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A new, revolutionary UI is just around the corner — here are the signs
We all remember the 2nd one. The 5th one is on its way.
We all remember when the 2nd one happened. Back in 2007, Steve Jobs famously started his keynote presentation with this historic line…
“This is a day I’ve been looking forward to for two and a half years.” — Steve Jobs
What was he so excited about? An R&D project that was kept under such tight secrecy from the public, only to be revealed until it was ready — Multi-Touch was Apple’s second revolutionary UI in the 21st century as it introduced itself to the world through iPhone. Moments after the reveal, Jobs reminded us of Apple’s track record of leadership in creating new, disruptive technologies that were often complemented with a groundbreaking UI.
“We’ve been lucky to bring a few revolutionary user interfaces to the market, in our time…[Mouse (Computer), Click-Wheel (iPod), Multi-Touch (iPhone)]. Each of these UI’s has made possible a revolutionary product…”
— Steve Jobs
… and the rest is history.
Fast forward to 2021 and we’re already seeing the signs of the 5th.
While the first (Click-Wheel) and the second (Multi-Touch) completely disrupted industries, the third (VR) and fourth (AR) only served niche markets.
For those of us keeping up with disruptive, innovative companies, it’s difficult not to notice the signs that point to the next radical new interface and experience model on its way because of their efforts.
The signs — what are they?
So, what are the signs that point to a new form factor on its way for designers to devour and sink their teeth into? What are the events in recent history that suggest the tech sector will have a moment likened to the all-screen, iPhone reveal? What are the signs that tell us this new UI will not flop or only serve a very niche purpose like VR?
