There's Not an App for That

Chapter 7

Problem 2

From Heads Down to Face on

Abstract

This Problem chapter, and the two Opportunity chapters that follow, argue for a move away from heads-down, screen-focused interactions to more human, world-focused experiences. We begin by exploring how heads-up displays and speech could support us in more face on ways, but these approaches are ultimately not solutions. Instead, we see how glanceable displays and direct manipulation of the world by pointing to interact can provide truly face on experiences.

Keywords

face on; heads-up; speech; glance; pointing

What’s the Problem?

Most apps today require us to look down at the screen. This can lead to what’s been called a stop-start form of living: we are drawn away from the action around us to complete ...