It’s 2012 the mouse is dead
Yesterday Bill Gates spoke to the BBC about his future predictions for user interfaces – quite similar to those I talked about at the Chinwag Live: Xmas Futures, Crystal Balls? event...
We are entering a new age of ubiquitous computing, where we are surrounded by intelligent services. The interfaces to many of these services will not be through the ‘traditional’ desktop computer and mouse, but through relatively new ways of connecting; including multi-touch surfaces, and those with no visual representation such as Brain Computer and gestual interfaces.
In the 1960s we began developing a visual language for multimedia. This visual language has grown up, come of age; familiar iconic metaphors are everywhere; and not necessarily intuitive to the uninitiated.
But with these new ways of interfacing, come new possibilities; more intuitive ways of interacting, which often have an emotional response. And of course – new problems.
Interface, interaction designers and usability experts must expand their knowledge across new disciplines, and hardware & software must work more closely in tandem to create a unified experience that upholds brand values – whatever the input mechanisms.