UX AI Transformation: Diversification of Interaction Methods
This post covers one of four transformations and is part of a larger blog series titled 'From Hype to Reality: A Practical Guide to AI-driven UX in SaaS'. You can find the first post of the series here.
Expanding Interaction Methods in SaaS: AI's Impact on Interface Diversity
The way we interact with software is getting a major upgrade, thanks to AI. We're talking about everything from chatting with text and voice to using biometrics, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). AI's driving this change, making it all possible.
NLP (Natural Language Processing) is turbocharging text-based conversations, while Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) and computer vision are making voice and image interaction a breeze and there is an increasing amt of multi model LLMS (with open AIs chat gpt, googles Gemini, Anthropics claude3, leading the pack)
Biometric authentication is booming too, tripling in adoption between 2019 - 2022, thanks to AI making it faster and more accurate, reported by Grand View Research, thanks to AI improving its accuracy, speed, and the overall capability. There growing about of examples of biometrics being used outside of security to other usecases such as BioNimbus a marketing analytics company, which collects eye-tracking, GPS, and EEG data to track emotional excitement and improve the targeting of marketing campaigns.
AR is finally hitting its stride, especially in real estate and e-commerce, where it's changing how we shop. Shopify has had a significant role in that.
VR's still in the "Trough of Disillusionment,”. Whilst benefiting from the developments of AI, its high costs are holding it back.
Gesture-based interactions are getting some love for their natural feel, but we're reminded that tech should solve user problems first, not the other way around, thanks to the Humane Pin and the barrage of bad reviews it is getting. See Marques Brownlee’s infamous review
Navigating Diverse Interaction Methods: Evolving User Experiences
Typing and clicking aren't cutting it anymore. People want interactions to feel intuitive and natural. If they don't get it within seconds, they're moving on. Plus, folks are getting savvy about data privacy—biometrics raise some red flags, with people worried about misuse and consent. Getapp reported a decline in consumer trust in biometric technology in 2024
Designing for Diverse Interactions: Guidelines for UX Designers
With all these new ways to interact, designers need to step up their game. Forget about static screens and point-and-click interfaces—it's time to get creative. Learn from the leaders like Perplexity, who nailed a simple GUI for complex answers, or Google Maps, which seamlessly blends voice, touch, and visuals.
But with great power comes great responsibility. Biometrics, in particular, need extra care to ensure user trust and data security. And never forget to talk to your users—they're the ones who'll show you the way. So, be like Perplexity—not like humane