Embedded Devices and HMI Trends to Look Out For in 2025

Let’s talk about how embedded systems – those behind-the-scenes heroes in everything from your smartwatch to your car – are changing the way we interact with technology. The world of embedded HMI and UI/UX design is evolving rapidly, and by 2025, we’ll see some game-changing innovations that make devices smarter, more intuitive, and even more eco-friendly. Here’s what’s on the horizon.

1. AI-Based User Experience Customization

Generative AI is elevating consumer experiences by enabling hyper-customized user interfaces. While its impact is already evident in web and mobile platforms, the embedded UI/UX design space is poised to experience a similar revolution. The AI-based systems will change interfaces in real-time by understanding the user’s patterns and preferences.

Generative AI is expected to develop further and enhance embedded UIs capabilities to reach consumers with personalized user experiences. The evolution from static to adaptive interfaces will transform the way of interactions with computers and is expected to penetrate industries such as healthcare, automotive, wearables, where the need to change in real time is critical.

With such levels of personalization, embedded applications can offer custom layouts optimized for specific workflows, dynamic themes that adjust color schemes and aesthetics in real time, and predictive interactions that streamline tasks by forecasting user actions. Other behavior prediction can be used to predict needs through interaction pattern analysis, real-time adaptations that modify layouts and features dynamically, and enhanced personalization tailored to individual preferences, moods, and contextual factors.

2. Emerging Role of Neural and Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) in Embedded Systems

One of the most exciting developments in embedded systems is the integration of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). These technologies offer immense potential for accessibility, personalization, and intuitive interaction. However, challenges such as data accuracy (ensuring precise interpretation of neural signals to avoid errors), accessibility (making BCI systems affordable and user-friendly for broader adoption), and privacy (protecting sensitive neurological data from misuse) must be addressed for widespread adoption.

Here is an article that discusses the importance of GUI in designing a BCI system. BCI technology holds the potential to revolutionize assistive technology, healthcare applications, and high-performance industries like aerospace, where hands-free operation is critical for safety and efficiency. This growing trend is yet to mature as it encompasses the embedded applications and finds way to the mainstream with seamless interfaces connecting brain to the machines and offer feedback via any screen.

Breakthroughs in BCI Research

Pioneering research, including work by Neuralink and other innovators, highlights significant strides in making BCI systems viable for everyday use. For instance, a notable research paper showcases a Home Automation project powered by IoT, which employs BCI techniques to assist individuals with disabilities, demonstrating the technology’s practical potential.

The Role of GUI in BCI System Design

The integration of BCI technology into user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design unlocks immense possibilities for:

• Accessibility: Providing inclusive solutions for users with diverse needs.
• Personalization: Enabling adaptive interfaces that respond to unique cognitive inputs.
• Intuitive Interactions: Creating seamless and natural connections between users and machines.

However, achieving these benefits require addressing some of the key challenges like data accuracy to ensure precise interpretation of neural signals to avoid errors, accessibility with respect to affordability and user friendliness to increase wider adoption and privacy to avoid misuse of sensitive neurological data.

As BCI technology continues to mature, its potential will change how humans interact with devices. As cited before BCI's success hinges around key challenges which can be fortified with proper security protocols, hardware and signal processing. But as this technology mature into mainstream applications, the future adoption and accessibility will be heavily influenced by design of intuitive, adaptive, and inclusive user interfaces (UIs).

As UIs act as the critical bridge between humans and machines, BCIs will need to be highly personalized, adaptive, and capable of presenting information in an accessible and non-intrusive manner. Innovations and UI/UX design principles which will help represent neural data in an intuitive manner will play a pivotal role in reducing cognitive load, ensuring real-time feedback, and enhancing user confidence and comfort with the technology.

3. Sustainability in UI/UX Design with Low-Energy Interfaces

With the global concerns over climate change, sustainable UI/UX design is on the rise. Eco-consciousness is becoming central to design strategies, driving a significant shift in how interfaces are developed and optimized. Sustainability will be a major driver in embedded HMI development. In 2025, we expect a broader push for energy-efficient UIs, focusing on reducing the power consumption of devices without sacrificing performance. This will be crucial in IoT devices, wearables, and automotive applications, where energy efficiency is key to user satisfaction and device longevity.

Environmental Impact of Digital Interfaces

Digital interfaces impact the environment through energy consumption during use and server operations. Techniques that reduce the energy load of digital applications, like optimized animations and server-efficient processes, can significantly decrease the overall carbon footprint.

Designers are integrating energy-efficient software practices, reducing power consumption in devices, and using sustainable materials for physical interfaces.

4. Extended Reality (XR) Integration for Embedded UIs

Extended reality changes the real-world environment around us by adding digital elements, enabling a blending of the physical and virtual. The convergence of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) into embedded UIs is expected to mature by 2025.

Meta has been a frontrunner in advancing XR technologies. At the Meta Connect 2024, CEO Mark Zuckerberg showcased groundbreaking products such as the Orion AR glasses, the Meta Quest 3S MR headset, and enhanced Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. These innovations exemplify how XR can deliver immersive, practical applications, highlighting Meta’s commitment to shaping the future of embedded systems through cutting-edge mixed-reality solutions.

User Experience (UX) design for extended reality will enable interactive experiences in multiple application areas such as automotive displays, factory systems, and even healthcare monitoring. Embedded HMIs are advancing with adaptive features, integrating XR technologies to offer 3D visualizations of complex data, providing a more intuitive way for users to interact with systems. HMIs are expected to evolve with adaptive interfaces, integrating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to provide immersive experiences.

Some Use Cases of AR and MR in Embedded HMIs

• Healthcare Applications: Augmented reality overlays can assist surgeons with real-time visualization of critical data, increasing precision and efficiency in medical procedures.
• Manufacturing Systems: Mixed reality interfaces streamline operations by enhancing spatial awareness and process accuracy.

5. Natural User Interfaces (NUIs) - Voice-Controlled and Gesture-Based Interactions

As consumers seek simpler ways to engage with their devices, natural user interfaces are rapidly gaining traction. NUIs leverage intuitive technologies like voice control, eye tracking, and gesture recognition, eliminating the need for physical buttons or touchscreens. For instance, gesture-based controls in wearable medical devices or smart home systems exemplify hands-free convenience, particularly in situations where manual input is impractical. This evolution makes device control more accessible and user-friendly for a broader audience.

Key Areas in NUIs

• Voice Control and Accessibility: Voice assistants are becoming integral to embedded systems. Hence, hands-free interaction becomes very convenient. Through this innovation, the user is able to contribute convenience, such as in healthcare devices and smart home systems where traditional touch-based controls are impractical.
• Gesture-Based Controls: Gesture-based controls are changing the way we interface with devices into a hands-off approach. This is fast gaining momentum since 2020, when touchless interfaces became of paramount importance with respect to health and hygiene. It serves a great purpose in areas where manual input is difficult, such as in sterile medical environments or while multitasking on the device!
• Eye Tracking for Precision: Eye-tracking technologies provide precise and effortless control mechanisms paving the way for advanced applications in consumer electronics and accessibility tools. Eye-tracking technologies are enabling precise and seamless control actions, paving the way for further advanced applications in consumer electronics and accessibility tools.

NUIs are no longer a thing of novelty; they are becoming a matter of priority in many industries. Generally, NUIs have improved accessibility and streamlined user experiences across the sectors by reducing reliance on conventional modes of control and use.

6. Emphasis on Data Security

As embedded systems process more sensitive data, such as patient health metrics or industrial processes, strong security within UIs becomes a must. Developers focus on encryption, secure channels for data, and user authentication mechanisms that are seamlessly integrated into UI design.

As embedded systems increasingly handle sensitive information, strong security measures have become a foundational consideration in UI/UX design. The need for safety of user data along with usability is a big concern for developers in almost any industry. Here's how to understand and incorporate this into the design of your embedded UI/UX below.

Core Security Practices

• Encryption Protocols: Advanced encryption methods like AES-256 protect sensitive data both in transit and at rest. This can minimize risks of data breaches and unauthorized access.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): By implementing MFA, such as biometrics or hardware tokens, we can ensure only authorized users can access critical systems.
• Secure Communication Channels: Using HTTPS and secure APIs, alongside regular audits, strengthens data exchange security.
• Compliance with Standards: Incorporating international standards like ISO/IEC 27001 ensures security protocols are systematically embedded into development workflows.

Industry-Specific Security Applications

• Medical Device Industry: The FDA’s guidance on software validation outlines the importance of risk analysis and validation for secure interfaces. Premarket submission requirements demand proof of balancing security with functionality.
• Industrial Systems: Address vulnerabilities unique to industrial embedded systems, such as securing operational data and implementing robust authentication measures.

Proactively addressing the top OWASP vulnerabilities strengthens the security posture of embedded UIs across applications. Leading cybersecurity organizations, such as Kaspersky, emphasize integrating security measures into every stage of development. Their expertise helps developers stay ahead of emerging threats while creating user-friendly and secure interfaces.

7. Low-Code Development Tools

The global low-code development platform market is predicted to generate a revenue of $187.0 billion by 2030, rising from $10.3 billion in 2019, and is expected to advance at a fast pace, 31.1% CAGR, during the forecast period (2020-2030). Low-code development tools are also becoming increasingly essential in UI and UX design and development, especially for embedded systems.

These tools simplify the process by enabling designers and developers to create sophisticated user interfaces without requiring extensive coding expertise. Low-code development platforms offer a range of benefits, streamlining and enhancing flexibility in the development process, ultimately accelerating time-to-market.

In the embedded space, where rapid innovation and efficiency are crucial, low-code development tools make it easier to meet these demands while maintaining high-quality UI/UX standards.

Tools like Crank Storyboard enable designers and developers to build complex interfaces without extensive coding. This democratizes the development process and accelerates time-to-market, catering to the growing demand for faster, efficient HMI development.

8. Edge AI and Real-Time Processing

Edge computing combined with AI is transforming embedded UIs by enabling real-time data processing directly on devices. By enabling real-time data processing directly on devices, these technologies reduce dependency on cloud infrastructure, addressing latency, reliability, and security concerns.

In industries like automotive and manufacturing, the integration of edge AI into embedded systems is a game-changer for user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design. By integrating edge computing and AI into their HMI designs, embedded systems can increase real-time responsiveness, enhance system reliability, as well as improved safety and efficiency.

At the Embedded World 2024 event, several edge AI trends captured the industry’s attention, reflecting the rapidly evolving landscape of embedded UI/UX in the form of:

• Adaptive Interfaces: Intelligent UIs powered by AI algorithms that evolve based on user behavior and context.
• Predictive Analytics: Dashboards utilizing predictive analytics streamline operations by forecasting potential issues.
• Decentralized Processing: A growing reliance on edge computing for mission-critical applications improves system performance and reduces vulnerabilities.

These trends not only reflect the direction of technology but also highlight the opportunities for businesses to innovate and lead in the competitive landscape of embedded systems. Incorporating these insights into your HMI projects can position you as a thought leader in the industry.

How to Leverage These Trends in Your HMI Projects

To capitalize on these advancements and future-proof HMI projects, businesses can start focusing on these trends to:

• Prioritizing Real-Time Capabilities: Design interfaces that deliver instant feedback to users.
• Focusing on Scalability: Develop UIs that can adapt to emerging technologies.
• Collaborate with Experts: Utilize tools like Crank Storyboard to create optimized, future-ready HMIs.

By 2025, embedded systems will feel smarter, more intuitive, and deeply connected to how we live and work. The landscape will feature AI-driven personalization, immersive XR experiences, sustainable design practices, and innovative technologies like BCIs and quantum computing. These technologies will reshape industries like healthcare, automotive, and IoT. It’s not just about better interfaces – it’s about creating tools that fit seamlessly into our lives.