Human Computer Interaction Reading:

Our assignment was to discuss 5 different "interface metaphors" from the Human Computer Interaction in Science fiction movies by Michael Schmitz.

Michael Schmitz discusses many different examples of interfaces used in movies and categorizes those interfaces into five different sections:
1."Neuro" technology
2.identification
3.displays
4.speech
5.other I/O technologies

I found films like The Matrix and Minority Report were good views of what is hopefully to come in the future. Even animated films and cartons have a great influence of what younger generations might view as futuristic. There are so many cartons on TV now that represent the future like the Jettsons and Futuramma, technology seems to be advancing in these futuristic movies. The more advanced and futuristic the movie, the closer individuals’ progress into integrating with machines which will inevitably lead to increasing our capabilities power to imaginable lengths.

Choice/ navigation options
In regards to the scene of the Matrix where Neo has a choice to make; to take the red pill or blue pill, Michael Schmitz discusses the idea that "the pills represent a choice similar to buttons". This is very much true and relevant today. We always have more than one option when navigating the web or any interactive animation. For example in a video game website numerous options are created for us so that it is almost impossible at times to create the same effect twice. The character of Neo had the choice to choose the red or blue pill. Each one would guide him to a different path similar to navigation of the web. Each link takes us in a different direction.

Other forms of interfaces.
The film the Island uses a video game as another form of interaction. Interactions can occur between two users without physical presence. For example a virtual fight; the individuals are projected into a hologram atmosphere, both users can then make moves which are then interpreted onto the holographic screen.

Ironically most of these interfaces as portrayed in the movies seem to be preposterous to even conceptualize for one to place presently into our society, but in perhaps in the future 20 plus year from now they will be fully integrated into our societies.