Since ancient Macintosh and Windows GUIs, graphical user interfaces have evolved to embrace new gadgetry and cognition. Pixel-based bitmaps, skeuomorphs, and basic point-and-click movement of on-screen objects; low-resolution screens with lapidary gravitas; gadgets dictating rigid usability. And now the dawn of the flat, minimalist, skeuomorph-free, vector-graphics frontier; touchscreen responsiveness; variable ratios of coffee, beer, and sleeplessness; and multitouch, styluses, and voices, a digital bouquet of user interaction. Thanks to retina and 4K displays, visuals look sharper than ever.

While many aspects of the system have been improved over the years, some fundamental pillars remain intact. The desktop as depicted in a metaphor, combined with the use of folders, windows and icons, are still at the heart of many operating systems. Menus, toolbars and the point-and-click approach are also deeply ingrained features, which helps to keep the experience familiar.

Yet, there’s still much room for meaningful improvement. As technology advances, GUIs should get better at integrating multiple modes of interaction – such as touch, voice and gesture – into more cohesive whole. AI is in need of better integration for more predictive, adaptive interactions that respond to context to anticipate and shape the user’s experience. Interfaces also have to become more accessible, providing a range of flexible screen readers and text-to-speech, haptic feedback and other tactile sensations, extensively customisable layouts and designs tailored for different abilities. Users also require more clear and transparent privacy controls to account for increased aspects of conduct that occur online, and more immersive augmented and virtual reality experiences.

To summarise, yes, GUIs have come a long way, but the next step in their evolution should be more along the lines of true personalisation and smart, adaptive, inclusive design, utilising modern technology for interfaces that are natural and intuitive, secure and consistent across every device.