The "Human" Element...

So my travels through Europe put me back a few days on getting a new post up - not a great habit to get into, but +200km/h speeds and several countries later and I found myself a little lacking in the brain fizz department. I wanted to write a little bit about something that is really interesting to me, I made mention in previous posts and those who have seen me speak or worked with me will know my thoughts on the subject also.

Humanising technology. I think it is so cool to take something that has been designed for us. Well designed is probably the key here. Take for instance the first versions of Apple's iOS, the gestures used to zoom, pinch and swipe were revolutionary to the point that I find myself trying the same moves on pretty much anything with a screen out of habit now. But simpler things even, headphones, your toilet ,even your toothbrush. At some point they went through a design process to bring them to familiar pieces of kit we use everyday, to make them usable.

Apps are no different, modern technology doesn't always follow the "human" line of thinking, quite often tech designers make something that just isn't meant for us, not all of us. I have often felt like Android is a shining example of this, it's not intuitive enough for my tastes, it just feels 'techy'.

There are some pretty impressive features in most devices these days, one of my favourite things to play with at the moment is my GoPro, and although it is not as easy to prod and swipe at as an iPhone for a first time user, the simplicity of its design is so well thought out that even beeps sequences and lighting alerts have been factored around the way I want to use it - considering that human element to give me a piece of technology that I not only can use but want to, more and more. Some technology does this well, others not so well.

I really like what Microsoft has done with the latest Windows Phone interface, I love the aesthetic and the speed, but I also love the fact that it puts you at the centre of the experience, it is designed to be used as a full spectrum lifestyle device, a living almost breathing companion to your adventure which gives you access to the information you want and need in a beautiful and seamless way. Not much else has achieved that in recent devices I have interacted with.

What this is though, importantly for me, is the signalling of a change in tact. The commanders of business, the giant players like Microsoft and Blackberry need to do exactly this. My Palm Treo from 2001 with its all business no play approach to a device would never survive in today's mobile sphere - consumers want it all. I want a beautiful device that handles my business mail AND my facebook updates with as much importance or as much prominence.

When a major player like Microsoft brings out an OS like WP it signals that change in thinking, something that has the potential to be almost immediately adopted by the business world and has the rightful place in that forum, but has so stylishly combined a lifestyle element into its core. It becomes a device for humans. I think there will be some really exciting new things for us to experience on the technology front if manufacturers continue with this approach to really up-rooting conventional technology interfaces and designing usable, engaging experiences for the people who use their products.

I am aware that I am possibly on the verge of being a little bit of a fan-boy about now, so will make sure my next post is sans WP chatter!

Thanks for reading.