Interaction design

One of the awarded concepts for the Microsoft / IDSA PC design competition is the Slice concept. The concept is different in the way that it does not use a file hierarchy but a flat, linear file system. Instead of having to look for folders that are a few levels deep this concepts relies on slices. Each slice represents a category of files, like music, videos or my documents.

Secondly this system can be used throughout the house while existing computers have limited possibilities. Yes there are media centers that control radio, video and television but not with the same capabilities as this concept.

How does it work?

The bowl is the central processing unit, while the spheres contain all the information. Since this is a family concept each family members has one sphere. To use the files also on remote places the concept also has small processing units that can be attached to third party devices. When the sphere, or slices are connected to the smaller unit communication between the smaller unit and central processing unit can take place. This can turn the television into a media center or fully functioning computer.

Is it good?

The main advantage this concept has is that it get rids of the hierarchical file system. Many people don’t understand how windows structures the hard disk and having physical slices is a lot more clear. There is a link between physical object and contents. In that way it is good, it shows other systems can be used as well.

Also the actual storing of information is more intuitive as the different file types are visualized differently, but one could argue that is the same with current computer systems. We consider this as an interesting concept to envision future possibilities.  Take you advantage and get inspired!

Pictures via Microsoft