This article by Licklider covers thinking about the relationship between humans and computers in the future. He proposed the definition of “symbiosis” between humans and computers and analyzed in detail the prerequisites for achieving human-computer symbiosis. This article is important because it analyzes the various problems that exist in the interaction between humans and computers. By pointing out the questions that need to be researched and answered, this article promotes the development of man-computer symbiosis.
As an interaction designer, I am particularly interested in the input and output devices mentioned in the article. They are “display” and “control” from the perspective of the operator. I found this to be one of the most important steps in human-computer interaction. Many of the user interface designs we have learned today are in the “display” category. How to let people get the most effective visual guidance is something that graphic and interaction designers need to think about. “Controls” are the carriers for people to input information to the computer. The controls we know today are keyboards, mice, various switches and buttons, and voice input. The design improvement of these components requires not only the efforts of engineers but also interaction designers who have clear ideas on user experience research.
In this way, interaction designers play a very important role in the development of human-computer symbiosis. We not only need to learn user behavior and the principles of visual designs but also need to have sufficient knowledge of computer programming which provides a basis for the dialogue between us and the engineer.
