TED Shows Off the BumpTop Interface

I always enjoy seeing new user interface innovations. We are so complacent about how we interact with the world that, when given the freedom to do what we want, few will try. Computer technology is so ready for new interfaces! Well, TED released another video from their 2007 conference and this one shows off Ananda Garawala's new desktop interface called BumpTop. It has some good innovations, like walls to increase surface area, and clutter management features that resemble real life objects—similar to the other multi-touch interfaces (though it isn't multi-touch at this point). The best improvement he adds is object physics. Icons have adjustable size, weight and mass, which is a step towards virtualization. The next step will be multi-touch, and a larger work space. Maybe force-feedback on the mouse. Maybe we can then have 3D manipulation, multiple, connected rooms and we will become virtual packrats! Then we will clearly see what our computers are filled with; junk.