A call for collaborative interfaces

Abstract

In this note, I call for a move towards viewing interfaces as means for people and computers to collaborate on solving problems rather than means for people to control computers. This collaborative perspective on user interfaces can apply quite broadly, and not only provides a source for novel interface techniques but serves as a good tool for analyzing existing interfaces. The view affects thinking on interfaces primarily by motivating a different split in the roles and responsibilities of the two participants in problem-solving, the computer and the user.