The document discusses the evolution of technology and user interfaces. It notes that early interfaces were based on queries and commands, while modern interfaces use graphical elements and direct manipulation. The document envisions future interfaces that are fully visible, interruptible, and optimized for collaboration within document-centric workspaces. It contrasts mental models of information with system models, and applications-based approaches with document-centric and component-based models.

1. LIGHTFUL

2. “A system shall
not harm your
content or,
through inaction,
allow your content
to come to harm”

4. “The Kindle is
designed to
disappear so you
can enter the
author’s world.”

5. “Technology is a
word that
describes
something that
doesn’t quite
work yet.”

8. Hedonic Adaptation

12. Authoritative
Unpredictable
Inconsistent
Demanding

13. Modeless
Monotonous
Subservient
Interruptible
Persistent
Forgiving
Visible
Invisible

19. 1st wave: Query / Response
2nd wave: Command Line Interface (CLI)
3rd wave: Graphical User Interface (GUI / WIMP)
4th wave: Direct Manipulation
5th wave ?

23. Full-screen workspace
100% interruptible
100% visible
Collaboration built-in
Document-centric
No “saving”
Document bundles instead of folders
Instant on/off
Dedicated, hideable alert area

30. Filenames Descriptions
mental model
vs.
system model

31. Document-centric model
Component model

32. Applications Parts
Tools
Toolboxes
Tool sets

34. THE POINT

35. lightful.org