For the first time in 25 years, technology has undergone a revolution like it has never gone through before. With the advent of the touch interface, human-computer interaction or HCI is being taken to new heights. Gadgets which make use of the touch interface are now taking over the market. Long gone are the days of punch cards, with keyboards and mice now only taking second place to touch interface. This is a phenomenon that is taking over the world, and it is changing the face of technology as we know it.
These days, users turn most often to their touch capable gadgets when in need to learn or find out something. When it comes to getting information, touch is the first step to the solution. People almost automatically take out their smartphones to answer queries and gather data. Touch smartphones, tablets, and other devices have become people’s “top of mind”. Only when this option fails do people then turn to their computers and, with the use of keyboard and mouse, acquire what they need.
Thanks not only to their size and capabilities, smart phones and tablets which make use of the touch interface are fast becoming people’s number 1 work machines as well. Nowadays, instead of laptops, people bring smartphones or tablets with them at work, at school, or even out in the field. Smartphones and tablets are currently a more common sight in classrooms, boardrooms, laboratories, hospitals, even at cafes and restaurants, all the way to the streets. They have become a staple in people’s lives and are now seemingly an intrinsic part of everyone’s lifestyle.
In a very short span of time, these touch gadgets have become ubiquitous. Never in the history of any mode of HCI have humans adapted as quickly as they have with the touch interface. Much of this can be attributed to the fact that there is very little effort needed for people to reach their end goal. There is barely anything sitting between the touch-enabled machine and humans. As such, there is less delay when getting information or accomplishing a task through a gadget with touch. Unfortunately, not the same can be said of keyboards or a mouse, let alone archaic and antiquated punch cards. Touch is much more intuitive, much more natural to human habits and practices, much more responsive. Thus, they make the lives of anyone who use them better and so much simpler.
With every incarnation of an HCI mode, the technology becomes more intuitive. Every transformation finds methods and technology that is more innate, more effortless for people to manipulate. And the more effortless it is to handle, the faster and easier it becomes second nature for the users. For example, using a keyboard efficiently can become second nature, but it may take a while to train the fingers to master tactile memory; where the user no longer finds himself consciously thinking of what to press next. This may take weeks, months of mastery. Another example is the mouse. Clicking and dragging is very easy, but getting used to the mouse’s movements takes practice in coordination as well. This could take hours, or even days for an unwieldy mouse. However, when it comes to touch, mastery is pretty much instantaneous. Every command or action achieved by touch, by using the tips of the fingers, is already something humans know how to do. It is an inborn skill. Thus, using the touch interface requires no practice, no training, no nothing. People can try it for the first time, and find themselves masters immediately.
What this means is the touch interface has no learning curve. Pointing, tapping, dragging, swiping with one’s fingers is so natural and automatic that users need not even acquire that skill. This ease of use has changed the way people interact with their gadgets, and have changed the way gadgets are used. What’s more, touch is also expanding the number of users. Because it requires no skill, literally anyone can use it. The moment babies learn how to point, they can use it. The elderly need not learn such high-tech and complex methods to use it too. Touch has revolutionized technology, and it has revolutionized how people use technology, and it can only open more doors in the future.
Image Credits:
http://40.media.tumblr.com/18db80e93303ec2cafde57b3616bbad4/tumblr_ndnvhmwTAo1r30t7yo1_500.jpg
http://pixeswall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/creative-graphics-galaxy-touch-dark-light-of-purple-abstract-graphics-hd-wallpapers-galaxy-touch-key-light-galaxy-touchpad-galaxy-touch-screen-driver-galaxy-touch-screen-galaxy-touch-rugby-galaxy-touc-520×325.jpg
http://imgs.abduzeedo.com/files/perfect_office/19/lighttouch.jpg
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120728/trend1.jpg
http://cdn2.wonderfulengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Ring-Clock-3.jpg
