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What Will The Future Desktop Interface Look Like?
b O b 1 9 19 A writes "The TechZone has an interesting article wondering where computer interfaces are going. They discuss some alternatives to the traditional desktop, and propose a framework in which future interface designs may be evaluated. From the article: 'The next 10 years will be a transitional phase for interface design. 3D rendering technologies already have a stable home in the entertainment, video game, simulation, and design sectors. Although 2D interfaces have dominated everything else, I expect we will start seeing more 3D incursions. Operating systems and applications are beginning to capitalize on what 3D has to offer. The precise nature of how and where 3D can best be incorporated is an open question, and a framework to evaluate these questions seems appropriate.'" Big-time ad alert. Set your ad and flashblockers to stun.
Well, really the problem is that human vision is only 2.5D to begin with. In order to have true 3D vision, you would need to have 4D eyes with a 3D retina surface. That would allow you to look at a solid object, and see every point inside it, without any points being "in front of" any others. Trying to see 3D from within a 3D universe is analogical to trying to look at a photograph from the edge; you're trying to remap a 2D space onto a straight line.
You could probably send true 3D through a direct neural link, but that's obviously not practical yet.
Not very circumspect, I see.
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OK, I don't want to start a holly war here - it is pure coincidence that the example is form Apple.
Here there are two clips called Knowledge Navigator (just below the middle of the page). I think those illustrate very well what the parent means.
And I agree this is the way to go, not 3D. Did anyone follow the link to Tactile3D. The screenshot gallery made me seasick. It's all too cumbersome and confusing. I can't picture my mother using this.