Software Defined Vehicles have evolved far beyond a technical buzzword, they represent a cultural transformation reshaping the automotive industry at its core. Today’s vehicles are no longer static machines but dynamic digital ecosystems: always connected, always updateable, and always in flux. But amid the promise of centralized architectures, OTA updates, AI-driven functions, and new business models, one insight becomes clearer than ever: none of this works without understanding the human behind the wheel. In this episode, I share my reflections from recent SDV conferences, not a classic recap, but a deeper exploration of the tensions, ambitions, and unanswered questions currently defining the field. Together we unpack three dimensions: - General Reflections: How technology, business models, and HMI/UX thinking must evolve to support software-defined mobility - SDV Strategies: Why SDVs are the umbrella concept for the automotive industry’s shift from mechanical artifact to digital mobility platform - Use Cases & UX: How personalization, AI-based assistance, OTA-driven evolution, and ecosystem integration redefine what a vehicle is and why the UX complexity is still far from understood. From centralized computing to predictive interaction design, from subscription-driven business models to the cultural challenge of merging mechanical and software mindsets, this episode dives into what is truly at stake. Because in the end, the SDV is not just a new kind of car. It’s a new kind of relationship between humans and technology.

In this episode, we take a deep look into the future of automotive Human-Machine Interaction. Five years after launching the Human–Technology Podcast, now ranked among Germany’s top technology podcasts and one of the leading non-English UX/UI podcasts worldwide, I explore the three core topics that will define the next decade of HMI. We examine how automation fundamentally changes the relationship between driver and vehicle, from responsibility sharing and situation awareness to the loss of human competence. We discuss how artificial intelligence will make HMIs more adaptive, more dialog-driven, and radically different to develop. And we analyze why Chinese HMIs, while technologically impressive, require a completely new design philosophy for European users: linguistically, visually, functionally, and culturally. This episode raises many of the questions our industry urgently needs to address. Some I can answer today, others can only be solved together, in real projects, with real users, vehicles, and data. If you or your team are facing similar challenges or are developing new HMI concepts: feel free to reach out. The future of HMI is not observed, it is created. Together.

It’s one of the great paradoxes of our time: the more we optimize, the less we truly gain. We invent efficient machines and use them more. We save time, only to fill it with more work. We consume smarter, yet end up consuming more. In this episode of The Human-Technology Podcast I explore the rebound effect, the hidden mechanism that quietly undermines our progress. From fuel-efficient cars that became heavy SUVs, to digital tools that promised freedom but delivered overload, this phenomenon reveals a deep truth about human behavior and technology. Together, we’ll unpack: - What the rebound effect really is – and why it occurs in every domain, from mobility to work. - How psychological, economic, and technological forces feed it. - What UX and HMI designers can do to turn efficiency into genuine relief, not just new complexity. This is an episode about responsibility, awareness, and design ethics, about seeing efficiency not as an invitation to do more, but as a chance to do better. Because not every improvement is progress. Sometimes, true progress lies in what we choose to leave out.

Luxury used to be visible: expensive cars, rare watches, golden skylines. Possession meant status; exclusivity was the goal. Today, that picture has changed. Luxury is no longer loud, shiny, or ostentatious, it has become quiet, minimal, and profoundly human. In this episode of the Human-Technology Podcast, we'll explore the new language of luxury: intuition instead of instruction, reduction instead of overstimulation, trust instead of control, and sensuality instead of show effect. It’s about what remains when surfaces disappear, experiences that feel natural, respectful, and emotionally resonant. Technology, in this sense, is no longer the stage but the silent partner. It steps back behind the experience, relieves the human mind, and creates space for what truly matters: mental sovereignty. Quiet Luxury is redefining the way we think about design, user experience, and human–machine interaction, and true luxury lies in being understood without having to explain yourself. Key Questions in this Episode: – How is luxury defined in the digital age? – Why is intuition the new status symbol? – How can technology make luxury tangible without taking the spotlight? – And what does “wearing fur on the inside” mean in the context of UX and HMI? Modern luxury is mental lightness, technology that doesn’t try to impress us, but helps us live better. Quiet Luxury isn’t less, it’s more conscious. And perhaps that’s what true progress really means.

When most people talk about Artificial Intelligence, they think of ChatGPT, spectacular image generators, or clever smartphone assistants. But AI has long since moved beyond the headlines. It already manages driver assistance systems, controls energy flows in electric drivetrains, and adapts infotainment to our personal habits, quietly, efficiently, and often unnoticed. In this episode of the Human-Technology Podcast, we dive deep beneath the surface of the AI iceberg. We explore different types of AI far beyond generative models, examine the boundaries and challenges shaping their development, and discuss three key trends that will fundamentally transform our relationship with technology: - the rise from generative to agentic AI - the shift from a human to a machine internet - the imperative of human-centered design Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic vision, it is today’s reality. The decisive question is not if it will change our lives, but how we will shape this change.

IAA MOBILITY 2025 in Munich showed once again that it is no longer just a car show, it has become Europe’s leading platform for mobility and technology. With more than 750 exhibitors from 37 countries and over half a million visitors, the event highlighted global trends and pressing questions shaping the industry. In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of IAA 2025 and explore the five key themes that defined the show: - China vs. Europe: the rising strength of Chinese OEMs and how German brands respond - Software-defined Vehicles: from cars as hardware products to updateable, connected platforms - Battery Technologies: the race for range, speed, and supply chain sovereignty - In-Cabin Sensing: from driver monitoring to holistic occupant awareness - Artificial Intelligence: between real progress and AI-washing We’ll also look at the tension between Summit and Open Space, the significance of missing players like Tesla and Toyota, and what IAA means in comparison to Shanghai, Detroit, and CES Las Vegas. My conclusion: the future of mobility is being negotiated on multiple stages at once and IAA remains Europe’s benchmark for how competitive and credible the automotive industry truly is. The battle is fierce, but far from decided.

I haven’t had a vacation yet, but I’ve been working intensely: on my next book, on exciting projects and with my appointment as Honorary Professor at FH Aachen, I’ve also experienced a true highlight. In this episode, everything revolves around IFA 2025 in Berlin. I was on site, gathered impressions, and will put into perspective what really mattered: from smart glasses and rings as new HMIs, to robots in all shapes and forms, to smart home solutions swinging between gimmick and real value. In addition, there are exciting numbers, trends, and a look at how IFA compares to CES in Las Vegas. - Is IFA the German CES, or does it remain closer to the end customer? - Which trends are just for show, and which truly change our daily lives? - And what role do wearables play in the automotive context? As always, I’ll conclude with a personal take: what really sticks, what’s overrated – and where I see the real opportunities. Next week, we’ll continue with IAA 2025: cars, mobility, and a comparison between the German and Chinese automotive industries.

In our final episode before the summer break, we explore the technological frontiers where humans and machines no longer just interact—but intertwine. Three transformative technologies are changing everything: - Brain-Computer Interfaces, decoding thought itself - Artificial Organs and AI Prosthetics, where biology meets machine - Autonomous Systems: decision-makers without an operator Each promises more independence, more efficiency, more quality of life. But they also raise deep questions: - How much machine can a human become? - And how human must the machine be? Join us on a journey from neural signals to self-driving cars, from clinical breakthroughs to ethical dilemmas. We explore the emerging human-machine continuum, where interfaces disappear, but interaction becomes more vital than ever. Because even in an autonomous world, HMI remains the key. Always.

In this episode of the Human-Technology Podcast, I share insights from a World Café session I hosted on the future of In-Cabin Sensing. What began as a simple question "What’s happening inside the vehicle?" opened the door to a far-reaching discussion about technology, trust, regulation, and human experience. We explored three guiding questions: - What exactly is In-Cabin Sensing? - What are the key use cases—today and tomorrow? - What open issues still need to be solved? From fatigue detection to emotional state analysis, from personalized comfort settings to life-saving child presence alerts, In-Cabin Sensing is no longer optional. It’s becoming the differentiator in the age of automated and user-centric mobility. But with its rise come new challenges: ethical data handling, standardization, and rising costs. Tune in to learn: - How sensors, AI, and UX come together to make cars safer and more intuitive - Why the vehicle must feel like an ally, not a watchdog - What still stands in the way of scaling this vital technology This episode is both a deep dive into the current state of the art and a call for collaboration across industry, regulation, and design. Because when the car truly understands the person inside, mobility becomes more than movement: it becomes meaningful.

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.

"I miss my pre-Internet brain." This quote by American author Virginia Heffernan hits at the very core of our digital existence. In this episode of the Human-Technology Podcast, I explore why modern technologies overwhelm us mentally – and how this connects to our evolutionary history. What happens when a Stone Age brain meets high-frequency interfaces? When tools turn into environments? And what role can vehicles play in all of this? Episode topics include: - Why our brain isn’t built for multitasking – and what that means for digital interfaces - Five reasons we long for our “pre-internet brain” - How today’s HMIs and vehicle interiors overload our mental capacity What opportunities arise when we turn cars back into spaces of clarity, calm, and sensory richness

In this episode of the Human-Technology Podcast, I revisit one of my most successful LinkedIn posts, a contribution on shared mobility that generated almost ten times more views and comments than my usual posts. The post put forward a bold thesis: The cities of the future have no room for privately owned cars. But what’s really behind that statement? In this episode, I take the time to explore the topic in greater depth: - The current situation: Why cars consume so much space, resources, and mental attention and what that means for the cities we live in. - The car sharing models: From free-floating fleets and peer-to-peer models to ride pooling, an overview of existing services. - The history: How car sharing in Germany evolved from eco-driven niche projects in the 1980s into a serious market segment. - The user experience: Why many car-sharing services fail to deliver a convincing user experience despite all their tech and what urgently needs to change. - The economic reality: Why providers like Share Now are pulling out, why the takeover by Lyft is symbolically significant, and why car sharing remains financially shaky around the globe. - The future outlook: Between the “sacred cow” of private car ownership and the vision of car-free cities – what future does shared mobility really have? One thing is clear: there are no easy answers. But that’s exactly why it’s worth taking a closer look. Tune in if you want to understand why shared mobility is so polarizing, what we can learn from the current situation, and how we can shape smarter mobility in our cities.

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!