I agree with Bret Victor’s concerns about the “numbing” of one of the most vital natural assets in the human body - the hands. His point that the best tools are ones that are fit to both the task and the method of use is similarly mentioned by Crawford when he states “good interactivity design integrates form with function.” Using a single finger, without any kind of texture or weight indicators, makes for flawed interactive design. I do think it’s important to keep in mind Victor’s acknowledgement that the touch-screen technology that he’s faulting in this article is in fact a solid transitional step between a non-interactive screen and a future that may take better advantage of the skills our hands possess. I frequently feel that arguments citing the flawed nature of the current technology/system/society fail to take into account that improvements and changes to the world around us require ongoing work and necessitate “middle” steps that may not be perfect solutions.
In this video what Microsoft is attempting to do is to impart a sense of wonder, and fluid ease with which technology can be integrated with every aspect of normal life. While I agree that a world of touch-screens may not be the best option, it’s important to keep in mind that this video requires “advanced technology” that is instantly understandable by the viewer, and may not therefore be able to radically redefine what we understand to be attainable technology in the span of a consumer directed commercial.
I do find Victor’s concerns to be interesting however. This is a concept that I had previously only thought of in the context of e-readers (a technology I find myself wildly uninterested in because of the tactile elements missing from an *actual book.) Having worked as a sculptor, I’m aware of the fact that it is frequently your hands, and not your eyes, that are the most perceptive tool at your disposal. When creating a rounded surface for example, your sense of touch can instantly perceive imperfect places on a sphere that your vision may not be able to pinpoint beyond a vague sense that something is “off”. I’m decidedly interested in seeing new ways that interactive technology can better utilize our hands, and firmly believe the use of the full body will be a continuing trend for increasing the success of interactive technologies.
In this video what Microsoft is attempting to do is to impart a sense of wonder, and fluid ease with which technology can be integrated with every aspect of normal life. While I agree that a world of touch-screens may not be the best option, it’s important to keep in mind that this video requires “advanced technology” that is instantly understandable by the viewer, and may not therefore be able to radically redefine what we understand to be attainable technology in the span of a consumer directed commercial.
I do find Victor’s concerns to be interesting however. This is a concept that I had previously only thought of in the context of e-readers (a technology I find myself wildly uninterested in because of the tactile elements missing from an *actual book.) Having worked as a sculptor, I’m aware of the fact that it is frequently your hands, and not your eyes, that are the most perceptive tool at your disposal. When creating a rounded surface for example, your sense of touch can instantly perceive imperfect places on a sphere that your vision may not be able to pinpoint beyond a vague sense that something is “off”. I’m decidedly interested in seeing new ways that interactive technology can better utilize our hands, and firmly believe the use of the full body will be a continuing trend for increasing the success of interactive technologies.