How much UI do we really need?
Guest Contribution
The interaction between humans and machines is currently at its top, and we’re not even aware of what’s ahead of us. Still, even with the UI developing so quickly, we should take a moment to contemplate its effects. To be more precise?—?how much UI do we need on our phones, cars, and computers?
What about Conversational Interfaces?
In 2018, people want fast responses, efficiency, and getting things done. From that point of view, the way we interact with our devices is of utter importance. The exact reason why/how we went from basic user-friendliness to conversational interfaces.
Such user interfaces interact with real people, excluding the torture (some may think) of clicking on icons. Instead, you’re simply telling your devices what to do for you.
The best examples of such devices/apps are Amazon Alexa, Google Now, Siri, and Cortana; even chatbots you see popping up on different websites. All of these exist to help you have an efficient and enjoyable, user-friendly experience. With a minimal output, you get the desired results, and when you look at the big picture, this, indeed, is a less time-consuming option.
For instance, let’s talk about phones. Voice controlling is enabled for basically anything: calling, scheduling tasks, setting up alarms, researching the web, typing texts or any other content. Siri, Cortana, Google Now, and Bixby cover a pretty wide range of tasks they can execute.
In addition to that, Amazon Alexa covers an even wider range; imagine being in your backyard relaxing with friends and telling Alexa to, let’s say, play some smooth jazz. Check and done in seconds.
But let us skip to cars; Nowadays, you practically have a built-in computer and UIs that are trying to get better at improving your driving conditions and make it more enjoyable.
How do they benefit time spent in your car?
Working as the Head of Digital Operations at ramp.space?—?the publisher of the culture magazine?—?ramp, I have the unique opportunity to take a detailed look the latest car models.
Every time I get in one of the sports cars, I am more baffled by the acceleration, feeling of the Alcantara leather, and the (sometimes well-faked) motor sound than the user interface of the infotainment system?—?which turns out to be a mess in each category. From the latest Golf GTI to the Porsche 911, or Audi R8.
Take the new Golf GTI for example. You will get a 16-inch multi-touch tablet in the middle, with no haptic button or feedback, and an interactive tachometer filled with all kinds of?—?more or less?—?useful user interface elements.
That’s where conversational interfaces step in and partially fix the situation. Some of the things your voice assistant can do in 2018:
Personalized speech dialogue systems
You get in your ride and simply start off by greeting your voice assistant with a personalized wake-up word.
Personalized destination and route suggestion
For instance, if there’s a traffic jam, a car accident on the road, or just road work, you’ll instantly know thanks to your device. You’ll get alternative routes, information on the delay, and your estimated time of arrival.
Offline synchronisation of data
Imagine you need to schedule a meeting, but you’re going through a tunnel and lose all network coverage; still not an issue. Your voice assistant can work offline and back up data as soon as you get coverage.
With companies continuously trying to figure out their customers’ wishes and trying to amaze them, how far do you think we’ll go?
What aspects of our lives does UI need to cover, or have we already gone too far?
Originally published at aleksandar basara.
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