Art and technology are blending even more these days. I find this a particularly exciting time period to be a professional creative, particularly for those of us who are responsible for concepting digital experiences. Developments in science and technology are turning interaction design into an ever-wider exploration of complex, multi-sensory experiences. Creatives have to be much more aware of increasingly advanced delivery vehicles for the visuals and narratives we are developing. As someone who’s often looked-at sideways when I, as an artist, start talking about my interest in physics, robotics, holography, biology or other left-brain disciplines, I realize I may have a slight prejudice toward technology integration. But I don’t necessarily think I’m out of the norm here, really. The commonality is curiosity and a wish to continually find inventive ways to present information. The new possibilities for how we will help brands interact and communicate are fascinating; a few examples include:

4-D Projection

Luxury brands and consumer electronics are taking visual experiences to new heights with some amazing live performances. The spectacles are becoming huge, physically and visually. Designing large-format graphics for a tradeshow is child’s play these days. Designing graphics to be projected across an entire building? Now that’s something. 4-D projection experiences such as Peugot’s “Motion and Emotion Show” in Rio de Jeneiro, Brazil, or Nokia’s “Deadmau5/ Nokia Free Light Show” in London, England showcase how powerfully captivating these experiences can be.

Smart Glass

When I began my career 20 years ago, this would have been the stuff of science fiction. Designing graphical interfaces to be projected on architectural display glass—such as storefront windows—that allows people to interact with the interface via touch actions? No way! Photosensitive and touch-sensitive vehicle dashboards and windows that can display and transfer information? Pshaw! Handheld device displays that project 3-D graphics or are built with flexible, bendable touchscreens? C’mon! Yet, check out the not-so-distant future of glass technology as presented by Corning in its “A Day Made of Glass 2” video and Atmel’s XSense displays.

E-Textiles

Fifteen years ago, I attended a lecture by Dr. Michio Kaku and other “futurist thinkers” from Harvard, MIT, etc. Dr. Kaku described a day when our clothing would contain multiple forms of digital information. Back then I thought hmm, awesome idea – but how far off is that, really? Now I’m sitting here in 2012 reading an article on conductive fabrics and their practical applications for the military and Philips’ Lumalive being used to create luminous apparel graphics. Interactive apparel? Yes! Now, no need to raise sounds of alarm here—I still firmly believe in all the traditional design principles I have used for two decades and that continue to form the foundation of all my design decisions. But there are many new and exciting factors to consider, and whether we’re approaching this from UX or UI perspective, creatives should be opening their minds to the amazing possibilities emerging today.   Image Credit: Chris Devers