The author raises valid concerns regarding the current trajectory of interface design, particularly the over-reliance on “Pictures Under Glass” – flat, touch-based interfaces that neglect the incredible capabilities of human hands. I wholeheartedly agree that this approach is limiting and fails to tap into the full potential of human-computer interaction.
The article beautifully highlights the richness of tactile experience and the intricate ways our hands manipulate and interact with the world. Reducing interaction to mere sliding gestures on a flat surface ignores this wealth of human capability and expression.
Instead of simply extrapolating current trends, the author urges us to envision a future where interfaces are dynamic, engaging our senses of touch and manipulation in ways that are intuitive and expressive. This vision resonates deeply and calls for a shift in focus towards technologies that leverage the full potential of human hands.
The article rightly emphasizes the limitations of purely visual interfaces. Haptic feedback technology, which recreates the sense of touch, holds immense potential in enriching user experience. Imagine feeling the texture of fabrics while online shopping, or experiencing the resistance of virtual objects in a design program.
The article challenges the dominance of flat screens and encourages exploration of 3D interfaces. Technologies like volumetric displays and mid-air haptics could enable us to interact with digital content in a more natural and intuitive manner, mimicking real-world manipulation of objects.
When I ply videogames, I prefer playing with a controller, versus a mouse and keyboard. This is for many reasons, but I specifically enjoy the haptic feedback I get when I play. It adds and extra dimension and an extra sense for me when I play a game which is lost on a mouse and keyboard. I also appreciate the haptics on a Nintendo Switch, their quality. I like how they are integral to many games, which just makes them more fun.
While the current state of research in these areas might be nascent, the author’s call for ambitious, long-term vision is crucial. We need researchers, designers, and engineers to be inspired by the possibilities beyond “Pictures Under Glass” and work towards interfaces that truly empower and enhance human capabilities.