Next-Gen Appliance Design

Human-machine interfaces (HMIs) empower modern appliances with intuitive control, smart features, and advanced functionality. Achieving this requires collaboration across diverse teams and a deep understanding of user needs. We spoke with Emilio Morales, Senior User Interface Designer at GE Appliances, to gain his insights on crafting innovative appliance controls and connected experiences. 

Mouser Electronics: Hi Emilio. Thanks so much for speaking with me today. We have a lot to cover. HMIs have really transformed modern appliance design.

Emilio Morales: It’s my pleasure, and you’re not wrong. HMIs have redefined everyday machines into intuitive and interactive companions; it’s an exciting time. 

Absolutely. Can you describe the typical process for designing HMIs into modern appliances? 
Well, first and foremost, all designs should be user-focused.

That makes sense. So, the user comes first?
That’s it. We conduct thorough research and usability studies and collaborate with the consumer insights team. Then, we try to generate ideas and build everything around these user needs. 

Aren’t user needs for appliances pretty apparent?
Not at all. An oven, for example, isn’t just about cooking; it’s about moments with your family, health and well-being, efficiency, and so on. 

I hadn’t thought of it like that. And is accessibility considered too?
For sure. Accessibility is essential. In fact, it’s one of our main company goals. 

Can advanced input methods like voice control and gesture recognition help?
Not necessarily. Modern appliance design has a trend for sleek digital interfaces and advanced functionality, but this often overlooks the tactical satisfaction, simplicity, and familiarity of analog controls. 

Sounds like quite the balancing act.
It can be a dilemma, but it emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between functionality and user experience. 

Does the same issue arise with display technologies?
Display technologies are becoming really advanced. Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) is the most common, but electronic ink is also fantastic. The choice comes down to cost and user needs. 

I guess some users will always want the newest thing.
Yes. Feature-seekers are very familiar with technology and might want big OLED displays. That said, other users will be more style-oriented and prefer the precision of analog controls. 

So, the focus always comes back to the user. 
And rightly so. Regardless of the display technology, ensuring clarity and ease of navigation and adhering to user-centered design principles are paramount. 

Sure, although isn’t designing complex screens to feel intuitive challenging?
Our approach involves organizing information into logical groups based on user tasks and functions, employing hierarchical organization to structure information, and using clear labeling to guide users through the interface. 

So, by guiding the user, you reduce cognitive load?
Exactly. Balancing the amount of information displayed on the HMI involves prioritizing essential information while minimizing clutter. We employ techniques like progressive disclosure and hierarchical menus to present information clearly and concisely. 

That makes sense. Your approach is all about helping users achieve their goals in the way that makes the most sense to them. 
You’ve got it. Then, collaborating with the engineering, electronics, and software development teams to determine the feasibility of any control is key. Controls have to take spatial constraints and ergonomic principles into consideration. 

Sounds like collaboration is vital.
Absolutely; collaboration is key to ensuring that the aesthetics of the appliance seamlessly integrate with the functionality of the HMI. It involves communicating frequently, sharing design concepts, and aligning design principles and priorities. 

Conflicting priorities must arise at times, though.
Yes, absolutely. Everyone has their own goals. My focus is always on user experience, but cost, efficiency, and other parameters also should be considered. Usually, we fight for sense over everything else, though.

A sensible approach, for sure. And is the process iterative too?
Yes, we’re constantly testing and refining through prototyping and iterative feedback loops. Even once we deploy the final design, we have a continuous improvement stage. 

With that in mind, how can the HMI be improved to create more engaging and connected user experiences?
We can add so much to improve the user experience, including personalized settings, proactive notifications, and integration with other smart home devices. Devices don’t work in isolation anymore; a whole ecosystem has to be considered. 

And how do all those appliances communicate with each other?
At GE, our main SmartHQ app acts as a centralized control.

Amazing. Does it use any typical communication protocols?
Of course. Standard communication protocols and application programming interfaces enable single interactions, but we want to create a whole ecosystem. Using an operating system that can work across multiple screens and appliances is vital.

What are the benefits of that approach?
In short, scalable and flexible information architectures accommodate future advancements, ensuring the HMI remains relevant and adaptable to evolving technologies.

And are emerging technologies or design trends on the horizon? 
Yes. Many are available, but artificial intelligence is the big thing.

What are the potential applications?
We’re looking into content creation—for example, creating recipes from user ingredients and making recommendations. We’re also excited about voice technologies, haptics, gesture control, and the impact on accessibility.

Amazing. Will all of that improve the user experience?
That’s the idea. And the other significant advancement is net-zero homes. We’re trying to leverage the design of power appliances and energy management systems to put users in control of their energy usage. 

That would be incredible. 
For sure. Whether the user is engaged with environmental goals, energy efficiency, or cost savings, we can communicate using relevant metrics and offer an extreme level of personalization. 

And how do you future-proof appliance design to account for these advancements?
Again, having a flexible and scalable operating system is critical. Devices will be able to receive new features through updates. Whether for net zero or another trend, the designs we’re creating today will be flexible enough to adapt. 

This sounds fantastic for the end user.
That’s the idea. We’re not just an appliance company. Having these operating systems integrated with the HMI enables us to do so much more. Upcoming advancements will have a massive impact on the user experience. Smart kitchens and smart homes will soon be the norm; the pace of progress is incredible. 

Well, I’m excited now. Thanks so much, Emilio. Talking to you has been fascinating.
You’re very welcome; thanks for having me. 

José Emilio Morales Herrera, a Senior User Interface Designer at GE Appliances, brings over 16 years of
industrial and UI/UX experience to his appliance designs. He champions human-centered design, aiming
to bridge the gap between technology and users by crafting captivating human-machine interfaces and
connected experiences.