HMI software development and consulting

A Human–Machine Interface (HMI) is the user interface through which people interact with a machine or system. Well-designed HMIs make complex operations self-evident and increase operator productivity and safety. In safety-critical settings such as factories, power plants, vehicles, or ships, an intuitive HMI helps operators maintain awareness and avoid errors. Conversely, confusion or delays caused by a poor HMI can contribute to accidents. That’s why we focus on usability, clarity, and consistency so that the operator’s intent and the system’s state are always obvious.

Development time depends on complexity. Hardware integration, graphics, and safety requirements all play a role. HMI projects generally span several months. For example, an embedded HMI might start with 1–2 weeks of requirements review and scoping, followed by 8–12 weeks of software and UI development. After that, prototypes are built and tested over 5–6 weeks, with full production taking another 6–8 weeks. In summary, a moderately complex HMI often requires 3–6 months end-to-end. Simpler projects may be faster, while systems requiring certification or custom hardware may take longer. Throughout, we use agile iterations and frequent demos so you always see progress and can adjust scope early.

We begin with discovery and requirements workshops to understand devices, user needs, and constraints, then move through design, implementation, and testing. Early on, we present mockups or prototypes for feedback. We use agile methods with short sprints, regular demos, and steering-committee reviews so you always know project status and can reprioritise features as needed. This collaborative approach helps us adapt to change and deliver reliable, user-tested HMIs.

We select the framework that best fits your project. Qt is a mature, feature-rich toolkit widely used in embedded HMIs. Slint is a lightweight declarative toolkit designed for embedded devices with limited resources. Flutter is well-suited for polished cross-platform GUIs and can now target embedded Linux. We also consider other technologies like Unity, Unreal, or HTML5 when advanced visuals or web-based solutions are required. Each option has trade-offs in licensing, performance, and developer expertise, so we analyse your needs during discovery before making a recommendation.

The best framework depends on your requirements. Qt is robust and proven, ideal for complex, feature-rich HMIs. Flutter enables rapid development and smooth UIs across multiple platforms, making it attractive when mobile integration is important. Slint is optimised for performance and very small footprints, making it a strong choice for resource-constrained devices or Rust-based ecosystems. We evaluate factors such as performance, licensing, timeline, and your team’s skills to help you choose.

Yes. Modern frameworks like Qt, Flutter, and Slint allow a single codebase to target multiple platforms. This means you can reuse most of the UI logic across embedded devices, mobile, desktop, and even web. We test and optimise for each environment, ensuring smooth performance and consistent user experience across hardware.

An HMI serves as the graphical front-end for your control system. It sends operator commands to the controller (PLC, MCU, embedded board) and receives real-time feedback. We implement the necessary drivers or middleware and define clear interfaces for reliable communication. During development, we test early against simulators and hardware to ensure seamless operation at deployment.

Absolutely. HMIs today often connect to broader enterprise or cloud systems. We enable secure data exchange with SCADA servers, MES/ERP platforms, or IoT services, allowing real-time visibility and management. Integration with protocols like MQTT, OPC UA, or HTTPS ensures your HMI becomes part of a connected, intelligent ecosystem.