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Trend Report IFAT 2026

General, Technology

Trend Report IFAT 2026: Why user experience becomes the decisive competitive advantage

The IFAT 2026 clearly shows: The industry is technologically further than ever - but user guidance often lags behind.

In our current trend report, we analyze the most important developments around HMI, UI/UX, industrial design, and ergonomics – and show why user experience becomes the central differentiation factor.

Download the free PDF report on IFAT 2026 now – with exciting insights into HMI, UI/UX, industrial design, and ergonomics.

Request trend report now

The industry in transition

Machines and systems are rapidly evolving – towards connected, data-driven systems.

  • Automation and AI are increasing

  • Software becomes a central component of machinery

  • Systems are becoming more complex and powerful

Yet at the same time, a central challenge is emerging:

👉 User experience often does not keep pace with this development.

Technology is standard today – how it is made usable makes the difference.

Key insights from IFAT 2026

Technological maturity – but weak user guidance

Many systems are highly functional – but appear:

  • overloaded

  • technical rather than user-oriented

  • difficult to understand

From control panel to decision support

Interfaces are evolving significantly:

  • from mere machine control

  • to decision and analysis platforms

Data, AI, and monitoring become central components of modern systems.

Complexity is not the problem

The challenge does not lie in the technology but in the presentation:

  • too much information at once

  • lack of visual hierarchy

  • no clear prioritization

👉 Complexity arises not from functions but from a lack of structure.

Distributed interfaces become the standard

Modern machines have long consisted of multiple operating levels:

  • Cab HMI

  • Machine interface

  • Mobile devices

  • Control room

👉 These must be conceived as a continuous system – not as individual interfaces.

UX becomes a performance factor

User experience directly affects:

  • Efficiency

  • Error rate

  • Productivity

  • Training effort

👉 UX is therefore not a comfort topic – but an economic lever.

What to expect in the trend report

The report shows:

✅ central market and technology trends
✅ typical weaknesses in the HMI and UX sector
✅ concrete approaches to improving operating concepts
✅ strategic opportunities for future products

Why the topic is crucial now

Many systems do not realize their potential – not due to lack of technology, but due to lack of user orientation.

👉 The future is not decided by functionality – but by its comprehensibility.

Companies that focus early on user-centered development benefit from:

  • clear differentiation

  • higher user acceptance

  • more efficient products

  • stronger brand loyalty

Download trend report IFAT 2026 now

Get concrete insights into:

  • HMI, UI/UX, and industrial design

  • current industry developments

  • relevant optimization potentials

Download now for free

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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!"

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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."

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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."

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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!"

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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!"

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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."

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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!"

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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."

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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."

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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."

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