HMI, human-machine interface, refers to the interaction between a human and a machine of any kind, whether it be hardware, software, or a mix of both. As a car is an entire ecosystem of interconnected systems and parts—machines—HMI is crucial for the automotive interior industry. It’s where the rubber of design and engineering meets the road of customer experience. People expect seamless, permanent connectivity and interaction with their world during any boring commute.
This week’s in-depth introduces HMI and infotainement novelties announced recently. Everything starts with software, then moves on to hardware and mechanical components. Naturally, it includes the ability to make hardware decisions that reduce software complexity and make it easier to scale functionality in the future, which ultimately has a cost-benefit over the long term. Software programs are at the heart of even today’s most basic cars.
As with species in the planetary ecosystem, so too with makers, suppliers, and providers in the automotive ecosystem: adapt—get onside with the software-centered reality—or die. Many companies who have been going concerns for years and have built up extensive corporate culture and tradition are finding themselves fundamentally challenged in ways never before experienced. It is enticing to take the quick path and go with Android or Alexa or whatever other popular thing exists. But popularity of today’s software platforms is about as durable as the here-today/gone-tomorrow tailfin designs of the 1950s, and this strategy means relinquishing control of the vehicle experience. It’s great to be with you in the DVN Interior community, and we eagerly welcome your feedback and suggestions. Not a member yet? Join in!
Sincerely yours,