Brave New Interfaces

Real-time exchange of information during live events also can be enhanced through incorporation of several existing technologies that have yet to be fully integrated into streaming media user interfaces:
• The ability to enter information at viewer/programming controlled intervals, such as verifiable test points during a presentation for off-campus educational or corporate training purposes.
• Instant messaging during live streaming events on multiple levels—directly with the presenter, another individual participant, or the group as a whole.
• Speech-to-text, coupled with real-time translation of the spoken word into another language, which can then be shown as subtitles or closed-caption information for those who need this supplementary aid.
• Multiple camera angles in a given room, with only one camera streaming at a particular time, allowing a remote participant to view another single participant or sub-group of participants.

Tomorrow Never Knows
In summary, whether the desired experience fulfills an entertainment, corporate, or educational goal, tomorrow’s streaming media interfaces will be much more than just a replication of the television, providing viewers an immersive virtual experience that meets or exceeds the benefits of actually attending a live event. This was the premise behind a project we attempted in mid-1999 to create a virtual tradeshow. At that point, technologies such as Darim’s Spider 3D did not exist, and the project ultimately was scrapped. Still, it left an indelible impression of the potential of a robust, immersive interface that could easily be a viable business model today.

Of course, no interface can take the place of face-to-face networking—yet. But emerging streaming media interfaces could assist in quickly bridging the understanding and expectations of all parties involved, allowing for a more progressive dialog and project-specific potential.

As global commerce continues to grow, interface designers must lead the way with development of innovative and intuitive software, rather than following in technology’s footsteps with substandard fixes.