Accessing information has become more and more about User Interface, and developing and designing interfaces that understand our natural abilities and needs, our behavior, gestures and intuitive nature. Given the mainstreaming of iPhones, iPads, other full screen SmartPhones, as well as Touchscreen PC’s and TV displays, these tactile interfaces are becoming the primary way we navigate information. Some go as far as to say the keyboard and mouse will be irrelevant in 5-10 years. Michael Knupfel, a student of ITP/Tisch, explores the future of interface in a recent video thesis piece. He explains:
“Extending the Touchscreen, aims to further this versatility by using conductive materials to construct a series of physical, mechanical, and electrical devices that touch, interact and communicate directly through the touchscreen interface. My goal in constructing these external devices is to make touchscreen interactions more tactile, physical and potentially more expressive and fun.”
Though a far stretch from application to our world of dashboards, data tables, queries, spreadsheets and written reports, it’s an interesting piece to view. Assuming that when data and knowledge is more immersible and can be navigated in a “hand’s-on” way it becomes more understood – perhaps there’s glimpses of the future of reporting interfaces baked within this video piece? Inspiration for what we might consider as touchscreens and tablets mainstream to make information more relevant, meaningful and useful?
Extending the Touchscreen – ITP Thesis Teaser from Michael Knuepfel on Vimeo.
[via PSFK.com]
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