production. In day-to-day operations, the people at the controls are usually not the engineers who developed the system. For them, the machine is often unfamiliar and new. Operators must first get to know the machine – without the deep, specialized knowledge of its designers.
This introduction phase between operator and machine is a bit like introducing two close friends to each other. We may know both friends very well, but they've never met. When we make the introduction, we usually mention their names, perhaps where we met them, and – if necessary – any quirks or allergies, especially if dinner plans are involved. We might also point out sensitivities or topics best avoided. But the actual connection – the real understanding – is something the two must build on their own. And while we can’t force a friendship, we often do everything we can to help the people we care about connect and get along.
When it comes to understanding a new machine, however, operators are often left to navigate this process on their own.
That’s where we come in. Our goal is to make machines quickly and intuitively understandable – through clear, simple, streamlined, and human-centered interfaces.
Effectiveness, Efficiency and Satisfaction
Accomplishing tasks is at the heart of human-machine interaction. The core principle of “Human-Centered Design” focuses on meeting human needs.
By observing real-world use and analyzing data, we identify specific needs – helping us understand what it takes to complete a task efficiently, solve problems, and create positive work experiences. Alongside functional design, emotional and aesthetic factors are also considered: enjoyment of use, intuitive flow, and ergonomic design are all part of the equation.
When done right, a Human-Centered Design approach drives the creation of innovative products that resonate deeply with users – boosting acceptance and encouraging long-term engagement.
That’s why we firmly believe people should always be at the center – creating a win-win-win scenario for industrial workplaces. True to our guiding principle – human ready.