While most people may not pay much attention to the significance of the trash can at the lower right corner of their computer screen, a long line of computer history is behind it. In the early days of Mac, folders and documents appeared on screen, allowing more people than ever to interact with computers. Clicking icons that looked like real-world office supplies opened doors for everyone, and the graphical user interface was born.
Today, many of these icons within the desktop metaphor remain similar, we still arrange folders on our desktop full of files. As a kid growing up in the digital age, I’m sure I equated such objects with computer screens before I even knew they existed in real, tangible offices. These important pieces of GUI that still exist today have become second nature to us all.
Today, we’ve built upon these early interfaces with color, dynamic effects, animation, and new cutting edge designs.
As for improving graphical user interface as we improve technology, there exists a plethora of things we can build upon. While computers are still used primarily for work and files, folders, and documents are still relevant to us as objects (for the time being) there now exists a world full of new technologies. 3D experiential worlds, smart phones, and AI have created room for inclusion, accessibility, and creativity that has never been seen before. Focusing on shifting graphical user interface to suit everyone’s needs in a more personalized way has become important and will continue to be. Customizing what you see and interact with on your computers and phones is a core part of the experience that I think is worth much more exploration. Expanding on the technologies that have recently been created leaves many open doors for the future of graphical user interface.