I was sent an interesting link this morning by Simon that I think you guys will find quite interesting too (especially those of you with a passion for human/computer interaction *cough* Dan *cough*).
Introducing the BumpTop 3D Desktop, a crazy new way of interacting with your machine and handling documents/files. Check out the following YouTube vid to see how it works:
Pretty groovey hey! Of course, this looks like it was designed to work moreso with hand-held or tablet PCs (the “pressure” gestures are a bit of a give-away there), but it’d be cool to see something like this on a desktop machine.
I do wonder if this kind of mechanism would be more intuitive to a user though. While it looks cool and makes a bit of sense (based on the description), I think using it would be slow compared to the conventional desktop. What do you think?
March 31, 2007
Yeah, this interface concept was created a few years ago now. Many people have been/are attempting to utilise 3D space for navigation, but I think it is a long way from maturity.
And like you say, the conventional desktop is a hard paradigm to shift. It’s hard enough making a convincing argument to upgrade to Windoze Vista.. let alone re-learing a navigation system that has been in place for many decades (early mouse interactive investigations occured long before the public release of the GUI we are comfortable with today).
For an interesting comparison, check out the $100 laptop initiative, and look at it’s interface. It’s a big enough shift for those that have had no exposure to computers!
Will be interesting to see where the future lies.
March 31, 2007
Ah yes, the one laptop per child thingy has been going for a while too, though I have to admit that I haven’t really spent any time looking at its interface - you’re right it is indeed a large shift, but does that mean it’d be hard for users who have never seen or used a computer before?
I definitely find these things counter-intuitive but that’s purely because I’m so used to using Windows and Linux desktop environments.
I also agree with you mate, BumptTop does seem like it’s a long way from maturity. Sure it’s cool, sure it’s different, and sure it might look and feel like an ordinary desktop, but there really isn’t any evidence (yet) that suggests an increase in productivity through its use. Only time will tell
March 31, 2007
does that mean it’d be hard for users who have never seen or used a computer before?
THE question
April 3, 2007
It’s quite interesting, though I don’t see what problems it solves. If anything it creates more problems because it removes the natural hierarchical structure for files (imaging browsing the thousands of files on an average PC), and also offers no quick searching facility. I guess it’s one of those things you’d have to try out for a while to see if it’s any good for you personally. I find I don’t really use the desktop for much more than a temporary dump for files anyway.
There’s also no real reason for it to be 3D, as the same piles and dragging could be done in 2D.
April 4, 2007
I agree with you mate. I can’t see it becoming mainstream for those kinds of reasons. The functionality isn’t on par with what we’re using right now, and while it might be intuitive because that’s what your desk looks like, as soon as you start dealing with thousands of files, it becomes unmanagable.
That’s the whole reason we have libraries, filing cabinets, folders, and all that malarky. If we didn’t, finding stuff would be a friggin’ nightmare! Have you walked past anyones desk that has over a thousand documents on it?? If you have, did it look managable?
I don’t think so
June 19, 2007
Interestingly enough, this guy is an old friend of mine from school. I chat with him all the time. They’re still looking for investment if you’re interested.
June 19, 2007
Not sure if I got bounced for not divulging my uber-secret email address…
Actually Anand is a friend of mine from university. I talk with him on chat quiet often. They’re hiring if you want to join now on the bottom floor.
June 19, 2007
Nah, it was because I have to moderate all first time comments mate. From now on you should be fine and your comments will appear without moderation.
Thanks for taking the time to browse!
And welcome to my blog!
This is a pretty sweet little idea, I hope for the sake of your mate that it takes off. But I’m still trying to see the practicality of it.
Joining on the bottom floor? Hrm, it’s tempting
But I think I’ll pass. Unless they’d be happy for me to work from home full time here in Australia 