[IxDA Discuss] What do you think of Microsoft Surface

[Chris Bernard]

I know some of the work predates Bill's arrival at Microsoft but I've asked him to see how much he was involved. Certainly if you look at Bill's work from a cognitive perspective there's a great deal of overlap, or rather potential, in terms of how Microsoft Surface could be used. I'm not sure if any of the folks have seen some of the collaboration scenarios developed by Microsoft and (I think) Steelcase that showcase the 'office of the future.' Many of the scenarios demonstrated in that environment had a collaboration component that could be greatly enhanced by surface computing.

>From a design front there are a number of things that might be interesting here.

One is finding out the role that design actually plays on the Microsoft Surface team as it moves from a research into a full-blown project initiative.

Two is how surface computing could influence the design process itself. Much of the big-D design that we all do really requires us all to be in the same place to be effective. Could future surface computing interfaces enable us to do better work together remotely?

Three is how the Microsoft Surface platform is build upon Vista and WPF. What this means (although I'm not in a position to give a roadmap yet) is that the development toolsets for developers (Visual Studio) and for designers (Expression Studio) will support the creation of applications that run on the Microsoft Surface computing platform.

I suspect the most powerful solutions that take advantage of surface computing will work the same way they do with all good experience design. Namely a focus on optimization across different touch points based on user insight and context. In a world where the NETWORK versus the desktop is the real platform I'd be surprised if the best use of this platform won't need to be aware of context and digital channel optimization to work best. We'll need to make sure that the experience with a phone, digital camera, laptop or other device is well integrated.

Chris Bernard
Microsoft
User Experience Evangelist
chris.bernard at microsoft.com
312.925.4095



Blog: www.designthinkingdigest.com
Design: www.microsoft.com/design
Tools: www.microsoft.com/expression

"The future is already here. It's just not evenly distributed." William Gibson


-----Original Message-----
From: discuss-bounces at lists.interactiondesigners.com [mailto:discuss-bounces at lists.interactiondesigners.com] On Behalf Of Josh Seiden
Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 1:27 PM
To: discuss at lists.interactiondesigners.com
Subject: Re: [IxDA Discuss] What do you think of Microsoft Surface

Hey Chris,

Thanks for your comments.

Surface reminds me of a lot of the work that Bill Buxton has done
over the years. Since he's now at Microsoft, I would assume he's
had some role in this project, if only spiritual. I wonder if you
know anything about his involvement in the project.

Also, anything you can share about what designers can expect to see
as part of this program?

JS


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