What is the ultimate human machine interface?

Introduction to Human-Machine Interface

As I reflect on my journey, recovering from a motorbike accident with severe injuries, I realize that it has been a fundamental revisiting of my understanding of the product design consumer landscape. This experience has been a transformative odyssey, one that has allowed me to re-examine my perspective on design and its impact on human experience. The intersection of technology and design has never been more critical, and I believe that human-machine interface is at the forefront of this evolution.

The Intimacy of Motorbike Design

Let me illustrate this point with an example. Motorbike design, a field I have been passionate about for many years, is a prime example of human-machine interface. I didn't keep count of how many motorbikes I lead designing in the last 25 years, but if I had to guess, the count must be somewhere between 150 and 200. On almost every archetype, starting with my journey at Piaggio, working on the iconic Vespa, followed by designing a few Honda sportbikes, and an incredible journey to bring KTM from a pure off-road competition motorbike range to a multi-brand group covering most street and adventure segments. Each of these projects has taught me something new about the intricacies of human-machine interaction and the importance of creating a seamless, intuitive experience. The bond between a rider and their motorbike is a unique one, born out of a deep sense of trust, brand loyalty, and shared experience.

How about Exoskeletons?

But it took me being out for a year due to my accident and half a year of passionate investigation in the robotic exoskeleton world to realize how much of a human-machine product motorcycles are. Of course, the cockpit area of most street models features an interface consisting of a touchscreen, handlebar grip, and multifunction switches, throttles, and brake levers. But also, more importantly, a seating area called a saddle and one square meter of design surfaces, bodywork, including fuel tanks, parts of the chassis, and engine covers, plus foot controls. That represents one of the most complex and multiple human-machine interfaces you can imagine, or get nightmares about having to blend so many parameters into one consistent design. This complex interplay of design elements is what makes motorbikes so fascinating, and it's a challenge that I believe can be applied to other fields, such as exoskeleton design.

The Bicycle Industry as a Precedent

In fact, I'd like to draw a parallel with the bicycle industry. In Europe, we've seen a similar mutation happening; the rebirth of cycling came out of the success of electric bicycles. Initially limited to urban-style commuters, mostly dedicated to helping untrendy elderly use a bicycle to collect daily groceries, it rapidly became a trendy must-have for weekend adventurers looking at electric mountain bikes as a promise for an active outdoor lifestyle, maintaining their fitness without having to suffer the hard pedaling that would, without a motor, discourage them from sticking to this weekend discipline.

This shift in the bicycle industry is a great example of how human-machine interface can be applied to create new and innovative products that meet the needs of users.

Fashion as a Guide !

Thinking of exoskeletons, most products today could be considered pure utility: medical products, assistance to workers, military...and very few consumer products appearing recently are downplaying personal expression versus functionality. When these product categories will emerge, and need to scale up, I think there will be a lot to learn from other industries that have long experienced covering the human body. The clothing industry isn't about fashion for no reason; we all need aspiration, projection of oneself, and especially when you need support or have to compensate for a handicap or age, we all seek individuality, belonging to a group, or rather self-expression.

The fashion industry has long understood the importance of balancing functionality with personal expression, and I believe that this approach can be applied to the design of exoskeletons and other wearable products.

Human Augmentation

As I look to the future, I am excited to explore the possibilities of human augmentation. The potential for innovation in this field is vast, and I believe that designers have a critical role to play in shaping the future of physical human-Augmentation. I foresee a future where wearable products, exoskeletons, and robots are designed with extended non-tangible aspects built-in, creating a more intimate and personal connection between the user and the product. The journey ahead is exciting, and I look forward to seeing the innovations that will emerge from the intersection of AI ,technology, design, and human experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, human-Augmentation is a complex and multifaceted field that requires careful consideration of both functional and emotional aspects. As designers, we have the power to shape the future of human-machine interaction, and it is our responsibility to create products that are both intuitive and meaningful. The future of human-Augmentation is a bright one, and I am excited to see the impact that it will have on our lives.

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