Diploma in Human-Machine Interaction Assessment in the Cockpit
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in in-cabin human-machine interaction evaluation: 8 modules covering cabin HMI fundamentals, analytical and empirical evaluation methods, touch, physical and voice interaction, prototyping, metrics and results analysis, and regulations and evaluation protocols, with an assigned technical tutor.
Diploma in Human-Machine Interaction Assessment in the Cockpit — studying from Malta
Product and interface design in Malta is closely tied to the island's digital economy, where software companies, gaming studios and online service providers require skilled designers. Human-machine interface work is relevant to aviation, maritime and industrial clients who need clear and safe control systems. Engineers and designers often collaborate with multinational teams, so fluency in English and familiarity with international design standards are advantageous. The sector values practical experience in user research, prototyping and usability testing.
Fees for Malta: €1,490 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Malta
Typical roles
Questions from Malta
Is there a professional body in Malta that regulates design, HMI or product roles?
Design and HMI are not regulated professions in Malta, so there is no licensing title. Professional networks and associations may offer membership, but these are not statutory. SEIUM qualifications are private, not state degrees and not accredited by a national body, so employers judge them according to the portfolio and experience you bring.
Which employers in Malta hire designers with HMI and product skills?
Demand comes from software and app developers, gaming and digital firms, financial services, and product companies, many of which serve international markets. Hiring tends to focus on portfolios and user-research experience. A private qualification can complement a strong portfolio but is unlikely to replace it.
Can I study this alongside a job, and what should I know about language and support?
Yes. Courses are fully online and taught in English, with an assigned technical tutor and a final project. You can study from Malta without a student visa. Choose between 300-hour specialist courses and longer diplomas or master's programmes depending on your time. Ask about instalment payments and employer sponsorship.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Analyse the interaction architecture of a digital cabin.
Apply analytical HMI evaluation methods.
Design and run usability tests with drivers.
Compare touch, physical, voice and gesture interaction modalities.
Prototype cabin interfaces with professional tools.
Analyse results by combining quantitative and qualitative data.
Verify compliance with HMI and distraction guidelines.
Who it's for
- Automotive HMI designers
- Vehicle UX researchers
- Human factors engineers
- Usability specialists
- HMI prototype developers
- Digital cabin product owners
- Engineering or science graduates looking to move into the automotive sector
What you'll work with
- ISO 15005:2017 (dialogue management for transport information and control systems)
- ISO 15008:2017 (presentation of visual information in vehicles)
- Recommendation 2008/653/EC (European Statement of Principles on HMI)
- ISO 9241-110:2020 (interaction principles)
- ISO 9241-11:2018 (usability: definitions and concepts)
- ISO 15007:2020 (measurement of driver visual behaviour)
- UN ECE Regulation No. 155 (vehicle cybersecurity)
- Figma
- ProtoPie
- Kanzi
- SCANeR studio
- Tobii Pro Lab
8 modules
1.1Evolution of automotive HMI1.2Elements: displays, controls, voice and gestures1.3Driver mental models1.4Interaction design principles1.5Information architecture1.6Function and menu hierarchy1.7Consistency across devices1.8Personalisation and profiles1.9HMI for the software-defined vehicle1.10Workshop: information architecture map of a system
2.1Nielsen heuristic evaluation2.2Cognitive walkthrough of key tasks2.3GOMS and KLM models2.4Predicting task times2.5HMI checklists2.6Review against distraction guidelines2.7Accessibility evaluation2.8Consistency inspection2.9Advantages and limitations2.10Practical: heuristic evaluation of an infotainment system
3.1Usability testing with drivers3.2Selecting representative tasks3.3Effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction metrics3.4SUS, UEQ and AttrakDiff questionnaires3.5Distraction measures3.6Interviews and observation3.7Naturalistic studies of real use3.8Interface A/B testing3.9Participant sampling3.10Lab: usability test in a simulator
4.1Touchscreens and accuracy4.2Rotary and haptic controls4.3Steering wheel controls4.4Voice interfaces and assistants4.5Mid-air gestures4.6Combined multimodal interaction4.7Recognition errors4.8Comparing modalities4.9Design recommendations4.10Case study: comparing touch and voice in a task
5.1Low- and high-fidelity prototypes5.2Figma and ProtoPie5.3Kanzi and Qt for HMI5.4Unreal Engine for cabins5.5Integration into simulators5.6Prototypes in real vehicles5.7Wizard of Oz5.8Rapid prototype iteration5.9Version management5.10Workshop: interactive prototype in ProtoPie
6.1Key HMI indicators6.2Statistical analysis of tasks6.3Analysis of interaction errors6.4Gaze and distraction analysis6.5Combining quantitative and qualitative data6.6Prioritising problems6.7Reports and recommendations6.8Competitive HMI benchmarking6.9Post-launch monitoring of the interface6.10Practical: evaluation report with prioritisation
7.1European Statement of Principles on HMI7.2ISO 15005 and dialogue management7.3ISO 15008 and legibility7.4NHTSA and JAMA guidelines7.5Euro NCAP requirements for controls7.6Accessibility and older drivers7.7Data protection in connected interfaces7.8Cybersecurity and updates7.9Regulatory trends in digital cabins7.10Case study: HMI compliance matrix
8.1Selecting the system8.2Analytical evaluation of the system8.3Designing the user test8.4Prototyping the redesign8.5Running the tests8.6Results analysis8.7Design recommendations8.8Prioritising the problems found8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so the programme fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Figma, ProtoPie, Kanzi, SCANeR studio and Tobii Pro Lab, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for heuristic evaluation of infotainment systems, usability tests with drivers in a simulator, and comparison of touch, physical and voice modalities. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integration project.
Standards covered: ISO 15005:2017 (dialogue management for transport information and control systems); ISO 15008:2017 (presentation of visual information in vehicles); Recommendation 2008/653/EC (European Statement of Principles on HMI); ISO 9241-110:2020 (interaction principles); ISO 9241-11:2018 (usability: definitions and concepts); ISO 15007:2020 (measurement of driver visual behaviour); UN ECE Regulation No. 155 (vehicle cybersecurity).
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Figma, ProtoPie, Kanzi, SCANeR studio and Tobii Pro Lab, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), a computer able to run the software, and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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