Worth Watching: ‘A Brief History Of User Interface’

Ever wonder how we got from complex, room-sized computers that only trained operators could use to absurdly simple touchscreen-based tablets anyone can use? Never mind the obvious advances in tech—I’m talking about the user interface, here.

In this video, designer/musician/podcaster Dave Wiskus runs through how the way we interact with computers has changed over the years—and also, how that advancement has made computing more accessible, so that what was once the sole provence of highly trained professionals is now open to a kid equipped with a smartphone. It’s recommended viewing for anyone who has even a passing interest in human-computer interaction.

Nick spends way too much time in front of a computer, so he figures he may as well write about it. He's previously written for IDG's PCWorld and TechHive.