Interface Ergonomics

What is Interface Ergonomics?

Interface ergonomics focuses on the scientific design of human-machine interfaces that align with human perceptual, cognitive, and physical capabilities - especially under conditions of operational stress, time pressure, and sensory overload.

In safety- and mission-critical systems, ergonomically optimized interfaces are essential to ensure intuitive control, effective information processing, and sustainable operator performance. This includes not only visual layout and input mechanisms, but also the integration of physiological sensing, adaptive response logic, and environmental constraints (e.g. cockpit, (remote) control station, mobile platform).

At its core, interface ergonomics ensures that technology fits the human - not the other way around.

Our Expertise

HML integrates neuroergonomic methods, psychophysiological analysis, and system-level interface design to develop interfaces for high-stakes environments. Our research and development activities go beyond usability testing and target human resilience, trust, and performance under real operational load.

Key areas of expertise include:

• Sensor-based ergonomic assessment, analyzing workload-related gaze behavior, muscular fatigue, stress reactivity, and attentional metrics

• Design of multimodal control and feedback systems, incorporating voice, gesture, and haptic input as well as tactile alerts for degraded or hands-free operation

• Information architecture optimization, enabling visual prioritization, context-sensitive information layering, and intelligent interruption management

• Layout and interaction design for cockpit, remote control stations, or simulator stations, taking into account anthropometric, cognitive, and task-dynamic constraints

• Integration of physiological feedback into interface behavior, including adaptive brightness, content pacing, and alert suppression during peak load phases

We apply experimental protocols, simulation-based evaluation, and cognitive workload modeling to validate ergonomic decisions from concept to deployment.

What We Offer

HML offers comprehensive services in ergonomic interface design and validation - scientifically grounded, operationally tailored:

• Interface benchmarking under simulated stress, incorporating biosignal tracking, workload mapping, and usability metrics for objective evaluation

• Custom interface development for defense and control applications, including touchless control options, redundant interaction channels, and error-resistant workflows

• Design support for adaptive interface behavior, dynamically adjusting to task phase, user state, and mission profile

• Guidelines and compliance frameworks, aligned with MIL-STD specifications, DIN EN ISO ergonomics standards, and operational safety requirements

• Sensor-embedded interface modules for next-generation human-machine interaction, enabling seamless integration of real-time physiological and contextual data

Our ergonomic design approach is always evidence-based, human-centered, and context-aware - built to enable control, clarity, and confidence under pressure.

Get in Touch

If you're developing mission-critical interfaces or planning enhancements to usability and resilience within your systems, please get in touch. We would be pleased to support you through interface assessments, targeted prototyping, or collaborative development tailored specifically to your operational requirements.