The article “A Brief Rant on the Future of Interaction Design” prompted me to reconsider the fundamental principles of interaction design. The “Pictures Under Glass” paradigm – our daily tapping and swiping on the screen – prioritizes visual feedback over tactile or physical interactions. Humans can do so much with their specialized appendages, yet this is all we do now. This reading thus prompted me to think about the potential limitations of current interaction models. It makes me wonder if we are settling for convenience over innovation and whether there are untapped (pun-intended) opportunities to create more immersive and intuitive interfaces.
In fact, current VR and AR technologies, coupled with advancements in computer vision and spatial computing, have the potential to realize many of the principles advocated by the author back in 2011. However, widespread adoption has been somewhat limited, and the reasons for this are multifaceted. One reason is the current limitations of hardware and software technology, such as the bulkiness of VR headsets or the limited field of view of AR glasses. Additionally, there may be practical challenges in integrating these technologies into everyday workflows or activities, as well as concerns about privacy, accessibility, and social acceptance. Furthermore, while VR and AR can offer compelling experiences for certain applications, they may not always be the most practical or necessary solution for every interaction scenario. In many cases, traditional interfaces like touchscreens or keyboards may be more efficient and effective for completing tasks, particularly in contexts where precision and speed are essential.
While the author’s arguments are compelling and align with my beliefs to some extent, I also recognize the need for balance between innovation and usability. Transitioning from fingertip-centric interfaces to more complex tactile and gestural inputs poses usability challenges and requires careful consideration of accessibility and inclusivity. Moreover, while tactile feedback and physical interaction are crucial, there are contexts where visual interfaces can complement and enhance user experiences. However, overall the reading has challenged me to reconsider the dominance of touchscreen devices and to explore alternative interaction paradigms that better leverage the full range of human capabilities.