The New Interface Is There Is No interface

#1

Post by molecularbutter » Fri, Feb 17, 2012, 9:19 PM UTC

The New Interface Is There Is No interface
tightwind.net

Re: The New Interface Is There Is No interface

#2

Post by endtwist » Fri, Feb 17, 2012, 10:30 PM UTC

You effectively just described what "good design" is -- so effortless, it's invisible.

This isn't a new concept, but with the recent focus on design in startups, I guess it's finally coming to light outside the design community.

Re: The New Interface Is There Is No interface

#3

Post by joejohnson » Fri, Feb 17, 2012, 10:33 PM UTC

That’s precisely what a tool is: something which requires very little explanation for how to use it, because it is designed so precisely for its purpose, that how to use it is obvious.

Oh, that's what a tool is? :)

Re: The New Interface Is There Is No interface

#4

Post by recoiledsnake » Fri, Feb 17, 2012, 10:34 PM UTC

Is it just me or did the author just write a whole article about the Metro UI without actually naming it?

http://windowsphone.interoperabilitybridges.com/media/42139/...

http://weblogs.asp.net/blogs/bsimser/MetroDesign_thumb_6D6BF...

It seems to be the only UI around that eschews window chrome and faux 3d and focuses on the content.

Re: The New Interface Is There Is No interface

#5

Post by vishaldpatel » Fri, Feb 17, 2012, 10:43 PM UTC

Wall of text. Definitely No Interface >.<

Re: The New Interface Is There Is No interface

#6

Post by 54mf » Fri, Feb 17, 2012, 10:44 PM UTC

The problem with interface-less mobile apps is that the interface provides critical cues to the user about functionality. Phrases like, "...a finicky piece of artifice that we have to strain to understand" is only indicative of a poorly designed interface, not all of them.

The beauty of technology is that its software transcends the physical realm. Software does things paper cannot. While specific physical metaphors often apply to software, especially with touch-based interfaces, to avoid taking advantage of the inherent non-physical nature of an application is a terrible mistake at the expense of true usability and functionality.

Re: The New Interface Is There Is No interface

#7

Post by PostOnce » Fri, Feb 17, 2012, 10:53 PM UTC

In some cases, mobile apps force you to put shit IN THE WAY of what the user is doing because of a lack of hardware interface for the user.

Game on an iPhone? Sorry, I'm going to need to stick buttons in the way of your visuals. So, you had a 3.5 inch display area, already small enough, and now you have to stick buttons and joysticks and touch menus on it. If not qwerty, at least throw me two or three buttons. Bah.

Re: The New Interface Is There Is No interface

#8

Post by dreamdu5t » Fri, Feb 17, 2012, 11:12 PM UTC

No. Computer interfaces are increasingly virtual.

"The New Interface Is There Is No Interface" is an oxymoron.

Re: The New Interface Is There Is No interface

#9

Post by jasonkolb » Fri, Feb 17, 2012, 11:17 PM UTC

This is exactly why Siri is important. It is context aware and stays out of your way until you need it. I am very bullish on voice-driven apps of all kinds.

Re: The New Interface Is There Is No interface

#10

Post by mreid » Fri, Feb 17, 2012, 11:19 PM UTC

PostOnce wrote: post #7

In some cases, mobile apps force you to put shit IN THE WAY of what the user is doing because of a lack of hardware interface for the user. Game on an iPhone? Sorry, I'm going to need to stick buttons in the way of your visuals. So, you had a 3.5 inch display area, already small enough, and now you have to stick buttons and joysticks and touch menus on it. If not qwerty, at least throw me two or three buttons. Bah.

I think you are making the author's point for him. A game that requires a virtual joypad is not a game that is well designed for a phone. It's using a hammer to put in a screw. There are plenty of iPhone games that do not use the virtual buttons interface.