With around 11,000 entries from almost 70 countries, the IF DESIGN AWARD is one of the largest and most prestigious design competitions in the world. BREYER won an IF Design Award 2025 in both the User Interface Concept and Service System Design categories.
The IF Design Award ceremony in Berlin impressively demonstrated that design is not just about beautiful surfaces, but also stands for sustainability, innovation and high quality standards.
BREYER HMI developers Petra Itter and Patrick Futterknecht, together with designer Oliver Gerstheimer from “chilli mind”, are delighted with the award.
HMI as part of the user experience (UX)
HMI (Human-Machine Interface) stands for the interface between human and machine. It is the visible and operable part of an interaction that enables communication between users and machines. However, the HMI alone is not enough to ensure an optimal user experience. UX encompasses the entire user experience of an HMI - from initial perception to operation and lasting satisfaction.
1. User-friendliness
A good HMI makes complex processes understandable and operable - even for people without in-depth technical knowledge.
2. Efficiency
It enables fast inputs and evaluations, which can speed up work processes.
3. Safety
Clear warnings, status displays and operating elements help to avoid errors and recognize dangerous situations.
4. Monitoring and control
Operators can monitor processes in real time, adjust parameters or quickly detect malfunctions.
5. Fault diagnosis
HMIs often display error messages or diagnostic data, which simplifies maintenance.
Examples of HMIs:
- Touchscreens in industrial plants
- Dashboard in cars (e.g. digital displays)
- User interfaces of smart home systems
- Medical devices with graphical operation
The BREYER HMI was redesigned with a focus on customer benefits and taking into account the UX design.
The aim was to create intuitive operation that minimizes errors and maximizes efficiency. The stakeholder survey provided a clear picture of the needs of operating personnel and plant operators.
The BREYER HMI is based on matrix navigation, which allows quick access to all relevant screens and targeted troubleshooting minimizes downtime and increases availability. An intuitive set-up process shortens the commissioning process and reduces waste. A uniform operating philosophy across the entire product portfolio sets standards in user-friendliness, engineering efficiency and customer satisfaction.
