In the early days, Apple’s Macintosh was a basic device for word processing. Apple’s Human Interface Group (HIG) introduced innovations like handwriting systems and devices like Scribe and Newton and later ventured into video editing on Mac. Microsoft’s Windows, starting with MS-DOS, evolved with Windows 3.0, introducing a consistent design, improved color use, and meaningful icons in collaboration with designer Susan Kare. Typography also advanced with the development of TrueType. Both companies have increasingly focused on the accessibility of graphical user interfaces.
Reflecting on this, seeing the evolution of graphical user interfaces is impressive. From basic designs to today’s dynamic interfaces, the journey showcases the importance of user-centric design. The emphasis on user-centric design has remained a constant. Both Apple and Microsoft have always aimed to improve the user experience, even as the specifics of their design choices evolved. As technology progresses, interface designs have become notably simpler and more intuitive. Unlike the cluttered shopping websites from a decade ago, today’s sites and apps are streamlined and clear, leveraging human intuition for effortless navigation. I anticipate future interface designs aligning even more closely with human instincts, further simplifying and enhancing our digital experiences.
