Human machine Interface (HMI): design e best practice

The evolution of human machine interfaces, also known as HMI, follows the transformation of industry, application and control systems. From the most complex to the SMEs active in the most cross-cutting sectors, these interfaces are an increasingly constant presence and, often, an indispensable part of operations.

The possibilities of interaction that offer users, now highly efficient and extensive, require an increasingly competent design of both HMI panels, both of the mechanical houses called to contain and protect these refined technologies.

The elmec team is active in the field of human machine interfaces and is committed to ensuring the users of its devices maximum functionality and productivity by following the best practices in the design of every detail.

HMI interface design: how to design them functionally?

In elmec we design and manufacture frames for HMI that are used in very different industrial contexts. The deep knowledge of the role of such panels and an experience accumulated in heterogeneous compartments allows us to think about the cases for interfaces in an effective and performing way, following some essential precautions when moving in the world of Human Machine Interface.

Ergonomics and usability

The HMI industry is increasingly interested in the design of such products, reflecting a growing awareness of ergonomics, usability and accessibility. The ease of use and the safety of operators are, of course, the first place for those who design panels of human-machine interaction and, in this sense, minimalism and simplicity are key points for those involved in design.

Both the external case of the HMI and the elements and graphics functional to the interaction are involved in this trend: a well-structured user experience, in fact, minimizes the possibility of error and maximizes work productivity.

As for the physical architectures of the devices intended for HMI, today the ease of interaction for operators is put first, which should always be able to benefit from natural and practical movements, controls at hand, simplified accessibility to every function, minimal confusion and excellent efficiency. In addition, mechanical devices intended for HMI are often required to integrate with existing systems, taking into account their shapes, dimensions, design and functions.

The same push towards clarity and minimal style is also used in the software and control panels of the interfaces, which focus on intuitiveness, readability, simplicity of icons, effects, animations and so on.

The responsive design

Also in the industrial sector mobile devices are increasingly popular and often HMI panels are designed to adapt flexibly to more types of screens, from the most varied sizes. The same flexibility is required, therefore, also for mechanical devices for electronics, the design of which must be able to ensure the same efficiency, both on classic monitors on the machine, both on any portable devices. Malleable layout and scalable design are key elements.

Smart management of security

Within industries and production departments, every single element must be designed with a single objective in mind: the maximum safety of the professionals who will use them. Each HMI must enable operators to respond promptly to emergencies, malfunctions and anomalies, both software side, design side and physical structures. A well-designed design must be able to support this need, without ever hindering the correct implementation of security procedures.

The most suitable materials for the workplace 

Often, HMI panels are placed in particularly challenging work environments: in fact, humidity, aggressive chemical or atmospheric agents can be a real problem for the duration and proper functioning of interfaces.

Selecting the most suitable construction material for the realization of the houses that protect and enhance the electronics is an indispensable step, to obtain HMI systems concretely suitable for the conditions of use of the final product. Always respecting the project requirements in terms of design, budget and functionality.

Taking advantage of user feedback

The best way to design man machine interfaces that are perfect for everyday use is to directly involve operators in the design and improvement process of HMI systems. This way their needs can be integrated into the panels and mechanical devices that contain them, ensuring that the user experience is constantly optimized over time. This is why the elmec team is committed to maintaining a two-way relationship with each customer and collecting opinions and feedback that can be incorporated into our experience.

Requirements and design of HMI interfaces

There are many elmec case studies in the field of HMI and one of the most interesting is undoubtedly that relating to the design of an HMI module with capacitive touch display, dedicated to the management and control of finishing and dyeing of yarns on textile machinery of the customer EUTRON SPA.

The product was part of a wider industrial revamping process on the customer’s mechanoxyl systems and thus went on to rethink an existing HMI system. The required seal against dust and liquids was IP67, while the structure of the device had to ensure full compatibility with the spaces already prepared and maintain excellent accessibility.

To achieve these goals we have used the use of:

• 5 different materials (aluminum, pre-oxidized aluminum, pre-galvanized iron, stainless steel and brass);
• core machining within our departments (punching, milling, die-drawing, mounting and applying pressure inserts, bending, satin-finishing, turning, welding, industrial washing, laser cutting);
• technologies derived from our reliable network of partners (i.e., oxidation, screen printing, 3D laser cutting, turning and mold making).

In the case studies section you will find an in-depth analysis dedicated to this interface, which can help you to better understand the process we use to study, design and realize your projects.

Man machine interface: the elmec experience

The transversal experience in many sectors that allows us to take care without difficulty of the realization of mechanical devices even very different from each other. It is our idea that mechanics must be at the service of electronics to become valuable allies for our customers.

Alongside our technical skills there are the responsibility, the professional ethics and the conviction of wanting to become real partners for every company that addresses us, without limiting ourselves to the role of “carpentry suppliers”. Moreover, the synergies between the skills of our technicians lead to always customized and original solutions, obtained also drawing on a consolidated ecosystem of external collaborators that we select for quality and reliability.

Our working method is entirely built around the needs of the customer and, moreover, every business decision is oriented to obtain the maximum sustainability, understood both from the environmental, economic and social point of view: our link with the territory that hosts us and with the industrial fabric not only of Bergamo, but of the whole north of Italy allows us to fully understand the needs of companies and to offer a fundamental added value for the achievement of shared results.

Do you want to work with us?

Contact us and submit your ideas, your prototypes, your projects! Whatever your starting point, we will support you step by step towards the finish line.