An uninformed and abridged history of Human-computer interaction —
Command-line interface (CLI) — not super accessible, a specific kind of literacy fluency level needed. Not that many people using it.
Graphical User Interface (GUI) — more accessible, lower barrier to entry. Visual interface on top of programming language. Intended to simplify interaction. Widespread adoption.
AI as Interface, Large Language Models (LLMs) — we are being introduced to an age where language is becoming the way we interface with technology — in a deeper way than smart speakers are. The way we plan vacations, consume content, and automate workflows. LLMs enable a new kind of human-computer interaction. One where a user doesn’t need to know how to be the operator; know what buttons to press or lines of code to write. Each new form of interface improves the accessibility in human-computer interaction.
The Post-GUI Era
As use of AI matures, it will be interesting to think of what lies beyond the GUI. What happens when we no longer need a graphical representation? Can language be our primary interface? Can this finally liberate us from screens???
Beyond —
What comes after writing commands into a CLI, or clicking buttons in a GUI, or talking with an AI? Can our interface with computers be completely language driven?
