Aug 5, 2007
I just spent another lazy night clicking myself through the vastness of the internet. When I came across something very amazing: Interface navigation without clicking!
This incredible piece of “scientific artwork” was created by Alex Frank from Essen in Germany as a part of his diploma in communication design.
Examining the structural nature of digital user interfaces, he did something very unusual: He took away the click! The outcome is stunning. And very diverting! Take your time to navigate through all the content. It´s addictive!
Aug 6, 2007 at 8:02 am
Funny toy. But what’s the point in not clicking? Saving time? Saving energy? Don’t think so. It’s just this how-long-can-you-resist-thing. After a short while it becomes ether boring (if you see it as a game) or anoying (if you really try to make your way through the content).
Aug 6, 2007 at 8:09 am
Maybe. But isn´t the how-long-can-you-resist-effect based on the fact that you are so used to it? What if the click had never been invented?
Or think of the interfaces in MINORITY REPORT, where Tom Cruise is pushing content around with his hands! Without clicking!
Aug 6, 2007 at 11:38 am
I’m also used to reading from the left to the right. So: Is it a good idea to force me to reading the other way round? When it comes to creation you should break up with things you are used to. But when everything is about usability, you’d better stick to the usability the customer expects rather then freaking around with things you do just because you can do them.
Some (well: all of them) very good points on the subject:
http://www.josiahcole.com/2007/02/14/a-webmasters-19-commandments/
Aug 6, 2007 at 2:08 pm
“You’re so wise. You’re like a miniature Buddha, covered in hair.” - Anchorman
http://www.coaks.wordpress.com
Aug 7, 2007 at 3:30 pm
ramses: Maybe it’s not a good idea for general use, but it is nevertheless an interesting experiment. I am very glad that someone took the time to actually build a prototype for this kind of thing.
I think it’s a good think to try something strange from time to time. Maybe it’ll unexpectedly turn out useful.