For this week’s reading, I read “A Brief Rant on the Future of Interaction Design” by Bret Victor and the response article. Both articles left me with a lingering sense of dissatisfaction. Both shed a harsh light on the limitations of our current interaction paradigms, particularly the dominance of “Pictures Under Glass” interfaces. These flat, touch-based systems, while undeniably convenient, leave a significant part of the human experience untapped: our sense of touch.
Prior to this reading, I hadn’t truly considered the depth of information conveyed through touch. Victor’s words prompted a newfound awareness of the absence of tactile feedback in my daily interactions with technology. Scrolling through endless feeds on my phone or navigating menus on my laptop suddenly felt sterile and one-dimensional. The simple act of picking up a book and feeling the weight of its pages, the satisfying click of a pen against paper—these experiences, once taken for granted, now hold a newfound significance.
The articles sparked a desire for a more holistic approach to human-computer interaction (HCI). Victor’s vision of a “dynamic medium” that engages multiple senses, not just sight, resonates deeply. Imagine manipulating virtual objects with the same dexterity and finesse we use with physical ones. Imagine feeling the texture of a 3D model or the resistance of virtual clay as we sculpt it. Such interfaces hold the potential to revolutionize not just how we interact with technology but also how we learn, create, and explore the digital world.
However, the question remains: how do we bridge this gap between our current state and Victor’s ambitious vision? The answer lies not in simply discarding touchscreens but in building upon them. Perhaps the integration of haptic technology could provide simulated textures and feedback, enriching the interaction experience. Imagine a sculptor feeling the resistance of virtual clay under their fingertips as they mold it, or an architect being able to manipulate a 3D building model with the same ease they would a physical one.
Beyond touch, could future interfaces incorporate other senses like smell or even taste? While these concepts might seem far-fetched, they highlight the exciting possibilities of a multi-sensory HCI future. Imagine a virtual tour of a vineyard where you can not only see the rolling hills but also smell the grapes ripening in the sun. Or imagine experiencing a historical event through a VR simulation that incorporates the sounds and smells of the time period.
The articles also raise a crucial point about the role technology should play in our lives. Technology should not aim to replace existing interactions or diminish our physical capabilities. Instead, it should act as an extension of ourselves, enhancing and amplifying our skills. The future of HCI should strive to create a seamless and intuitive connection between the physical and digital worlds, one that respects and leverages the full spectrum of human senses and capabilities.
As Victor aptly argues, the choice for the future of interaction lies with us. By fostering research into advanced materials, haptics, and multi-sensory experiences, we can pave the way for a future where technology doesn’t just serve us but empowers us to interact with the digital world in a richer, more meaningful way. By prioritizing human potential and embracing the full range of human senses, we can move beyond “Pictures Under Glass” and create a future of truly immersive and interactive technology.