The future GUI?

[Old and In the Way]

Stumbled across this video tonight....a new way to interact with your PC-

http://vimeo.com/6712657

The end of the video shows what the revised keyboard would look like...personally, I'd replace the entire analog keyboard with a complete touchscreen surface and have an area dedicated to hotkey(s) that would create a keyboard layout..and some other application specific layouts that the user could customize. Maybe the next big thing in PC's won't be programs or the computer, but the way we interface with the information.

[canetoad]

1. That's really interesting

So were the comments following it. I've never considered a touch screen for the reasons he demonstrates; having your arm held up while you work. Also, if I look at the cesspit that I call a keyboard, I'd need to clean the touch screen every five minutes.

My main concern is the keyboard stuck away at the back as I type a lot of text and use keyboard commands. I also agree with a couple of the comments that seemingly arbitrary window positions are rarely that; they are there for a reason. Otherwise, I'd love to see this come to fruition and try it out.

[Stinky The Clown]

2. Go another step with that ......

.... and add a keyboard to the GUI. Like a touchscreen iPhone or BB Storm keyboard. Launch it or not with a touch someplace on screen ..... maybe out of the way like at the far upper left or right where you have to sort of "reach" for it.

And make the keyboard sense your fingers' proximity by changing the color of the key closest to a given finger. This way, you can, it seems to me, learn better typing while not looking at the keys like some of us must do now.

I like this idea. Interesting they show it on a Mac.

[Why Syzygy]

3. What about the technology

used in Wii? I don't know that much about it. But if someone can knock down bowling balls with an arm motion, is there any applicability for desktop use?

[RoyGBiv]

4. I'll be the skeptic ...

I don't like the way they're dealing with window placement at all, and, like others, I disagree that window placement in modern GUIs is "random." I'm sure it is for some people, but if you're really and truly interested in controlling window placement, there are many ways to do this already.

The linear method they're using doesn't just seem constrictive, it is. They're forcing you into a single method of window management.

Of course, that can all be tweaked or changed entirely. The real thing here is the input device methods. I certainly believe multi-touch screens in an arrangement of this type have a future in desktop computing, but I'm not sure this is it. I keep thinking back to the other video posted recently showing a UI integrating several different input methods and several ways of displaying information so that a user could pick and choose. That's the wave of the future, imo. That way, if I absolutely hate the lack of tactile stimulation in a simulated keyboard, I don't have to deal with it, but if someone else loves it, they can go that route. If I just want to use my mouse, fine. If someone else wants to wave their arms in a Wii fashion, they can do that.

The problem with multi-touch that is not addressed in this (or by many systems designers I can see) is what to do about disabilities and those with a lack of dexterity. My mom can't use a multi-touch screen, at all, due to her arthritis. She can use a really, really good mouse that is sensitive to small movements.

Anyway, naturally the UI will progress. I just hope those involved in designing the systems don't let themselves get overwhelmed with how shiny and pretty it all is and forget about actual functionality.

[Why Syzygy]

5. I'm skeptical as well...

but you articulate better than I could.

When the sliding windows was first shown, my concern was for my 'disability', dyslexia. If I think I'm bringing in something from the "left", it is likely I would try to execute it from the right. If you get my meaning. (I don't happen to believe dyslexia is a 'disability'. I like it. Just don't ask me for directions.)