As a result of recent advancements in user-input technologies, the way we interact with digital screens is changing. Natural User Interfaces, or touch and motion-based interfaces, are increasingly replacing the mouse and keyboard (NUI). With the advent of 3D motion sensing technologies, the use of natural user interfaces rather than conventional ones has become a reality.
What are Natural User Interfaces?
In order to enhance technology, a Natural User Interface is a developed system with the goal of human-computer interaction that’s built around intuitive human actions that are normal and everyday behavior. These NUIs appear to be visible in some cases for an uninterrupted experience, while in others they act as an intermediary and are responsible for interactions.
Because they have been cleverly adapted to natural human behavior for ease of operation, Natural User Interfaces are not intimidating to use. If technology could imitate human behavior with emotions, the Natural User Interface could seek psychology training. Nonetheless, the NUIs are so good at capturing human behavior that technology can easily adapt to them.
Applications of Natural User Interfaces
- Touch Screen: Though touch screen interfaces are more direct than cursor-based interfaces, users can interact with controls and applications more intuitively. For example, instead of moving a cursor to select a file and clicking to open it, the user touches a graphic representation of the file to open it. Touch input is common on smartphones and tablets. Touch is also being used in non-screen applications. Microsoft, for instance, is developing a “skinput,” slightly interface that permits users to interact by tapping their own skin.
- Speech Recognition: Speech recognition allows users to interact with a system by speaking commands. The system recognizes spoken words and phrases and converts them to a machine-readable format for interaction. Call routing, speech-to-text, and hands-free computer and mobile phone operation are all examples of speech recognition applications. On occasion, speech recognition is used to interact with embedded systems.
- Gesture Recognition: Gesture recognition software follows the user’s movements and converts them into commands. To detect tilting, rotation, and acceleration, the Nintendo Wii and PlayStation Move motion gaming systems use controller-based accelerometers and gyroscopes. A camera and software that recognizes and translates specific gestures into actions are included in a more user-friendly NUI. For example, Microsoft’s Kinect is a motion sensor for the Xbox 360 gaming console that allows users to interact with the system using body movements, gestures, and spoken commands. Individual players’ bodies and voices are recognized by Kinect. Computers can also be interacted with using gesture recognition.
- Brain-machine Interface: Brain-machine interfaces read neural signals and use programs to translate them into action. BCI can enable a paralyzed person to control a computer, a motorized wheelchair, or a prosthetic limb with only their thoughts.
Benefits of Well-Designed Natural User Interfaces
- Acquisition of New Customers: An honest interface design contributes to a positive user experience, which provides a business advantage. The effort put in to create a user interface that is tailored to the needs of the customer could be a brand differentiator. As a result, new customers are attracted, and sales are increased. As a result, a bet on user interface design has the potential to boost revenue.
- Lower Development Costs: A well-thought-out design from the start eliminates future issues. This includes any training requirements as well as interface support, such as fixing navigational errors, removing non-essential functions and features, or changing the design to make it more accessible and functional. As a result, an intuitive and user-friendly interface benefits both users and businesses, because it reduces problems and frustrations for designers while also avoiding additional costs and features. When done correctly, the projection of the user interface design reduces costs, time, and effort in later stages, implying that the strategic decisions made at the beginning of the cost and performance of the project in the future are determined by the project.
- Increase Productivity: Increased productivity is achieved by providing the best user interface, as well as cost savings and focusing resources on the most important tasks. Both the user and therefore the brand reflects this productivity. The user saves time and money by quickly and efficiently meeting his needs thanks to a user-friendly interface and simple navigation. As a result, the brand’s sales volume rises, customer loyalty rises, and costs and resources fall.
- Increase Customers Engagement and Retention: The creation of an interface that makes it easier to navigate and simplify research not only attracts new users but also encourages them to continue their digital journey. There is a lower chance of bounce and a higher conversion rate this way. A well-designed user interface increases customer engagement, which leads to increased brand loyalty. This is critical, as businesses must invest in customer retention strategies in the current digital environment, which is characterized by increased competition and rapid technological advancements.
- Lower Customers Support Costs: When navigating the interface, users frequently express concerns or difficulties. However, if the interface is easy to use, customers will contact the support service less frequently. In this manner, the company benefits by lowering customer support costs. During the navigation process, an easy and functional interface reduces the occurrence of errors, doubts, and unwanted actions, saving money on customer support.
Future of User Interface
For many years, graphical interfaces were the primary means of interacting with and communicating with machines. User interfaces which will more fluidly interpret human commands, on the opposite hand, are gradually becoming a reality, revolutionizing the user experience.
Natural User Interface (NUI) refers to a class of new technologies that allow users to interact directly with various parts of their bodies. Users will be able to interact by using their voice, eyes, and brain to interact through natural movements, voice, gestures, and thoughts. The goal of NUI designers is to create as natural-feeling ways of interacting with computers as possible.
Technology is always changing. It has resulted in numerous significant changes in people’s lives over time. Users’ interactions with products have evolved in lockstep with technological advancements. While design trends come and go, the principles underlying UX design and our ability to redefine the user experience for users using technology are what truly matter.