In this very personal episode, I’m stepping away from the usual path of technology, trends, and interfaces to share my own story for a change.

Because: beyond HMI///// is celebrating its anniversary!
Ten years of self-employment. Ten years of freedom, responsibility, crises, and opportunities.
And a very personal approach to connecting humans and technology.

I talk about:

- Why I left the safety of a corporate career in the industry
- What really happened in the early days of running my own business
- How I built a lean, independent, and location-flexible consultancy
-And the five key insights I would share with anyone considering taking the leap

An episode about new beginnings, self-leadership, doubt – and the power of staying true to yourself.

A LinkedIn post that hit like lightning—over 200,000 impressions, hundreds of comments, and a heated debate: Why is the offensive by Chinese car manufacturers failing in the German market despite billions in investment, solid technology, and aggressive pricing?

In this episode, I analyze:

What we can learn from the market entry of Japanese and Korean OEMs
Why BYD, Nio & Co. are technologically advanced but fail to make an emotional connection
What future scenarios are conceivable for Chinese vehicles in Europe
Between China-speed and European skepticism lies a deep divide—culturally, in branding strategy, and emotionally. Anyone wanting to succeed in Germany needs more than just a good product.

A reality check on brand identity, user acceptance, and the power of emotion in the automotive market.

In this episode, we’re diving back into the technical side of things – right at the heart of development reality. The focus is on ISO 9241, the key series of standards for ergonomic human-machine interaction.

Why everyone has an opinion on HMIs, but why we as professionals need more than just subjective assessments – we’ll explore that, along with the origin, structure, and application of ISO 9241. We'll talk about dialogue principles like task suitability, error tolerance, and controllability – and why scientific rigor and systematic thinking must be the foundation of good HMI design.

To wrap things up, we’ll take a look ahead: How does the standard address AI, augmented reality, and multimodal interaction? And what does that mean for the future of human-machine interfaces?

Topics:
- The origin and significance of ISO 9241
- The seven dialogue principles as a design foundation
- Future challenges: AR, VR, AI, and human-centered interfaces

An episode for anyone who wants to design HMIs that are not just beautiful, but meaningful.

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the evolving relationship between humans and artificial intelligence through the lens of the MABA-MABA principle – "Men Are Better At, Machines Are Better At". Originally developed by Paul Fitts in the 1950s, this framework still serves to understand how we can best divide tasks between humans and machines.

Topics we dive into:
- What truly distinguishes human intelligence from artificial intelligence?
- Who performs better at which tasks – and why?
- How can humans and AI work together effectively in real-world scenarios?

Human strengths like creativity, empathy, adaptability, and ethical judgment meet AI strengths like speed, precision, and pattern recognition. We illustrate how these strengths complement one another and where each still has the upper hand.

From emotional robotics in elderly care to creative collaboration in furniture design, and from medical diagnostics to symphonic conducting by robots – this episode is packed with fascinating examples of real-world human-AI interaction.

The takeaway: We achieve the best outcomes when both humans and AI contribute their unique capabilities. Technology is here to stay – and the future lies in cooperation, not competition.

Join me as we decode the complex choreography between man and machine.

"Auto hui, Elon pfui" – a sticker on a Tesla triggered this deep dive into a complex question: Can we separate a product from the person behind it? Can – or should – we appreciate innovation while questioning the character of its creator?

In this episode, I explore the philosophical, ethical, and practical challenges of separating work from creator. From Wagner to J.K. Rowling, from Michael Jackson to Steve Jobs – we look at how society deals with controversial figures and their legacies. Then we zoom in on the tech world, where companies often are their founders – and how this plays out in the case of Elon Musk and Tesla.

Topics in this episode:
- Can art, tech, and business be judged independently of their creators?
- Why Tesla is both an innovation icon and a usability paradox
- The risks and rewards of strong personal branding in tech
- How Musk's political turn is impacting Tesla’s sales and stock – especially in Europe
- What happens when the CEO becomes the brand’s biggest liability?

This episode is part cultural critique, part market analysis, and all about the human behind the machine.

The future is no coincidence – it is the result of trends that are already shaping our world today. In this episode, we embark on a journey through time to analyze the most important technological developments of the present. Based on the Megatrend Map by the Zukunftsinstitut and the Trend Universe by TrendOne, I will shed light on the opportunities and risks of the technologies that are fundamentally transforming our world.

Look forward to fascinating insights on:

- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning – How far should algorithms be allowed to go?
- Internet of Things – Convenience or surveillance?
-5G Technology – A quantum leap for the industry?
- Quantum Computing – Salvation or risk for our data?
- Blockchain – Revolution or hype?
- Augmented and Virtual Reality – Gimmick or serious application?
- Sustainable Technologies – Green vision or costly greenwashing?
- Biotechnology and Genomics – Medical miracles or ethical dilemma?
- Autonomous Vehicles – Freedom on four wheels or a security risk?
- Cybersecurity – Defense against the dark side of digitalization.

Tune in if you want to know which technologies will truly shape our future – and how we can seize the opportunities without losing sight of the risks.

How does technology influence our humanity? And what do we need to understand about humans to design technology in a meaningful way? In this episode, I dive deep into the mind of Yuval Noah Harari—one of the most insightful thinkers of our time. His books Sapiens, Homo Deus, and 21 Lessons for the 21st Century provide fascinating answers to the question of how the relationship between humans and machines is evolving.
Why are myths and fictions essential to us? What role will data and algorithms play in the future? And what are the consequences for designing human-machine interfaces? All this and more in this episode.
Tune in and think along!

In the latest episode of the Human-Technology Podcast, we’re heading back to Las Vegas for CES 2025. After covering the most exciting technologies, products, and HMI innovations in part one, today I focus on the big strategic topics:
- From the paradigm shift of C.A.S.E. to D.I.A.S. – What’s behind the automotive industry's new way of thinking?
- The state of the automotive industry – How are manufacturers, suppliers, and newcomers faring?
- Open questions from Las Vegas – What challenges remain, and where is the industry headed?
A behind-the-scenes look at the world’s most important tech trade show – well-founded, critical, and with a clear focus on the future of humans and technology!

As every year, CES 2025 in Las Vegas set the stage for the latest technological trends and groundbreaking innovations. In this episode, I take you on a journey through the world’s largest tech event—a magnet for tech enthusiasts, networkers, and visionaries alike.

In the first part of my report, we dive into the most exciting developments in automotive products, cutting-edge technologies, and the future of human-machine interfaces. What’s driving the industry forward? Which innovations are setting new standards? And how do they shape the user experience?

Get ready for fascinating insights, personal impressions, and the highlights that made CES 2025 an unforgettable experience.

In the final episode before the holiday break, we delve into three global megatrends that are shaping our world, particularly the European economy and the automotive industry:

Fractured World – The world is breaking into regional power centers.
Age of Disorder – Chaos and uncertainty as the new norm.
De-Globalization – A shift toward regionalization and the end of hyper-globalization.

How is the global order changing due to geopolitical rivalries, protectionism, and technological fragmentation? What opportunities arise from regionalization and sustainability? Why is the European automotive industry at a turning point—and what needs to be done?

This episode of the Human-Technology Podcast is the perfect way to wrap up the year with reflective thoughts and forward-looking perspectives.