ihm

IHM is an acronym for interface homme-machine, commonly used in French-language contexts to denote the human–machine interface that mediates interaction between people and machines. In English documentation, the equivalent term is human–machine interface or HMI. The concept covers the hardware, software, and processes that enable humans to control devices and receive information from them.

A human–machine interface comprises input devices (touchscreens, keyboards, mice, voice, gestural and haptic controls), output devices (screens, speakers, LEDs, audible alerts), and the software layer that translates user actions into machine commands and machine data into understandable feedback. Design emphasizes usability, safety, reliability, performance, and accessibility, and it integrates principles from human factors, ergonomics, and cognitive psychology.

IHM technologies are central to industrial automation (SCADA HMIs), consumer electronics, automotive dashboards, medical devices, and building management systems, among others. Modern HMI/IHM systems increasingly incorporate web-based interfaces, cloud connectivity, remote monitoring, and integration with the Internet of Things.

Historically, HMIs evolved from simple control panels and teletypes to graphical, event-driven interfaces and SCADA dashboards in the late 20th century. Trends in recent decades include standardization, cross-platform design, localization, and AR/VR for complex procedures. The field remains interdisciplinary, balancing efficient operation with clear, safe, and accessible user experiences.