This document provides human-machine interface (HMI) design specifications in case an HMI is needed to secure the safe and/or fully understood execution of over the air (OTA) software updates for passenger cars (including sport utility vehicles and light trucks) and commercial vehicles (including heavy trucks and buses). The vehicle operator benefits from knowing if an OTA update has been successful or not, if an OTA update will influence the operation of the vehicle, or if the OTA update influences the quality of a feature. HMI specifications for the OTA software update provide support in case an HMI is needed in normal conditions, emergencies, low battery, avoidance of inadvertent actuations, alerts or specific non-standard situations.