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Four Cutting-Edge Technologies That Enhance User Experience

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Four Cutting-Edge Technologies That Enhance User Experience

The Future of UX Design: Four Cutting-Edge Technologies That Enhance User Experience

At the dawn of the computer age, PCs did not have a graphical user interface.

Only employees of scientific institutions could work with them. With the help of special commands, they accessed an operating system through a console. In the 1970s, Xerox PARC managed to make technology clear for people by developing a GUI. The era of personal computers began. Nowadays, it is hard to amaze users who have already seen iOS, Android, MacBook, and Apple Watch with previous computer achievements. User experience does not stand still, and innovations that challenge UX design constantly appear. Let’s take a look at four promising UX design techniques. 

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1. Voice User Interface 

In his book The Design of Everyday Things (the “bible” of usability), Professor Don Norman states the main goal of UX/UI designers. They need to provide users with pleasant and simple product experience. Designers should always put themselves in the client’s shoes and solve their problems most conveniently.

At present, an average user needs a keyboard, mouse, or touch screen to work with an application interface. However, the future of devices is often seen as interfaceless. Golden Krishna has written a book on this topic called The Best Interface Is No Interface: The Simple Path to Brilliant Technology. But is it possible to work without an interface? Yes, you can easily do it with the help of voice and virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Siri, and others.

In 2019, there were 2.45 billion voice assistants. By 2023, their number will equal the number of people in the world and will be approximately 8 billion. VUI is a hot trend in design, and IT professionals need to learn how to build efficient voice interfaces.

A voice interface does not have a visual representation. Therefore, the main task of designers implementing a VUI solution is to research the target audience, its goals and pains, develop interaction scenarios with a voice device, and prepare a text message from the user and device responses.

Designers need to analyze how clients will interact with a device and determine what they may need a VUI for. They need to collect terms and phrases that customers use more often. This data will be useful to build conversations between a person and a device.

Then they should consider scenarios for using the VUI and make sure that the voice assistant solves the problem most simply and efficiently. For example, if a person asks an assistant for a route from Chicago to New York, the device must understand the request and provide the necessary information in the correct context. Voice interaction should be constantly improved in each design iteration so that smart assistants recognize speech and its meaning correctly.

After working with dialogs, designers need to develop a voice interface, test it and continue to improve it. If everything is carried out correctly, a business will gain a competitive advantage over companies that have not embedded voice assistants into their applications.

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2. Touchless Gesture Control

Previously, people needed styluses and touch screens to work with smartphones. But in the future, users won’t need to touch their phones at all to turn on music, answer a phone call, or increase the volume. In 2015, Google presented its Soli technology by introducing a miniature radar reading every human movement.

Since then, designers have been talking about touchless gesture control, a new way of human interaction with devices and applications. Examples of this are the Google Pixel 4 smartphone and the Airtouch dashboard from BMW. The latter allows drivers to change the volume of music or receive calls without taking their eyes off the road.

What does this innovation mean for designers? UX/UI professionals need to think about navigation, action, and transformation gestures that will allow them to control the content of devices. The movements must correspond to the ergonomics of the human body, be simple and not require great physical effort. The design community hasn’t yet developed common gestures for UX, so you can create your own. You can base it on real-life experience and make it as simple as possible to reproduce.

Users must be provided with textual or visual hints allowing them to learn a sign language. Also, do not forget about people with disabilities who may have problems with fine motor skills. Therefore, designers should also implement an alternative interface, with the possibility to connect joysticks or electronic devices. 

Touchless gesture control opens up a new accessible user experience for customers, building unique ways of interacting with an application.

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3. Artificial Intelligence

AI is widely used to create voice assistants. A smart algorithm can also optimize the work of UX designers.

Personalization is the queen of UX. McKinsey estimates that 71% of consumers expect firms to have a personalized experience, and companies that succeed in it increase revenue by an average of 40%. To provide a personalized experience, IT professionals need to analyze a huge amount of user data, then segment it and provide customers with relevant content only. AI is extremely helpful in analytics. Using archive data, the algorithm predicts a user action or request and suggests the best UX option to a designer. Thus, AI in UX allows you to optimize interface modules, present an improved experience and increase the value of a product for a wide audience.

AI in UX will automate repetitive simple designer tasks. For example, it can perform color correction and photo resizing, while a UX specialist solves more important tasks. Of course, AI developers have impressive ideas. They want to teach a smart algorithm to understand sketches and turn them into user interfaces. By the way, this feature has already been implemented in a designer assistant, an application based on AI Uizard.

Content generators for design layouts are built on AI. A designer usually needs a lot of time to fill in text and photos to create content that is close to reality. Generative adversarial networks use a smart algorithm to automatically fill layouts with real content. There are similar solutions on the market. Take, for example, the This Person Does Not Exist platform which generates photos of non-existent persons based on images of real people. Such software already frees UX designers from certain tasks and responsibilities, allowing them to devote all their attention to perfecting layouts.

4. Virtual Reality

As science advances, VR/AR/MR in UX are actively penetrating healthcare, education, eCommerce, and other industries. According to researchers, in 2021, these technologies cost $28 billion. By 2028, they are predicted to grow to $250 billion. This is a powerful trend that UX designers cannot disregard.

Designers follow the same pattern when implementing VR solutions. They research the customer and the target audience to create UX. The difference is that in VR applications, the client is not a bystander but an active participant. To plan digital interactions for these applications, specialists should use the storyboard technique and get their ideas down on paper first.

It is also important to consider the duration of a VR session. As a rule, it does not exceed 20-30 minutes because people get tired and lose concentration. If a session in a VR application lasts longer, designers should consider the option of saving the progress and returning to it afterward. A UX designer needs to correctly calculate the scale of the VR space so that users do not get lost in an environment that is too large or does not experience discomfort in a small area.

It is important to consider the VR space issues that prevent the most common problem – motion sickness. To do this, you can create fixed points in space or a static horizon that remain motionless while a user moves. Thus, the person can focus on something so as not to feel dizzy. Designers should also take care that the user keeps the same speed, there are no sharp drops, and there are “staging posts” for rest. Sound accompaniment corresponding to the actions taking place in virtual space will also help a person avoid disorientation and motion sickness.

For a convenient adaptation of users to VR, specialists need to consider a system of hints that guide customers along the way. They should avoid using too much text: in a virtual environment, excessive reading provokes eyestrain. It is better to add audio instructions, visual effects, and simple sentences to convey important information. Users will be grateful for such care.

Conclusion

UX design technologies improve the customer experience by providing users with new opportunities and more convenient interactions with applications. UX designers have to adapt to new trends to offer clients an easier and more inspiring way to solve problems. As you can see from the examples above, VUI, touchless gesture control, AI, and VR do a good job of UX tasks. For a professional designer, knowledge of these technologies is a must. For a business, they mean an opportunity to increase revenue through an improved CX.

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BT brings 5G and the cloud to businesses on the move with AWS Wavelength

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Cloud Computing News

BT has confirmed it is making a multi-million-pound investment to bring 5G and 4G mobile edge computing services to its UK business customers in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS).

The work combines AWS’s cloud expertise with BT’s market-leading 5G and 4G infrastructure. EE’s national mobile network with AWS Wavelength will bring the power of AWS to the network edge for more business and public sector customers across the UK – opening up faster, secure and high-bandwidth connectivity on the move for use cases like policing, crowd management, healthcare and security.

The effort is part of BT’s investment in its existing mobile networks, to enable 5G-connected infrastructure as a service via AWS Wavelength. This includes switching on a new AWS Wavelength Zone in Manchester, which will service trials for eligible businesses and public sector organisations within a 100-kilometre radius (including cities such as Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield and Blackpool). BT’s ambition is to roll out AWS Wavelength to business customers across the UK more broadly in the coming years.

AWS Wavelength embeds AWS compute and storage services within 5G and 4G networks, providing mobile edge computing infrastructure for ultra-low-latency applications. Hosting services directly at the edge of EE’s UK network reduces lag, as application traffic can reach application servers running in the AWS Wavelength Zone without leaving BT’s network. This opens up mobile edge computing infrastructure for businesses to develop, deploy, and scale mobile Internet of Things (IoT) applications over BT’s existing 5G network securely.

The collaboration aims to enable high-speed, latency-sensitive and intensive 5G connectivity for BT customers looking to benefit from high-bandwidth IoT use cases in the field. This includes autonomous vehicles, cameras for policing and other public services to help protect communities, live media production for outside broadcast, smart industrial robots, and use in community healthcare (such as in care homes to monitor for falls and accidents).

BT’s Wholesale unit has worked with AWS on the initial trials in Manchester. After the planned national rollout, the service will be available to all BT business customers in the UK – from small businesses to large enterprise and public sector organisations.

Alex Tempest, MD for BT Wholesale, said: “As we continue to build best-in-class 5G infrastructure for the UK, launching the AWS Wavelength service for our business and wholesale customers is a hugely important step on our journey – bringing the power of the cloud to the UK’s best network*. It’s set to unlock use cases like IoT cameras to help first responders keep communities safe: a real-life example of using tech to connect for good.

“By building cloud edge services into our 5G and 4G EE network, we can accelerate innovation across industries, and bring fast, secure data processing closer to where our customers need it most. Ultimately, we want to give businesses and public sector organisations all the power of edge computing, wherever they are.”

Want to learn more about cybersecurity and the cloud from industry leaders? Check out Cyber Security & Cloud Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and LondonExplore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.

Tags: 5G, AWS, BT

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How Artificial Intelligence Can Bring People Together

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How Artificial Intelligence Can Bring People Together

Artificial intelligence (AI) enables people to spend more time with those that matter the most.

AI is bringing people together, whether it’s assisting in the planning of a family vacation, getting to a place securely, allowing everyone to see each other on a video call, or making gift shopping a little easier.

The continuous evolution of AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we live, work, and interact with each other.

While AI is often portrayed as a divisive force that could lead to job losses and social inequality, it also has the power to bring people together and create new opportunities for collaboration and cooperation. In this article, we will explore some of the ways in which AI can be used to bridge social, cultural, and linguistic barriers and foster greater understanding and empathy among diverse communities.

1. Breaking Down Language Barriers

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Source: Nature Magazine

One of the most significant benefits of AI is its ability to facilitate communication across different languages. Machine learning algorithms can now accurately translate spoken or written language in real-time, allowing people who speak different languages to communicate with each other more easily. This technology has been particularly valuable for businesses operating in global markets, enabling them to connect with customers and partners from different regions and cultures.

The benefits of AI-powered translation extend beyond the business world. For example, the United Nations has been using AI-powered translation to help bring together representatives from different countries and facilitate discussions on important global issues. By breaking down language barriers, AI is helping to promote greater collaboration and understanding among people from diverse backgrounds.

2. Enhancing Cross-Cultural Empathy

Another way in which AI can bring people together is by enhancing cross-cultural empathy. Artificial intelligence can be combined with virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies to enable people to experience different cultures and perspectives in a more immersive and engaging way. By simulating real-world scenarios and environments, AI can help people to better understand and appreciate different cultures, religions, and ways of life.

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Source: Science Direct

AI-powered chatbots are also being used to promote cross-cultural empathy. These chatbots are programmed to engage in conversations with users from different cultures and backgrounds, using natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to understand and respond to different communication styles and cultural norms. By promoting greater empathy and understanding, AI-powered chatbots can help to break down social and cultural barriers and foster greater social cohesion.

3. Improving Access to Healthcare

AI is also being used to improve access to healthcare, particularly in underserved and marginalized communities. For example, AI-powered diagnostic tools can help to identify diseases and conditions more accurately and quickly than traditional diagnostic methods. This technology is particularly valuable in developing countries, where access to healthcare is often limited, and where the burden of disease is highest.

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Source: Deloitte

In addition, AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are being used to provide healthcare information and support to patients in remote or underserved areas. These chatbots can answer common medical questions, provide basic health advice, and even monitor patients’ symptoms and suggest appropriate treatments. By improving access to healthcare, AI is helping to promote better health outcomes and reduce healthcare disparities, bringing people together by improving the quality of life for everyone.

4. Promoting Social Inclusion

Artificial intelligence can help to promote social inclusion by creating new opportunities for people with disabilities and other marginalized groups. For example, AI-powered assistive technologies can help people with visual or hearing impairments to navigate their environment more easily, communicate with others, and access information more effectively. These technologies can also help to break down barriers to education and employment, providing new opportunities for people who might otherwise be excluded from these areas.

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Source: McKinsey

AI-powered social networks and online communities can also help to bring people with similar interests and experiences together, regardless of their physical location or social background. These communities can provide a sense of belonging and support, and can help to break down social barriers by connecting people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to interact with each other.

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence has the potential to bring people together in a variety of ways, from breaking down language barriers to promoting social inclusion and empathy. By harnessing the power of AI, we can create a more connected and inclusive society, where people from diverse backgrounds can come together to collaborate, learn from each other, and share their experiences.

It is important to state that AI is not a panacea for social problems. Like any technology, AI can be used for both good and bad purposes, and its impact depends largely on how it is developed and deployed. It is therefore essential to ensure that AI is developed in a responsible and ethical manner, taking into account the potential risks and unintended consequences of its use.

Moreover, it is important to recognize that AI is not a substitute for human interaction and connection. While AI can help to facilitate communication and understanding across different cultures and languages, it cannot replace the depth and richness of face-to-face interaction and human connection.

Artificial intelligence has the potential to bring people together and create a more connected and inclusive society. By breaking down barriers to communication, promoting cross-cultural empathy, improving access to healthcare, and promoting social inclusion, AI can help to foster greater understanding, collaboration, and social cohesion. However, it is important to ensure that AI is developed and deployed in a responsible and ethical manner, and to recognize that it is not a substitute for human interaction and connection.

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How to Reverse Video with 5 Free Video Editing Software

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How to Reverse Video with 5 Free Video Editing Software

With so many professional video makers available on the market, it becomes a daunting task to select suitable software for creating a reversed video.

We have rounded up the most popular video editors suitable for professionals with different levels of experience. You can leverage them to produce top-level content without wasting much time.

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#1 Movavi

Regardless of the operating system you prefer, this free video reverser is exactly what you need if you prioritize quality and a streamlined interface. After downloading and installing it on your device, you just need to add a video clip that you want to edit by dragging and dropping it onto the timeline. Then, click on the Properties icon and tick the Reverse box. Once you have previewed the result, save it in any supported format that you need to use. The program supports MP4, WMV, MKV, and 3GP formats, among many more.

#2 iMovie

This widely-used video editor stands out for its high-fidelity filters. Using it, you can produce professional-looking reverse clips for improving the online presence of your brand and developing your business. It supports quick file sharing to social media networks and comes with handy file management tools. To reverse your clip, you just need to go to the Project browser, select a video, and double-click on it to open the Clip inspector. Then, you need to select the Reverse checkbox and confirm your choice.

#3 Kinovea

You can use this reverse video editor without paying a dime to perform basic video enhancement tasks. As 97.8% of internet users in the U.S. aged between 18 and 24 years enjoy watching videos online, it becomes crucial to use video editing tools to reach out to a younger audience. Kinovea has a special feature in the Motion menu for creating a reverse effect. You can preview the changes on the main screen. Once you are satisfied with the result, go to the File menu and click Save.

#4 Adobe Premiere Pro

Being one of the most advanced programs for editing videos, Adobe Premiere Pro is included in the Creative Cloud package, which makes it quite affordable. It integrates with other Adobe products, which makes it perfect for professionals and beginners alike. Besides enhancing your videos by adding to them transitions, you can use this software to achieve a reverse video effect.

#5 Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve Studio 18

While you can access this powerful video editor for free, it also has a paid version. It allows you to perform color-grading like a pro, reverse your clips, and edit 8K footage. You just need to right-click on your video, select the option Change Clip Speed, and tick the Reverse Speed checkbox to achieve the desired effect.

Summing Up

Using these free tools, you can quickly reverse your videos to create attention-grabbing content for your followers and subscribers. This effect is easy to emulate even if you don’t have extensive experience in video editing. Using this technique, you can bring your point across more efficiently and create viral videos for your target audience.

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