Graphical user interfaces appeared on personal computers in the 1980s. This is a huge change from the text-only computer shown in the movie The Mother of All Demos we watched before. It shows that human beings have entered the icon era at this time. Here, I made some comparisons to show the changes and similarities of graphic metaphors. These include files, folders, trash, and hard drives. What also similar is the Mac menu bar, which is still used on the Mac we use today.
I was surprised when I saw the personal computer of Xerox Star. Because we now use command+C/V to copy and paste. However, there were clear copy and paste buttons on the Xerox Star computer at that time. This shows that technology is advancing in the footsteps of the times. Simplify complex designs. And Macintosh has also made improvements based on Xerox Star, enriching the types and shapes of graphic metaphors.
My vision of future technology interaction is closer to voice interaction, gesture interaction, augmented reality and virtual reality, etc. People will not need to rely on the carrying and touch of mobile devices to operate in the future. Convenience will get more attention. The UI will also change as a result. For example, the upcoming big sur of iOS is to make the flat design that has been popular for many years more three-dimensional. The three-dimensional design may also lead the world of AR and VR in the future.
This is a great comparison!
I am excited to see the upcoming Big Sur, but I appreciate the menu bar design’s continuity. The design really helps me out to navigate.
Nice example to compare the different UI through time.