The problem with computers is that you have to use them through an interface. You, as a user, are stuck on one edge of the system, the user interface (UI). The problem is that until somebody invents a working neural shunt or interconnect like the ones seen in the Wachowski brothers’ film The Matrix, we have to make do with some sort of UI for our computers and gadgets.

There have been some great looking user interfaces invented purely for entertainment on the TV and movie screen. From the slick research screens used in CSI, to the somewhat creepy gloved hand interfaces in Minority Report (which are somewhat reminiscent of modern multi-touch UIs), but it strikes me that all of these would have to be learned just the same.

Recently it has been getting more and more obvious to me that we are stretching current UIs to breaking point. Most folks put up with them at best, some learn them quite well but almost everybody has at some point been frustrated or upset by a computer interface.

Crying and spilt milk

What to do about it? Well there are plenty of people who are frustrated by the status quo. Let me guide you through the grievances I have with current UIs, using the words of greater writers than I.

Fantastic design, the UK has been crying out for this kind of everyday innovation. Tip of the hat to Mr Gruber for the link.

Great concept, I particularly love the diving poster.

Thanks to Mr Kotke for the link.

I’ve slightly updated the site design, it now has a new background image and I have centred the content. I have also been working on a side project as well as putting in long hours at the office, hence the lack of updates.

My aim is to try and create five new posts a week on average. The good news is that I therefore have quite some catching up to do, meaning lots more posts on the way. The bad news is that work isn’t going to slow down for another month, and the ugly news is that I am rather behind on reading my tech blogs (to the tune of about four hundred articles).

As for the design, I realise that I am not a designer and that the site is far more functional than beautiful. That’s pragmatism for you. However since I err on the side of the extreme google brain, I would appreciate anybody’s comments on and/or input to the design of the site.

On a point of interest, I used an image from Free Digital Photos, specifically this one, and then modified it in photoshop in order to create the background for the site.