Next Generation User Interfaces: 10 Trends to Watch

White Paper Details

Pages: 32
Tables, Charts, Figures: 7
Release Date: 3Q 2017


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If you thought computing has been amazing, just wait, because we are entering an era of advancement that is mind blowing. What is pushing it? The answer is widely available, cloud-based supercomputing power; miniaturized computing devices; ubiquitous high-speed broadband; artificial intelligence (AI); and billions of sensors.

We need to interact with computing nearly constantly, and increasingly with less traditional computing devices, such as smartphones, smart speakers, wearables, and, eventually, autonomous cars and smart cities. The key to unlocking the potential of next-generation computing is putting that computing power more easily and seamlessly into the hands of as many people as possible. The key is a fully evolved user interface (UI).

Tractica has identified the following 10 key trends that are moving the market toward highly sophisticated, multimodal UIs:

  1. UIs become multimodal
  2. UIs become conversational
  3. UIs can see
  4. UIs become three-dimensional (3D)
  5. UIs become intuitive
  6. UIs put users in control
  7. UIs become intelligent
  8. Visual UIs accelerate because of four key augmented reality (AR) use cases
  9. 3D UIs accelerate because of three key virtual reality (VR) use cases
  10. Conversational UIs accelerate because of three key natural language processing (NLP) use cases

This Tractica white paper examines 10 key trends that illustrate the technology and market evolution toward increasingly multimodal, intelligent, and versatile user interfaces across mobile devices, computing devices, enterprise IT systems, automobiles, and a variety of other technology products and services. These trends draw from ongoing research and analysis that form part of Tractica’s User Interface Technologies Advisory Service. The white paper is published in partnership with KNect365’s UX Next, which is being held October 30-31, 2017 in Palo Alto, California.

Key Questions Addressed:

  • What are some of the common themes underlying the evolution of user interfaces into a more multimodal experience?
  • What are the key technologies that are driving change in the user experience?
  • How are capabilities like 3D, natural language processing, and computer vision contributing to the development new types of UIs?
  • How will end-user expectations of technology products and services change as UIs evolve?
  • How are UIs being viewed in the context of technology product design and development?
  • What role will virtual reality and augmented reality play in the UIs of the future?

Who Needs This Report?

  • User interface technology companies
  • Software and application developers
  • Semiconductor and component vendors
  • Service providers and systems integrators
  • Enterprise end-user organizations
  • Industry organizations
  • Government agencies
  • Investor community

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
    1. Summary
    2. Market Forecast
  2. 10 Trends
    1. User Interfaces Become Multimodal
    2. User Interfaces Become Conversational
    3. The Birth of Visual User Interfaces that Can See
      1. Eye Tracking
      2. Gesture Control
    4. User Interfaces Become Three-Dimensional
      1. Virtual Reality
        1. Spatial Computing
      2. Augmented Reality
        1. Three-Dimensional Cameras in Smartphones
        2. Aireal
    5. User Interfaces Become Intuitive
      1. Always On
        1. Sensory
      2. Context
        1. CX Company
    6. User Interfaces Put Users in Control
      1. Self Service
    7. User Interfaces Become More Intelligent
      1. IPsoft
    8. Visual User Interfaces Accelerate Because of Four Key Augmented Reality Use Cases
      1. Visual Search
      2. E-Commerce
      3. Mapping and Indoor Navigation
      4. Field Service
    9. Three-Dimensional User Interfaces Accelerate Because of Three Key Virtual Reality Use Cases
      1. Education
      2. Work Training
      3. Attractions
        1. The Void
        2. IMAX
    10. Conversational User Interfaces Accelerate Because of Three Key Natural Language Processing Use Cases
      1. Automated-Hybrid Customer Service
        1. Inbenta Technologies
      2. Virtual Assistants for Patients
        1. Babylon Health
      3. E-Commerce Chatbots
        1. Conversable
        2. Klevu
  3. Business Considerations and Strategic Recommendations
    1. Recommendations
    2. Conclusion
  4. Acronym and Abbreviation List
  5. Table of Contents
  6. Table of Charts and Figures
  7. Sources and Methodology, Notes
  8. Additional Reading
  9. UX Next

List of Charts and Figures

  • Total Mobile Device Shipments by Interface Technology, World Markets: 2014-2020
  • Tractica Research Methodology
  • Blippar’s Visual Search
  • ModiFace-Powered Sephora Virtual Artist App
  • Alibaba’s Catch a Tmall Cat
  • Lifeliqe Lesson with an Elementary School Student
  • Dr. James Mullins Shows the Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation FLAIM Trainer Haptically-Enabled Hot Fire Training System at the VIVE Suite, CES 2017