Rise of AI and Zero UI

AI and Zero UI are on the rise and are increasingly being used in all different kinds of industries. Part of this move is that a large part of making devices more accessible to all kinds of users is incorporating a way for them to interact with their devices in a way that does not rely on a screen (ZeroUI). It is clear that in 2018 there will be more of a focus on creating interfaceless designs in an effort to create simple, innovative and engaging user experiences. However, looking towards the future, interfaceless designs will become more and more integrated into our daily lives. It is estimated that by the year 2020, 30% of all web browsing will be done through screenless designs and through interactions such as voice commands, gestures and eye tracking (Gartner https://www.gartner.com/).

Already, AI has begun to have an impact on almost all aspects of our daily lives. From Siri, Google Assistant and Cortana to the popularity of smart-speaker devices like Alexa and Google Home, AI has made its way into becoming a part of our daily lives. It appears that users value the anytime/anyplace convenience that a voice-activated interface. As we move into this high tech future, it is natural that we see a coupling of Zero UI tools with AI in order to help create the most effective and seamless user experience. This is especially in regards to voice first AI.

Voice first AI, when coupled with Zero UI has the power to transform industries as we know them. A voice first AI allows users to navigate the interface through using the power of their voice, much like we see with devices like Alexa and Google Home. This coupling of “voice first” AI and Zero UI help to usher in an era of screenless interfaces and user interactions that help to create a more personalized experience for the user. In the next few years, Zero UI voice-activated interfaces will become much more prevalent, such as Zero UI voice-activated customer service. But what does the rise of AI and Zero UI mean for designers? Designers are going to have to spend more time dedicated to focusing on the experience of the user in regards to the way it makes the user feel when they engage with it. Designers therefore must move away from the process of design thinking and begin incorporating more design feeling into their process.

Since there is no screen, the user experience must be carried out in a way that is still simple, seamless and effective. Interfaceless design rests on creating consistency throughout in order to make the user still able to carry out tasks in a linear way, while still engaging with the user. Especially in regards to voice first AI, designers must focus on creating a personalized experience that keeps the user interested and engaged, without the use of visuals on a screen.

The combination and rise of AI and Zero UI points to a lot of exciting opportunities for our future. The powerful combination of these two has the power to change entire industries as we know it. When AI and Zero UI are paired together, there is nothing that cannot be dreamed of and accomplished.