1. Natural User Interfaces (NUI) are interfaces that feel easy and natural to use, often using touch, gestures, or voice.
2. NUIs should take advantage of users' existing skills and knowledge, have a clear learning path for novice and expert users, and provide direct interaction that fits the user's context.
3. To minimize cognitive load, NUIs should prioritize teaching users simple skills rather than complex ones and take advantage of basic knowledge about how physical objects behave in the world.
The article "Natural User Interfaces – What does it mean & how to design user interfaces that feel natural" provides an overview of Natural User Interfaces (NUIs) and guidelines for designing them. The article defines NUIs as interfaces that are easy to use and feel natural because they allow users to interact with technology in a way that is consistent with their natural behavior. However, the article fails to provide a clear definition of what it means for an interface to be "natural," leaving readers with a vague understanding of the concept.
The article also presents biased information by relying heavily on Microsoft's research into NUIs. While Microsoft's research may be valuable, it is important to consider other perspectives and sources of information when discussing NUIs. Additionally, the article makes unsupported claims about the advantages of NUIs over traditional graphical user interfaces (GUIs), without providing evidence or examples to support these claims.
One-sided reporting is also evident in the article's discussion of gesture interaction on the Apple iPad. While the article acknowledges that some gestures require more learning than others, it fails to explore counterarguments or potential drawbacks of using gestures as a primary mode of interaction. For example, some users may find gesture-based interactions difficult or uncomfortable due to physical limitations or disabilities.
The article also contains promotional content by featuring examples of successful NUI products such as the Apple iPad and Microsoft Kinect without acknowledging any potential risks or limitations associated with these products. Additionally, while the article provides guidelines for designing NUIs, it does not address potential ethical considerations related to privacy, security, or accessibility.
Overall, while the article provides useful information about NUIs and guidelines for designing them, it would benefit from a more balanced approach that considers multiple perspectives and potential drawbacks associated with this technology.