Have you ever thought about the importance of computer interaction? Because of its recursive nature, these magnificant interacting tools are often seen as a prioty or necessity, rather than a precondition found in todays computing experience. Matthew Kirschenbaum wrote in , “So the Colors Cover the Wires’: Interface, Aesthetics, and Usability”; his chapter he discusses how the much stake is rest in the interface communications. He brought about a few examples when humans fell due to the failures of machines, for example in the case of Therac-25, many people passed because of radiation overdose when machine began administering higher doeses due to interface failure. He also brought up other examples of interface defects which resulted in a planes machine failure, causing it to crash. You may ask, what is an interface? He describes it as a surface or boundary where two or more systems, devices come into contact and interact. The point of interfaces is to have no interfaces; a well thought through interface will allow the user to ignore the seperation grap found in these disconnected systems, and instead left as the machines little “secret.” Interfaces allow us to believe in a computer realm where almost any humans can connection and intermingle with others. This article presented excellent examples from an aray of fields, he even mentioned Frankenstein! I appreciated the stress placed on beauty, as he states that aesthetics may be the most crucial part of the computing experience. There is a distinct divide in the computer life between human and machine. But because of the beauty in interactive experience, the hidden nature of interfaces, and the easy essence of these machines, we disconnect from hardware which produces these experiences, and instead use it as an extention of the mind.
This weeks reading made me think about the personal computer and these smart phones that are in the hands of oh so many humans. What is life with these technologies like, how is it that we have developed such a deep relationship with these devices? I think it is because of the hidden nature of interface communications and the real-time experience of the Internet. These devices are the key into this virtual world, where everyone gathers, shares, experiences, and so much more. There are moments where I feel like these technologies have disconnected us our reality, and into this indirect sphere of constructed identity. But at the same time, I see the beauty in the communciation, and the love that can be shared in these friend circles. Yet I am afraid of the underlining power and dependence that will only continue grow over years, I mean what will they think of next…