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I Want An Interface That Works...

Enough about Longhorn (looks like Inductive User Interface taken to the next level - note: I do LIKE IUI)
 
Enough about a standard Linux GUI (one to make it look like Windows) - in fact, the more of these discussions I hear, the more I am apt to forego Linux entirely - it sounds too much like the Unix debacle...who wants an interface run by white coats, even when the white coats are really geeks spread out all over the world...
 
Where is the real next generation interface?
 
A few years ago, the guys and gals at PARC (the ones who originated the GUI) were experimenting with an interface idea called "Doors" (seriously!). Now what I saw of it wasn't that awe-inspiring but it still brings me to the main point...
 
Skins and themes are all very nice but they are all simply different variations of the same Windows "theme".
 
Some basic ideas that are still waiting around for something to click...
 
Pen-based computing -> ok  so the tablet is here but I've been using pen-based interfaces and you know? I still hate my own handwriting...there has to be a better way...
 
Virtual Reality - it's been years since the movie Disclosure (remember that interface?) and VR is still in the labs. The big worry of course is that VR will simply become a basic playground and no one will get any work done...
 
Voice recognition (another VR) - I'm still waiting for this to become usable but like pen computing, it's always just on the edge. As long as computers crash regularly because of poorly integrated components (usually audio/video), this will never fly.
 
The Web - hey , HTML is great but enough with the pop-ups...my wife said last night, pop-ups and spam are just like commercials on TV and radio. True but then my email is like watching 30 minutes of commercials to view a 5 minute show.
 
I think of this every time I see someone getting confused by the Windows interface. I come over, do a click-click here, a drag there and it's fixed but shouldn't it be getting easier?
 
Maybe we need to find a child who can lead us the right way....the adults and supposed experts certainly aren't helping...but then how do you deal with business issues?
 
I suppose this is more a rant than anything else but it's still frustrating.

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