Interfaces

An interface is where two systems interact with each other creating an application(window) for the user to use. This can be likened to a middleman where the interface acts as a communication tool for the user and machine. We commonly use an interface to manipulate a system such as a machine or computer and it's software. The rise of the "user interface" has contributed to humanity progressing into the future as it has made many systems easier to interact with, such as, writing software for programs. The main groups of interface are as follows : Handheld, Detection, Off-screen and Desktops.

With the birth of the GUI "graphic user interface" by Doug Englebart between 1965-1968, there was a race against time for the corporations to release the most user friendly machine with an active GUI. The first computer with a GUI, was released in 1981 selling 25 thousand units which is reletively small. Sine then the market for this product has grown tremendously.   
But now, thousand of products are sold every day to the public with the GUI being the main function, enabling the consumers to use their products. The GUI is a must have!

There are many systems now with GUI such as mobile phones, desktops and tablets. This allows us to perform many tasks such as, social networking, news, emailing, blogging, gaming , watching videos and much more. As the GUI's keep evolving, it potentially increase's the amount of time you spend using a device which is the corporations goal. This way, your more likely to buy its product the next time their "ground breaking product" is released as you haven't got bored of the current product.
You undoubtedly have to give credit to the invention of the interface, because without it, great products such as these could never have been made or even thought of.

There are also systems though that the public does not interact with such as power stations and nuclear stations. These interfaces are vital for the technicians at the plant to monitor the station's processes. One small error could cause a castrophe. With this tool they are able to monitor levels all over the plant and even test them, potentially saving lives.



The Detection side of the interface group has produced products such as CCTV cameras. Some cameras even have the capability of using face recognition software to log who you are. This is a great advancement in decreasing levels of crime and keeping order. On the other hand, this could be a great tool for a police state to track down activists and keep an eye on them. For example, in America, they have Fusion centers all over the country which gather information and share them between agencys but also spy on civilian trends and lifestyles. If you are deemed to be very left wing or an anarchist you would be logged down in the records just because of your political position. Face recognition cameras can be used to log down your movements. Is this a good thing?