Issues of the interface. How has the advancements in interface technology helped society?

In a recent lecture that I attended, we discussed issues of the interface. Before spewing my opinions of the interface all over this page, I fell that it is important to first define exactly what we mean by the ‘interface’.

Dr Gavin Stewart offers the following definition of an interface; “User interface is a means by which people interact with a particular machine, device or computer programme.”
An example of a modern day user interface, can be seen when looking at the computer screen. The computer screen allows the user to input information, and see the result of there manipulation in the output. For example, if the user was to type on their keyboard, the information that they input would manipulated and appear on the interface (screen) in front of them.

The advancements in user interfaces has provided an altogether better experience for the user. Now having the ability to visually see the effects of the data they input.
It cannot be argued that interfaces have had a tremendous effect on society. More information is now readily available with the introduction of computer screens as an interface. The earliest models of computers did not have a screen as an interface, therefore rendering the computers a lot less useful to the masses.

Another example of an interface can be seen when looking at ATM machines and the idea of chip and pin bank cards. Many moons ago the only way in which you would be able to transfer money to another bank would have to of been done manually. Carrying around large sums of money is extremely dangerous and risky, not only because of the possibility of being mugged by one of the many anti-social hoodlums that grace the earth, but also the mere fact hat money is easy to lose or misplace. The introduction of ATM machines and chip and pin cards allow the user to transfer large sums of money between banks discretely, safely and easily. Saving the user time, effort and making it a very easy experience.

In my opinion the advancements of new interfaces is a great thing for society. It generates a society in which the public have more ‘free’ time due to the efficiency of interactions between humans and interfaces. However it must be said that the rapid advancements in such technology also come with its downfalls, as society becomes more dependant on technology an age of cyber-warfare is looking more possible, with crooks able to intersect vital personal information stored within databases connected to the interface. With this many individuals are at risk of, bank accounts, e -mails and various other personal details being hacked into. All I can say on the matter is, watch this space…