The article explores the evolution of user interfaces, emphasizing the transition from tactile, physical interactions with computers to the current frictionless digital experiences. It suggests that while removing friction from apps creates ease of use, it can also diminish the satisfaction and meaning derived from activities like drawing or playing music. The author advocates for designing interfaces that respect human movement, patterns, and expression, encouraging a blend of modalities for richer interactions. Ultimately, it challenges the notion of efficiency over experience in digital environments.
Think about how you use physical tools. Drawing isn't just moving your hand-it's the feel of the pencil against paper, the tiny adjustments of pressure, the sound of graphite scratching.
We've been successfully removing all friction from our apps - think about how effortless it is to scroll through a social feed. But is that what we want?
When you strip away too much friction, meaning and satisfaction go with it. The real magic happens when we combine different modalities.
So how might our interfaces look if we shaped them to fit us? We think in movement, in patterns. Our computers can communicate to us in many different formats.
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