With the rapid development of technology, natural user interfaces (NUI) are increasingly integrated into our daily lives. This type of interface allows users to interact with the device in a seamless and intuitive way, such as through touch, voice or gestures. In this emerging technology field, the concept of NUI represents a revolution in user experience, prompting us to rethink our relationship with technology.
The goal of NUI is to create an interface that matches natural behavior so that users can quickly get started without learning.
NUI’s many applications touch almost every corner of life, from multi-touch on smartphones to voice assistants at home, such as Amazon’s Alexa or Apple’s Siri. These technologies no longer require specific learning tools or complex operating procedures because they have liberated the way we interact with devices. Users can quickly go from novice to expert because the interfaces are designed to feel like they are continuously succeeding during the operation.
In the 1990s, Steve Mann developed various strategies for natural interactive user interfaces that emerged as a more natural alternative to command line interfaces (CLIs) or graphical users. Interface (GUI). The technology, which he calls "natural user interfaces," demonstrates how humans interact with the world in their own natural way, creating an intuitive experience.
The term "natural user interface" not only reflects natural human behavior, but also incorporates principles from the natural environment and physics.
For example, a hydraulophone can be used as an input device to input data by touching water, which is one of many examples of natural user interfaces. In addition, Reality-Based Interface (RBI) strategies further expand our potential to interact with technology by turning everyday objects into interactive interfaces. Technologies like Microsoft PixelSense, which allows users to trigger actions by placing physical objects on the device, show how NUIs can blur the lines between virtual and reality.
Another notable example is Kinect, an input device that enables interaction through spatial motion. This controller-less gameplay demonstrates the potential of NUI, allowing users to enjoy a more intuitive experience when playing games. This type of application has created new interaction rules for us. We no longer just rely on the traditional keyboard and mouse, but use gestures and movements to complete various tasks.
The slogan "Revolutionary new gameplay without a controller" expresses the core of what Kinect is looking for.
With the rise of 3D virtual environments, the development of 3D immersive touch technology has also enriched NUI writing and design. Newer devices such as iPads and other touch-enabled hardware allow us to interact in these types of environments in a more natural way. The public's acceptance of 3D immersive interfaces has accelerated the development of NUI and further promoted the industry's emphasis on improving user experience.
From practicality to entertainment, NUI is gradually becoming a part of our lives. It can make work more fulfilling, spice up play, and might even change the way we communicate. We increasingly rely on this type of technology to improve our quality of life, and we look forward to future innovations.
NUIs represent technological progress, and our experience in them has become no longer a simple learning process, but a more natural communication process.
As NUI technology matures, we can’t help but think: How will future devices further integrate technology and our lives, and take these interactive methods to a new level?