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A hand with a blue hygiene glove adjusting an industrial HMI screen.

HMI Design

User-oriented interfaces for industrial applications

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BMW Group Logo
DeutscheBahn_logo-2
Creditreform Logo
DERTOUR
jochen-schweizer
Dräger Logo
kuka
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Mercedes
Volkswagen Logo
DEKRA
stihl
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Weidmüller logo
Das Logo der Bundesagentur für Arbeit
ProSieben_Logo_2015-2
Mercedes
Volkswagen Logo
DEKRA
stihl
Sonax_logo
Weidmüller logo
Das Logo der Bundesagentur für Arbeit
HomeServicesDesignHMI Design

HMI design: When man and machine harmonize perfectly

Are you developing machines or devices where digital user interfaces make all the difference? Then human-machine interface (HMI) design is the key to user interfaces that users really understand and can use safely.

MaibornWolff provides you with interdisciplinary support through all phases - from analysis, concept and prototyping to implementation and integration. User-centered, efficient and tailored to your hardware.

Less technology. Better Business.

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Why HMI design determines your success

Clear and efficient to use

We design HMIs so that tasks are clear, fast and accessible. To do this, we analyze the context of use and derive interaction concepts that reliably support users.

Security right from the start

To avoid critical errors, we rely on clear information structures and robust dialog processes. Safety and security requirements are incorporated into every HMI concept right from the start.

Integration without friction

We consistently think along with interfaces and processes. This allows your HMI to fit neatly into existing IT and OT landscapes: without media disruptions, without unnecessary detours and with an integration effort that remains predictable and manageable.

Consistent brand experience

An HMI also communicates your brand to the outside world. If desired, we take design guidelines into account and develop a visual system that creates recognition and works reliably across devices, variants and languages.

For whom HMI design makes the difference

Whether it's a large industrial plant, a high-tech vehicle or a smart household helper: wherever people interact with machines on a daily basis, a good HMI design counts. When user interfaces determine everyday working life, their design determines cycle times, error rates, service costs and the brand experience.

MaibornWolff supports manufacturers and operators in developing new interfaces or modernizing existing solutions. We combine user research, design and engineering to create a coherent whole that fits into your architecture and remains scalable. The result: faster familiarization, fewer errors, more satisfied users - and a shorter time-to-market.

This is where HMI Design delivers a particularly big impact:

  • Groups with complex device fleets

  • Product areas with high safety and compliance requirements

  • Teams that want to scale or modernize existing HMIs

Two people sit at a table and work together on a laptop.
Are you planning an HMI program?

We have the well-coordinated team you need for this - without complicated handovers or silo thinking. Together, we define goals, prioritize the scope and deliver viable prototypes.

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How do we solve typical HMI design challenges?

Complexity? Established structures? Systems that have to react reliably and within fixed time frames? We know them, and we bring order to them. HMI initiatives often come up against established structures and tough real-time requirements.

We encounter the following challenges particularly often:

Accessibility, operability & safety

We don't start with the technology, but with the people who will later stand in front of the machine. With research, interviews and usability tests, we ensure that central tasks can be completed quickly, clearly and without barriers - even under time pressure. Clear information hierarchies, comprehensible user guidance and clearly defined statuses as well as safety and security concepts reduce operating errors and protect the operator, system and data.

UX, customer loyalty & customer enthusiasm
Designing a consistent brand experience
Structure with mobility

HMI design projects at MaibornWolff at a glance

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  • Foggy evening landscape with an illuminated village in the valley, high-voltage pylon and wooded hills in shades of blue and green.
    Lechwerke: Brand4Future - Digital platform for the brand presence
    To the LEW reference
    Digital Design/UX DesignEnergy

    Renewal of the digital brand presence for LEW, ÜWK & LVN

    To the LEW reference

    Multi-brand design system, headless CMS (Umbraco Cloud) & Next.js frontend, UX concept, uniform information architecture, usability tests

    To the LEW reference

    Consistent brand presence, efficient content maintenance, short loading times, better SEO visibility & accessibility

    To the LEW reference
  • A woman wears VR goggles and lifts a silicone leg
    University Medicine Frankfurt - Mixed reality for the training of doctors
    To the Mixed Reality reference
    Digital Design/UX DesignAppsEmbedded Systems & Robotics

    Knee training simulator for technology-supported medical education

    To the Mixed Reality reference

    Mixed reality application combined with a haptic knee model, interactive training environment

    To the Mixed Reality reference

    Diagnostics on the human knee without simulated patients, simulation of various pathologies, real-time visualization of motion sequences

    To the Mixed Reality reference
  • Digikoo_Apple_vision_Pro_Header
    digikoo GmbH: Apple Vision Pro for city planners
    See digikoo reference
    Digital Design/UX DesignData/Data PlatformsApps

    Immersive 3D visualization of complex energy data on the Apple Vision Pro

    See digikoo reference

    Augmented reality, spatial computing, 3D map with detailed data & KPIs

    See digikoo reference

    Foundation for intuitive understanding of energy scenarios & well-informed decisions

    See digikoo reference
  • Sports car parked in a colorful desert landscape.
    Mixed reality: driving a real car in a virtual world
    See BMW reference
    Digital Design/UX DesignAppsEmbedded Systems & Robotics

    Experience a futuristic outdoor environment in the headset while inside a real vehicle interior

    See BMW reference

    Real-time 3D application, Unreal development, XR technology, game design, smart devices

    See BMW reference

    High-performance processing of vehicle signals for precise motion mapping for an immersive driving experience without motion sickness

    See BMW reference
  • Woman with tablet in modern factory hall
    KUKA: Web interface for a new Human Machine Interface
    See KUKA reference
    Digital Design/UX DesignEmbedded Systems & RoboticsWeb & Portal Platforms

    Easy & intuitive web UI for product control

    See KUKA reference

    Development of HMI components & modules using Scrum

    See KUKA reference

    High user-friendliness, reliable operation, fast scalability & extensibility

    See KUKA reference
  • Man with tablet in front of KUKA industrial robots
    KUKA: UI/UX design for an app for load data analysis for industrial robots
    See KUKA reference
    Digital Design/UX DesignData/Data PlatformsApps

    Web app to replace legacy systems for easier interaction between users & system

    See KUKA reference

    Conversion from local processing with fat clients to a client-server application & migration to the cloud

    See KUKA reference

    Data-based planning & calculation of different manufacturing scenarios & site-specific production costs

    See KUKA reference
  • Technician installs solar panel on roof at sunset
    SMA: Development of a Web UI for ennexOS platform
    See SMA reference
    Digital Design/UX DesignIoTWeb & Portal Platforms

    Creation of a unified customer experience across all products, smooth generational transition for customers, secure, agile operation

    See SMA reference

    WebUI for the digitalization & automation of energy management processes, open-source solution for energy flow visualization

    See SMA reference

    Energy flow & cost optimization, operational reliability, customer-friendliness

    See SMA reference
  • A person wearing virtual reality glasses drives a car in an urban environment at night with illuminated buildings in the background.
    BMW Group: Virtual reality brings vehicle design to life
    See BMW Group reference
    Digital Design/UX DesignAppsVR/AR

    Unified platform for AR, VR & 3D real-time use cases: from planning to manufacturing

    See BMW Group reference

    Design & virtual product experience, plugin-based process support

    See BMW Group reference

    Vehicle experience already at an early stage, location-independent, cross-functional collaboration on the virtual model, savings on hardware prototypes

    See BMW Group reference

Ready for HMI design that really works?

A good HMI is not created by chance, but in clear, comprehensible steps. Our process ensures that technology does not overwhelm, but supports: from a well-founded vision to well thought-out interaction concepts and agile implementation. The result is an interface that really helps people to complete their tasks - efficiently, safely and pleasantly.

The HMI design process:
From understanding to further development
An infographic shows the HMI design process in eight steps, from understanding to further development.

Our HMI design expertise

A strong HMI is created where technical understanding, user focus and clear design come together. We translate complex machine logic into interfaces that your teams can operate safely, efficiently and without detours. If you want to modernize your existing HMI or develop a new system, we will accompany you from the initial concept to the market-ready product - pragmatically, interdisciplinary and with exactly the technical depth that you really need.

Talk to us about how we can make your next HMI project faster, clearer and more user-friendly.

Would you like to become a satisfied MaibornWolff customer yourself?
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Frequently asked questions about HMI Design

  • Why develop HMI design with MaibornWolff?

    Because we offer strategy, design and technology from a single source and only use technology where it provides real benefits. Our experts combine user-centered HMI design with embedded, cloud and integration expertise. The result: quickly validated concepts, clean implementation, measurable impact - and a partner who provides independent advice.

  • What role does AI play in HMI design?

    AI supports research, brainstorming, prototyping and testing - for example through pattern recognition in data or automated accessibility checks. In the product, AI ensures smart assistance functions and more robust processes, for example, where it has proven benefits.

  • What distinguishes HMI design from UI design?

    HMI design addresses the interface between humans and physical machines - including the environment, safety and operating logic. Classic UI design usually focuses on purely digital products such as websites or apps. The context makes the difference.

  • How does MaibornWolff deal with safety in HMI design?

    We take safety, security and rights concepts into account right from the start. Clear statuses, warnings and feedback reduce errors. Tests and reviews are an integral part - in agile cycles, with documented decisions.

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