Higher Levels of Interaction

Higher Levels of Interactions
A Myth or Reality?

By Salim Meghani

The last mechanical generation of work carrying out mundane tasks on a
conveyor belt system, has been largely replaced by a mundane,
repetitive IT based call-centre culture. IT hasn't enhanced a worker's
lifestyle just replaced it with 'electronic systems.' The worker is
just as stressed, fatigued, and now even suffers from dextrous disease
such as RSI and impaired vision.

We are at a problematic stage in technology terms, because although
there is the ability to network, order online, bank online etc, systems
are still tedious to use.

Computer systems aren't as easy to use as the 'user friendly' GUI
suggests. To get anything useful done requires a knowledge of files,
folders, mouse pointers, menus, tasks, etc. Although it is true to say
that GUIs have made software much more easier to use (than ever before)
the problem is that people still have to use them! Why should I log
onto the internet and order online if I can order through the phone? It
doesn't make sense! To me (personally) it is more stressful to log onto
the internet, navigate the web browser etc etc. If I could tell my
computer to order goods for me (instead) (the part I would play is
choosing) it might be a more useful device! This is a problem with
software, because software design has remained the same for many
computer generations. A WP is still a WP whether it is on an Amstrad
PC256 or an IBM Pentium IV with Windows XP, it's still a WP, one still
has to use it like one. Although GUIs are very pleasing to the eye, are
WYSIWYG and also make it easier to navigate and learn complex menu
systems, they do not do the work of writing letters for you on a
WP!

At present an interaction on a computer is nothing more than moving a
mouse pointer, or clicking a mouse button in response to a GUI. In the
future, higher levels of productivity will be achievable because
complex interactions will be converted to the low level user
interactions automatically and will be thus able to carry out high
level commands. For example, it will be able to write letters, confirm
appointments, order goods, pay bills, all automatically for me, though
I will be involved at any stage I wish to be involved at.