Year by year, smart objects are becoming increasingly present in our daily lives. Devices, connected to a network, gather data, communicate, and act based on collected information, enabling them to provide intelligent solutions. In 2008, the number of internet-connected devices surpassed the number of people in the world, and predictions suggest that by 2030, there will be nearly 40 billions of them. Objects around us — from refrigerators to cars — will be able to constantly communicate with each other and with us, forming a global network of smart devices (or the Internet of Everything).
But how does all this impact interface design and the user experience? Will intelligent interfaces become the standard in the future, and if so, what challenges do UX designers face in the context of these new technologies? Let’s consider what the future might bring.
What exactly is the Internet of Everything?
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of connected devices that exchange data with each other via the internet. Examples include technologies like smart thermostats, health-monitoring fitness bands, autonomous cars, and integrated home security systems. These devices use data collected from sensors, analyze it in real-time, and adjust their actions according to external conditions and user needs, without the need for direct human intervention.
The concept of objects connected to the internet is nothing new. In 1999, Kevin Ashton discussed the Internet of Things while optimizing production processes at Procter & Gamble using RFID (which allowed tracking the location of objects in a factory). Even earlier, in the 1980s, students at Carnegie Mellon University equipped a soda vending machine with sensors and connected it to ARPANET (the precursor to the Internet) to remotely check if the machine had cold Coke available.
However, it’s important to remember that smart objects do not create value on their own. The idea is not about a world filled with useless gadgets. The essence of the “smart future” lies in the connections between things, people, data, and processes. It’s at the intersection of these elements that innovative solutions are expected to emerge, or at least that was envisioned by Cisco when they introduced their concept of the Internet of Everything to the public in 2012. This hyperconnected world promises not only convenience but, more importantly, more sustainable and efficient solutions, both in private life and industry — from optimizing energy consumption to monitoring and managing logistics.
Many companies now use sensors, artificial intelligence, and robots to work more efficiently. In Ocado‘s smart warehouse, The Hive in London, robots prepare orders in just 15 minutes, and Xiaomi‘s smart factory in Beijing can operate 24/7 and “with the lights off”. The Edge office use IoT to manage the work environment and save energy, and even cities like Barcelona are adopting smart systems to control traffic, lighting, and waste, showing how these technologies are becoming a bigger part of everyday life.
The future of interaction — a world without screens?
Technology and automation are advancing at a rapid pace, yet the way we interact with machines hasn’t changed much in the last 50 years. We still use mice, keyboards, and screens daily. Even with touchscreens, where our fingers replaced the mouse, the core of the interaction remains the same – we give commands by tapping buttons and watch the results on a display. But is this really the best way to communicate with machines when we could potentially use any object around us?
Imagine that instead of using a phone to order a taxi, you simply tell your watch that you need to be at the office by 10 AM, and a system integrated with your surroundings (knowing locations, your preferences and the current traffic situation) automatically plans your trip and notifies you in advance that the taxi is on its way. Or instead of clicking on a screen to change a song, you make a hand gesture, and your smart shirt responds to the command. In such a world, interfaces can become nearly invisible, natural, and integrated into our daily lives.
Sounds like science-fiction? Yet, many companies are already working on technologies to make this real. For example, Bosch is developing Smart Surfaces like fabrics that react to touch. Also, voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, although not fully automatic yet, can connect to transportation apps and track traffic, reminding us of when to leave. More advanced solutions seem to be just around the corner.
As more devices become part of the global network, designers must ask how these objects should communicate with users. Unlike traditional devices, interactions in the IoT ecosystem are multichannel, based on real-time data, and automated, which may require a shift in how we approach interaction design. Smart objects should be equipped with sensors and technologies that seamlessly fit into natural interactions between humans and the objects themselves. The goal for designers is to create forms of interaction that allow technology to contextually extend the basic functions of everyday objects without changing their original purpose.
In daily life, we rarely use just one object to complete a task, so true improvement will come when groups of different objects can work together to deliver the desired outcome. Interacting with each of them should not require extra steps that weren’t naturally part of the process. The key challenge, then, will be to create interface systems that unlock the potential for collaboration between the objects around us, using interaction types that feel natural for specific items, while ensuring that the machines’ responses are aligned with the character of those objects.
A new face of interfaces
Intelligent interfaces are solutions that adapt to the user’s context and preferences, automatically adjusting the way information is presented and how devices are operated. Factors such as location, time of day, and even the user’s mood can influence how information is displayed and how devices function. UX designers should consider these variables to create more flexible and personalized interfaces. Artificial intelligence will also play a key role here, not only analyzing data and making decisions based on the gathered information but also learning the user’s preferences and adjusting the interface to their needs. Automation of interactions is already slowly becoming the standard, and designers are tasked with creating systems that allow users to maintain control over this process.
In a world where objects communicate with each other automatically, interfaces may become more discreet. Users won’t need to actively engage all the time, as technology can operate in the background to meet their needs. The goal may be to reduce the number of interactions when they aren’t necessary. Voice commands, gesture recognition, and even thought-based interactions (BCI – Brain-Computer Interface) can become more common, decreasing the need for screen-based interactions. Future interface design should focus on creating experiences that fit seamlessly into users’ lives, rather than forcing them to use specific devices. The key is to concentrate not just on the interfaces, but on entire processes that encompass multiple touchpoints with technology.
A good example of fitting into the process context is Apple’s AirPods. When you put them on while listening to something on your iPhone, sensors allow to automatically continue playback on the headphones without any extra clicks. If you play something on your iPad, the AirPods will automatically switch to it, but if that wasn’t your intention, you can easily switch back to the previous device with a single tap. The headphones actively adjust the volume to the surrounding, but if you speak, the sound lowers, and removing the headphones from your ears pauses playback. You can control it with taps, finger movements and voice commands, but the AirPods also recognize head movements like nodding or shaking. As more objects in our surroundings gain the ability to “sense” and communicate, they will similarly respond to our behaviors contextually, reducing the need for manual control and simplifying everyday interactions.
It’s also important to remember that smart spaces don’t have to be limited to the capabilities of physical objects alone. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) can create immersive and interactive environments that go beyond screens. With AR, users can interact with smart objects through visual overlays in the real world, making it easier to use devices without looking at a screen or touching them. VR, on the other hand, allows full immersion in a virtual world where all interactions happen in a digital space, opening new possibilities for multi-sensory interfaces. As cheaper and more comfortable devices become available, AR and VR could become essential in designing smart interfaces, providing more intuitive and personalized experiences that blend seamlessly with our environment.
New possibilities, new challenges
Imagine a situation where a user enters their home, and their phone, watch, TV, and systems for sound, lighting, and heating all communicate with each other to provide a personalized experience. On one hand, this simplifies life; on the other, it requires designers to create a single, cohesive system that is not only easy to use but also secure. UX designers will need to think about the user experience from a much broader perspective — as something fluid and dynamic, rather than confined to a single object. This brings a multitude of challenges.
- Personalization and adaptation
Users expect IoT interfaces to be tailored to their needs, meaning they should be personalized. At the same time, they are concerned about sharing personal data, which is necessary for these functions to work. This discrepancy between expectations and trust is referred to as the “acceptability gap”. With machine learning technology, interfaces will be able to anticipate user actions and adapt dynamically; however, it will be essential to find a balance between automation and the user’s ability to manually control the system.
- Security and privacy
Since IoT relies on the constant transmission of data between devices, security becomes one of the most critical issues. Users need to be assured that their data is protected and that they have control over what information is collected and how it is used. Interface designers must be aware of these issues and implement appropriate safeguards in a way that does not disrupt the overall experience of the process. Solutions such as biometric authentication methods (e.g., facial recognition or fingerprint scanning) are already becoming standard. A key element is clear communication with users regarding privacy policies and data control options. Not only interfaces but entire processes should be transparent so that users feel comfortable utilizing new technologies.
- Multiple devices, one ecosystem
When we talk about IoT, we think of an ecosystem of devices working together. Therefore, a challenge for UX designers will be ensuring consistency in user experiences across different platforms and devices. This means that a user should be able to seamlessly transition between interactions with various smart objects without losing context or the quality of the experience. This requires the development of integrated interface systems that work harmoniously, regardless of the device.
- Complexity and information overload
The collaboration of devices within a network makes interactions between them more complex. It’s essential to consider how different devices influence one another and how to present these interactions in a simple way. This complexity can lead to user overload with excessive data, so interfaces should be as minimalistic as possible while providing easy access to the most important functions. This requires designers to have a deep understanding of users’ needs and behaviors to identify which information is truly essential and how to present it effectively. Research will be crucial to understanding how and why users interact with different objects in their daily lives.
Or maybe not?
We don’t know exactly what the future will bring. New technologies may emerge and revolutionize the world in ways we don’t expect. Or a new social situation could lead to regulations that impact the functioning of the entire digital environment. However, there is no doubt that with the continuous advancement of technology and our skills in interaction design, we can create solutions that make technology a natural extension of our daily lives, supporting us in completing everyday tasks and allowing us to enjoy new experiences. Yet, as before, we must not forget the central role of the user in this complex ecosystem.
