The User Experiences Of The Future

Patrick Griffin writes "The way that we interact with technology is almost as important as what that technology does. Productivity has been improved greatly over the years as we've adapted ourselves and our tools to technological tasks. Just the same, the UI experience of most hardware and software often leaves novice users out in the cold. The site 'Smashing Magazine' has put together a presentation of 'some of the outstanding recent developments in the field of user experience design. Most techniques seem very futuristic, and are extremely impressive. Keep in mind: they might become ubiquitous over the next years.'"

Re:Not sure 3D is always the best

[TheSpoom]

I suspect we'll have 3D interfaces when it becomes cheap to manufacture displays that can actually project a 3D interface. Screw 2D projections of a 3D world, I want my VR!

Speaking of which, the future needs the following three Star Trek items to solve everything all at once:

• Teleporters (solves all transportation issues)
• Replicators (solves hunger)
• Holodeck (solves sexual ten... I mean, makes simulation much easier. Yes, that's it)

So seriously, science, it only took you like twenty years to catch up to the first Star Trek, what the hell?

*mumbles indistinctly about his flying car*

Re:The greatest UI was the fax machine

[spun]

A fax machine's UI is far more user friendly to novices and beginners alike. Is there some reason we don't design GUIs to mimic the fax machine? This, to me, is a substantial failing in modern UI design.

Right, so you're sayng we'll have to dial 9 before we open or print any documents?

Re:Productivity improved?

[Selfbain]

My ability to read slashdot at work has improved greatly over the years.

Re:Not sure 3D is always the best

[TuringTest]

You wouldn't notice when you've been terminated, and the other copy would still think that HE is YOU. So how would you tell it? And why should you care?

Re:Not sure 3D is always the best

[Selfbain]

Arthur: I'd notice the difference. Zaphod: No you wouldn't, you'd be programmed not to.

Keep in mind: they might not

[dpbsmith]

"Keep in mind: they might become ubiquitous over the next years."

Why should I keep that in mind? Do I need to prepare myself mentally to compete in the brave new world? Do I need to worry that people who keep in mind that these interfaces might become ubiquitous will become so much better at operating computers than me that I'll become unemployable? Where can I find a community college course on how to play 3D video games?

But, but, but: the fear factor. They might become ubiquitous over the next years. Maybe. And then again, maybe not.

What if I back the wrong horse? What if I budget three hours a day to do exercises to hone my spatial perception skills to a scalpel-like edge, only to find that the real winners are those who anticipated the rise of olfaction-based user interfaces?

Well, gotta go... time to do my PL/I programming exercises. PL/I, it's the wave of the future, y'know.

My thoughts on User Interface Design

[hey!]

It would be a good thing.

(user interface techniques don't count as design)

Re:The greatest UI was the fax machine

[Thanshin]

A fax machine's UI is far more user friendly to novices and beginners alike. Is there some reason we don't design GUIs to mimic the fax machine? This, to me, is a substantial failing in modern UI design.

I design my GUIs following the breakthrough design of VCR programming.