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

Operator HMI

Operator HMI: The crucial interface between humans and machines

An operator HMI (human-machine interface) is much more than just a user interface—it is the critical success factor for the efficient and safe control of vehicles, machines, and complex systems.

Especially with increasing functional diversity, the quality of the HMI determines economic advantages: intuitive operation, minimal training times, and a significantly lower error rate.

This is exactly where our expertise comes in. At BUSSE, we develop modern and intuitive operator HMIs by combining our unique expertise in industrial design and UI/UX design in an interdisciplinary team.

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Areas of application for our HMI solutions

Well-thought-out HMI design is critical to success in numerous industries. We develop specialized solutions for:

Industrial automation: Precise control of machines and complex production processes.
Vehicle technology: Innovative operating concepts in construction and special-purpose vehicles, trains, and aircraft
Medical technology: Safe and error-free control of devices such as MRI scanners or infusion pumps.
Energy and building technology: Efficient monitoring and control of heating, ventilation, and power supply systems.

Modern HMI interfaces can range from simple button-display combinations to networked systems with data analysis, cloud connectivity, or voice control.

What defines an operator HMI?

A well-designed HMI significantly improves efficiency, safety, and user experience. This can only be achieved through a perfect combination of hardware and software elements that combine the following aspects:

Information display: Clear and understandable presentation of operating states, measured values, and process data
Operation & control: Enables the user to precisely set, adjust, and control all machine functions via hardware and software components.
Ergonomics & usability: Intuitive user guidance and a well-thought-out arrangement of the controls guarantee a high level of user-friendliness and safety.

How is an optimal user interface created?

At BUSSE, we take a holistic approach to creating the optimal user interface. We achieve the perfect combination of well-designed hardware, clear graphic content, and intelligent operating procedures by following these principles:

Customized controls: We integrate the optimal hardware—from robust standard components to exclusive in-house developments that are tailored precisely to your requirements.
Optimal display solutions: We ensure perfect readability and ergonomics by choosing the right display size, orientation, and responsive content.
Clear visualization: Complex information is presented intuitively and easily understandable with supporting graphics, animations, and videos.
Adaptive design: Thanks to user guidance and customizable content, the interface meets the needs of beginners and professionals alike.
Intelligent menu navigation: We develop a logical and forward-looking structure that guides the user quickly and confidently based on typical tasks.
Clear function clustering: By logically grouping control elements, we create a tidy and error-free operating environment.

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

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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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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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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Our service modules for your operator HMI project

With over 65 years of experience in product development and a team of over 60 experts, we offer a unique service package for your project.

Analysis: Recording use cases, user groups, and their requirements
Conceptual design: Identifying suitable interaction elements and defining operating procedures, menu structure, and screen content.
Ergonomics: Conducting well-founded ergonomics studies for physical input media.
Design: Creation of product design concepts for physical controls and graphical interfaces.
Prototyping: Construction of physical prototypes with functional buttons, joysticks, or touch interfaces.
Testing & validation: Conducting usability tests, expert reviews, and interviews, including the use of VR/AR and our motion table.
Implementation: Complete support of the operator HMI until it is ready for series production.

We rely on proven methods such as design thinking and human-centered design in accordance with ISO 9241.

How we work: Our 720° approach

In order to develop an optimal user interface, we consistently pursue a user-centered approach that we call UX720°. This means that we consider all physical (hardware) and digital (software) points of contact between the user and the system.

Our entire development process follows the principle of human-centered design. We combine the creative dynamics of agile concept sprints with structured and focused implementation in the final development stage. This ensures that innovative ideas are developed efficiently and then realized to the highest quality standards.

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Our tools

We rely on a selection of leading industry tools to implement your project efficiently and with the highest quality. Each tool has a clear role in our development process:

Miro: Our digital whiteboard for the collaborative structuring of requirements, user stories, personas, and process flows.
Figma: For designing interactive UI concepts, click dummies, and comprehensive design systems as the perfect template for programming.
Adobe: For professional creation of icons, animations, and all graphic elements that make your HMI unique
Gravity Sketch: For rapid 3D visualization and direct validation of design and ergonomics concepts in AR and VR.
SolidWorks: For the precise design of all physical elements and the creation of tool-ready data for production.
Arduino: To connect hardware and software in early prototypes, making it possible to interactively test the feel and function.
Motion Table: For validating operating concepts under real movements and vibrations to ensure maximum practicality.
Qt: To ensure an efficient interface between our design (Figma) and the final GUI development.

Click here for our Motion Table

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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References

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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.