Figure 3. Exploring molecular strain in Senspectra.

will eventually result in displays that are not just volumetric, but that flexibly alter their 3D shape.

Together, the three developments mentioned here allow for a new category of computers that feature displays of almost any form: curved, spherical, flexible, actuated, or arbitrary. E-Ink displays will first find widespread use in e-books, mobile appliances, and advertising. With cost coming down, a logical next step would be curved or flexible displays on products like bottles, boxes, furniture, sportswear, and toys. How will users interact with such oddly shaped displays? What will their user interfaces look like? One thing is clear: they will look very different from the ones we use today. Rather than relying on planar GUIs, they will feature more organic user interfaces.

Defining Organic User Interfaces.

“An Organic User Interface is a com- Figure 4. puter interface that uses a non-planar ^{Some possible} interactive shapes

display as a primary means of output, for paper as well as input. When flexible, OUIs ^{computers: (a)} have the ability to become the data on ^Organizing _{window sheets in} display through deformation, either a stack; (b) Leaf- via manipulation or actuation. Their ^{ing through} window sheets;

fluid physics-based graphics are shaped _{(c) Folding} through multi-touch and bi-manual ^{window sheets} gestures.” OUIs aim to support a ^{into three-} _dimensional number of design goals that transcend content. traditional usability. Their learnability, for example, is governed by the clarity of their affordances, and by their ability to adapt these to new contexts of use. With their emphasis on flexibility and user satisfaction, OUIs inspire users to be creative rather than merely productive. OUIs also promote well-being through diversity of posture and ergonomic fit. Although OUIs should be designed for sustainable

use, they need not necessarily be made out of organic materials for their interface to still be considered organic. In 1989, British architect David Pearson formulated it as follows [ 4]:

 

“Let the design:
be inspired by nature and be sustainable, healthy,
conserving, and diverse;
unfold, like an organism, from the seed within;
exist in the ‘continuous present’ and ‘begin again
and again’;
follow the flows and be flexible and adaptable;
satisfy social, physical, and spiritual needs;
‘grow out of the site’ and be unique;
celebrate the spirit of youth, play and surprise;
express the rhythm of music and the power of dance.”

 

These words inspired the following three principles for OUI design.