Old and New Trends in Automotive HMIs

In this episode of the Human-Technology Podcast, I take a comprehensive look at current developments and fundamental trends in the field of Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) in vehicles. It’s not just about technological progress — it’s also about a deeper question: How is our relationship with technology evolving, and what does that mean for the design of the interfaces between humans and machines? Four key topics are in focus: - The digitalization of cockpits: From physical buttons to software-defined interfaces — how the vehicle is transforming into a digital device - Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: The revolution of Bring Your Own Device — opportunities, risks, and strategic dilemmas for OEMs - External HMIs: When vehicles communicate with their surroundings — new forms of interaction through light, gesture, projection, and sound - AI and multimodality: Why voice assistants, eye tracking, and intelligent support systems are fundamentally reshaping HMIs — and how trust becomes the key UX factor This episode blends technological analysis with user-centered reflection. Because the best technologies are those that disappear — and still make an impact.